Overview

If you are breastfeeding, your doctor may suggest that you eat more calories each day than otherwise recommended for a person of your height and weight.

Breastfeeding helps build the bond between you and your baby. It gives your baby excellent health benefits.

A healthy diet includes eating a variety of foods from the food groups: vegetables and fruits, whole grain foods, and protein foods. Eating well during breastfeeding will ensure that you stay healthy.

How can you care for yourself at home?

Eat a variety of healthy foods.

This includes vegetables, fruits, milk products, whole grains, and protein.

Drink plenty of fluids.

Make water your first choice. If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your doctor before you increase your fluids.

Avoid fish with high mercury.

Some examples include shark, swordfish, and marlin. It also includes orange roughy and fresh or frozen tuna. Instead, eat fish that is low in mercury. Choose canned light tuna, salmon, pollock, catfish, or shrimp.

Limit caffeine.

Things like coffee, tea, chocolate, and some sodas can contain caffeine. Caffeine can pass through breast milk to your baby. It may cause fussiness and sleep problems. Talk to your doctor about how much caffeine is safe for you.

Limit alcohol.

Alcohol can pass through breast milk to your baby. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about drinking alcohol while breastfeeding.

Be safe with natural health products.

Talk with your doctor before taking any vitamins, minerals, and herbal or other dietary supplements.