Losing weight right after giving birth to your precious baby is not exactly the ideal way of staying healthy.
During confinement or postpartum, it is important for mothers to eat the best food to gain nutrients and energy that they truly need!
Mothers also need to eat the right food so that it will benefit them and their baby, especially if you are breastfeeding your little one.
You should be responsible for knowing what is good and bad for them and the baby. However, do not worry.
I am here to help you by suggesting the right food for you during the postpartum period.
How Much Should I Eat?
Mothers should at least eat 1,800 – 2,200 calories per day! However, if you are nursing or working out during the day, the number should be higher.
You should also consult with your doctor on how many calories intake you should gain in a day.
5 Essential Foods that You Must Eat During Postpartum
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Salmon
Yes, salmon! Salmon is high in DHA which is a nutritional powerhouse for mums.
DHA is important for the development of the baby’s nervous system.
Do you know that DHA in salmon can help to stabilise your mood? Research suggests that it may help with preventing postpartum depression!
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Brown Rice
Please do not restrict yourself! Some mothers quit eating rice just because they want to lose weight.
Mummies, you need to eat rice because it gives sufficient energy and nutrients for you and your baby.
Plus, you can also try different grains (wheat, corn, barley) preferably whole, in various forms, as well as flour products including bread, noodles and pasta.
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Oranges
Fruits are generally good for your health. But, oranges are at a different level!
It has great nutrients to boost energy and nursing mummies need more Vitamin C for their bodies. You can either eat the fruit or consume it as a fresh juice!
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Red Meat
Recommended by most doctors, mothers should eat meat after giving birth.
This is very crucial because meat contains protein which is rich with iron and this can help to lessen blood loss; which is normal for women who just gave birth.
Meat also helps to boost milk supply.
- Do not skip the Greens!
Yes, vegetables are a must for you Mummies. Do not skip your greens no matter what.
In every meal that you take, make sure there are portions of greens because it provides you with Vitamin A for your body and will benefit the baby too.
Vegetables are also filled with antioxidants and a good source of calcium.
Important Tips For Mommies During Postpartum
- I would strictly advise you to never forget to drink enough WATER. Yes, drinking water is often neglected by some mothers. They are busy providing milk and taking care of their baby and missed out on taking care of themselves. Mothers can feel dehydrated because of nursing, so you must always remind yourself to drink water at least 8 glasses per day.
- On top of that, I would ask you to be aware of your caffeine intake because it will affect your baby as well.
- Also, you should at all cost avoid alcohol and fish like swordfish, shark, king mackerel, and tilefish which are high in mercury because it may harm your baby’s brain.
Lastly, you just have to make sure to eat a balanced and healthy diet during the postpartum period because it will benefit both you and your little one.
Remember that anything that you eat will be shared with the baby, so hopefully the above information can help you to become a more responsible and educated mother.