Video:How to Ensure an Ample Supply of Breast Milk for Your Baby
with Dana MooreBreast feeding a newborn requires mothers to maintain healthy habits to generate enough breast milk. If you are concerned about your breast milk supply, watch this About.com video with nutritional tips for new mothers and breast feeding.See Transcript
Transcript:How to Ensure an Ample Supply of Breast Milk for Your Baby
Hi, my name is Dana Moore and I’m here today with About.com to talk to you about how to ensure an ample supply of breast milk for your baby.
It’s a common concern for a new mother to worry about not having enough breast milk for her baby, but if you let nature have it’s way you should have an ample supply of milk. Remember, women all over the world are breastfeeding, some in very dire circumstances.
Maintain Good Nutrition for Breast Feeding
After having a baby, one of the first things on your to-do list may be to loose the extra body fat gained during pregnancy. It’s important that before you begin dieting that you discuss the diet with your OBGYN or general doctor. Excess dieting can cause your milk supply to slow down. As a general rule, eat when you’re hungry. Your body’s appetite is a natural regulator for how many calories you need. When you get hungry, choose to eat foods that are rich in nutrition, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products.
Stay Hydrated to Produce Breast Milk
Staying hydrated is vitally important to maintaining a good milk supply. Especially during the hot summer months or if you live in a hot climate, you will need to pay extra close attention to how much you’re drinking. Drinking the recommended 8 8 ounce glasses of water daily should suffice, unless you’re highly active. You don’t have to drink water exclusively. You can also utilize sports drinks, iced tea and fruit juices to maintain hydration. To put it simply; if you get thirsty, drink liquids.
Breast Milk Supply Depends on Lifestyle Choices
Certain lifestyle choices can directly effect the production of your milk. For example, cigarette smoking may reduce your supply of milk and is harmful to the baby. If you currently smoke cigarettes on a regular basis, talk with your doctor about ways to quit. Over-indulgence in alcohol and caffeine may also affect your breast milk. It’s important to ingest both of these chemicals with caution and moderation. Certain drugs may also reduce your supply of milk. Discuss any medications with your doctor if you’re breastfeeding, whether over-the-counter or prescription medications.
For more information on breastfeeding, visit About.com.
