ByPuja Gupta
May 6, 2020 (IANSlife) Breastfeeding protects newborns from many illnesses and is the best source of nutrition. It strengthens the immune system by directly transferring antibodies from the mother. Looking at the present times when the world is fighting a pandemic, lactating mothers should take precautions to ensure her child does not get infected.
Ruth Patterson, Chief Lactation Consultant, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Bengaluru, sends out an advisory for all the lactating mothers.
Every new mother and a lactating mother needs to practice hygiene:
If you are sick and choose to direct breastfeed:
If you are sick and choose to express breast milk:
Pay attention to your food and drink. A new mother should have nutritious food to nourish your body, and subsequently your baby. Stay hydrated and drink enough liquid. Water, juice, milk, whatever. Don’t let your busy schedule of taking care of your newborn prevent you from having healthy meals. Have a balanced diet which is rich, which means a diet which has a combination of protein, calories fat, fatty acids and vitamins.
Every breastfeeding mother should consume extra calories of 450 to 500kcals and Omega 3 Fatty acids. They can also add fatty acids rich foods such as nuts and seeds like flax seed, chia seeds and walnuts. For intake of vitamins, include yellow and green vegetables, green leafy veg, avocado, kiwi fruit, potatoes, lentils, bananas, liver, turkey, tuna, fish, meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products etc.
Proteins in the diet include a few pulses, nuts, beans, seed, dairy, lean meat from fish, chicken, meat, eggs etc. Over consumption of this is not going to alter the breast milk rich with protein). Mother should be well hydrated to avoid tiredness & thirst.
Things to know about breastfeeding:
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Puja Gupta can be contacted at puja.g@ians.in