List of what you can eat during lactation. Nutrition rules for breastfeeding: what a nursing mother can eat

First of all, I would like to understand why a woman who is breastfeeding should pay special attention to her own nutrition. Let's start with the obvious reasons.

Firstly, pregnancy and childbirth are a serious test for a woman’s body, therefore, in the postpartum period, her body needs to be restored, replenishing those substances that were used to bear and give birth to a child.

Secondly, the child, although he is no longer directly connected to the mother’s body, continues to feed on what her body produces - breast milk. The elements that make up breast milk are produced by breast cells. In this case, nutrients that are present in the mother’s blood are used. They enter the blood from the intestines. Accordingly, we can say that all the products that make up the mother’s menu are present in breast milk in one form or another. This means that these products must be in sufficient quantity and of the required quality to ensure the normal growth and development of the baby.

Thirdly, in our time, mothers very often suffer from various kinds of allergic diseases, dysfunctions of the gastrointestinal tract, including those arising in connection with gestosis of pregnancy, and all these conditions lead to the fact that the normal barrier function of the intestine changes, and some antigens (substances that cause an allergic reaction), which are normally excreted from the body, are absorbed into the blood and, accordingly, penetrate into breast milk.

Taking into account all the above considerations, nutritional recommendations for nursing mothers are drawn up.

What should a nursing mother not do?

All women breastfeeding, regardless of health status, allergies, etc., Not recommended:

  • drink alcohol (including beer), smoke (alcohol and nicotine have a toxic effect on the child);
  • there are foods with a “notorious reputation” for allergens, and these include: chocolate, crabs, crayfish, mackerel;
  • drink strong tea and coffee, which have a stimulating effect on the child’s nervous system;
  • eat onions and garlic (the child may not like the strong specific smell of these products).

In addition, healthy women should limit , and for women suffering from allergic diseases, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and those who have suffered late gestosis - exclude from your diet while breastfeeding the following products:

  • citrus fruits, strawberries, raspberries, tropical fruits (mango, avocado, papaya, etc.), milk, eggs, honey, nuts and sugar, delicacy fish (these products, consumed in large quantities, can cause allergies in a child);
  • products containing significant amounts of artificial preservatives and colors (for example, soft drinks, confectionery, etc.);
  • smoked meats, canned snack foods, mayonnaise;
  • brown bread, legumes and grapes (can lead to increased gas formation in a child’s intestines, especially in the first three months of his life);
  • lard and fatty meats (these products contain large amounts of so-called saturated fatty acids, which are harmful to health and are poorly digested in the gastrointestinal tract).

What can a nursing mother do?

We hasten to reassure those who are frightened by the “severe” restrictions listed above: despite all these prohibitions, there remains a fairly large selection of products that a nursing mother can and should include in her diet. Nursing mothers can eat:

  • Dairy products:
    • fermented milk products (kefir, yogurt, bifidokefir, yoghurts without fruit additives) - up to 600-800 ml per day;
    • milk - no more than 200 ml per day (it is better to use it for preparing various dishes - porridge, puree, etc.);
    • cottage cheese and mild cheese.
  • Meat and fish:
    • lean beef varieties;
    • lean pork;
    • rabbit;
    • bird;
    • fish - any types of river and sea fish, except those mentioned in the first list
  • Fats:
    • butter;
    • creamy varieties of margarine (limited);
    • vegetable oils (all types)
  • Any cereals, bread - better with bran.
  • Confectionery products - dry cookies, crackers, marshmallows, marshmallows, marmalade.
  • Vegetables and fruits, with the exception of those mentioned in the first list.
  • Beverages:
    • tea (weak black and green)
    • herbal teas with oregano, mint, thyme (these herbs stimulate milk production);
    • weak coffee;
    • compotes;
    • fruit drinks;
    • table still mineral water.
    • The total amount of fluid drunk should be 1.5-2 liters per day (in the first three days after birth - the period of lactation - it is recommended to limit the amount of fluid drunk to 1 liter per day).

What should a nursing mother add to her diet?

Exist specialized products for nursing mothers . These include:

    Drinks and juices for pregnant women and nursing mothers;

    Teas for pregnant and lactating women;

    Instant porridges for pregnant and lactating women;

    Dry protein-vitamin-mineral complexes for nursing mothers;

    Vitamins for pregnant and lactating women.

All these products increase lactation, replenish the deficiency of vitamins and minerals, and some - protein.

The baby is growing

Should a nursing mother's diet change depending on the age of the child? We have already mentioned that in the first three days after birth it is advisable to limit the amount of fluid consumed. At the same time, a dairy-vegetable diet is recommended. Then, until three months, while the baby is especially susceptible to colic, you should abstain from foods that cause flatulence (see above).

Quality and quantity of breast milk

The question often arises about quality breast milk. It must be said that it is possible to definitely decide whether mother’s milk contains enough basic nutrients, vitamins and microelements necessary for the child, only by conducting a chemical analysis of the milk. Content squirrel in breast milk practically does not depend on the amount of protein eaten by the mother, but the content fat, vitamins and minerals may indeed fluctuate depending on maternal diet. That is why you should avoid low-fat and especially fatty foods and be sure to take multivitamin-mineral complexes.

Quantity breast milk is determined more by genetic predisposition than by diet. However, if there is a shortage of breast milk, you should first of all pay attention to the amount of fluid consumed (it may simply not be enough), and also include in your diet specialized products for nursing mothers that increase lactation. They are quite effective and help cope with hypogalactia (lack of milk). If there is an excess amount of milk, it is recommended to limit fluid intake, and if this does not help and there is too much milk, it is best to consult a doctor.

How to avoid trouble?

While breastfeeding, especially if the mother suffers from allergies or diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, it is useful to keep a “food diary”, noting the appearance of new foods in the diet. New products should be introduced one at a time and in small quantities. If the child does not appear within three days skin rashes, not noted disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, does not change sleep and behavior(that is, the baby does not have a tummy ache), which means that the child normally tolerates the innovation in the mother’s diet. And vice versa: if a child has rash, bowel movements, anxiety(usually associated with intestinal colic), you should think about whether any of the foods that the nursing mother ate in the last three days could be allergens.

Nowadays, many courses on preparation for childbirth, “traditional healers”, and even, alas, some “smart” books advise completely avoiding eating meat during pregnancy and breastfeeding. We would like to emphasize that this can lead to the development of anemia in the child - that is, his organs and tissues begin to suffer from a lack of oxygen, which means that he grows worse and lags behind in development. Refusal of meat - one of the staple foods and the main sources of protein, iron and vitamin B 12 - will negatively affect the health of a nursing (and pregnant!) woman, and therefore, the health of the child. Therefore, blindly following such recommendations is unacceptable. If vegetarianism is a life principle for you that you do not want to compromise under any circumstances, then during breastfeeding you need to very carefully monitor the intake of iron and vitamin B12. Be sure to consult your doctor - he will recommend a suitable diet and the necessary vitamin complexes.

In conclusion, I would like to say: constant nervousness and increased suspiciousness of a nursing mother can be a factor much more harmful than “wrong” food. If your baby is not yet a month old, the problems that arise during breastfeeding are most likely associated not so much with the gastronomic “crimes” of the mother, but with the objective difficulties of the adaptation period. Up to three months, babies are often tormented by intestinal colic, which is also most often a consequence of the immaturity of the gastrointestinal tract, and not an incorrectly selected menu. Listen to the advice of specialists and... to your “inner voice” - a mother’s instinct rarely fails.

Has happiness appeared in your home? The tiny miracle needs you like no one else, and his little body needs your breast milk, especially during the first months of his life. In the article we will tell you what a nursing mother can eat so as not to harm the baby, and his stomach can adapt more easily, as well as how to improve the quality of lactation.

Newborns need nutrients and lactobacilli. Once born, it is difficult for a baby to immediately get used to a new way of life, including a different diet. The digestive system suffers especially during the first 3–6 months, because the baby’s stomach is sterile at birth.

The faster the body receives a sufficient amount of microelements, the faster the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract will improve. Mother's breast milk can help a newborn during this difficult period.

From the first day, receiving colostrum, the little man’s stomach begins to be enriched with the necessary bacteria.

Breast milk contains a unique composition that cannot be found in any artificial substitute.

It not only helps the digestive system get comfortable, but also has a number of positive properties:

  • increases immunity;
  • improves the functioning of the endocrine system;
  • promotes mental and physical development.

At the same time, a natural product can harm the baby if the mother does not monitor her diet. Therefore, it is very important for breastfeeding women to eat properly.

The baby will receive the same food as the mother. In this regard, there are menu recommendations for nursing mothers.

By following them, you:

  • reduce the risk of gastrointestinal diseases in your baby;
  • accelerate the restoration of the newborn's intestinal microflora;
  • reduce the period of occurrence of colic;
  • improve your health and that of your baby;
  • improve your child's metabolism.

Colic in a newborn is a very common phenomenon. They do not depend on the type of feeding (artificial or natural). However, thanks to breastfeeding, spasms bother the baby much less often and are eliminated faster than in those who have been fed dry formula since birth.

Diet for the first month after childbirth

The first month after childbirth is the most demanding in terms of diet for nursing mothers. This is due to the fact that the newborn’s stomach has not yet been saturated with the necessary microelements.

The baby needs to gradually get used to the new product. In the first month it is better to abandon innovations and stick to a strict menu(see table 1).

The well-being of a breastfed baby directly depends on the mother’s diet.

Foods that should be excluded in the first month of feeding:

  1. Dairy products, including condensed milk. They will make the baby swell. There is a stereotype that these products help increase breast milk. In fact, the hot flash has nothing to do with drinking milk.
  2. Fatty, salty, smoked food. It will be difficult for the baby’s sterile stomach to digest such food.
  3. Fresh fruits (especially citrus) and vegetables. Fruits during lactation in the first weeks after birth provoke fermentation in the body.
  4. Juices. They contain a lot of sugar, which promotes fermentation.
  5. Legumes.
  6. Flour products.
  7. White cabbage in any form.
  8. Puddings, yoghurts, cottage cheese and other fermented milk products.
  9. Berries, honey, nuts. An allergic reaction is possible from consuming these products. It is better to introduce them with caution after two to three months.
  10. Coffee, strong tea.
  11. Chocolate.

You should also refrain from adding seasonings to food and be careful when consuming foods that can cause allergies. For example, cheese, chicken, etc.

Table 1 Sample menu for a nursing mother

Times of DayDishRecommendations
MorningPorridge without milk, tea (preferably herbal, minimal sugar)Try to use different cereals, without overusing semolina and oatmeal, as they interfere with the absorption of calcium
Lunch 1Soup, croutonsTry to give preference to vegetable broths and turkey meat. Chicken soups are possible if no allergies are detected. Avoid eating bread, replace it with bread and crackers
Lunch 2Boiled turkey fillet, white fish and chicken (if there are no allergies), side dish with buckwheat or rice, drink (dried fruit compote, tea)Beef and pork should be introduced later, vegetable puree with caution
Afternoon snackTea, biscuits, crackers, oatmeal cookiesIn the first month of feeding, take cookies without additives, you can try a baby product.
DinnerSteamed chicken or turkey cutlets and buckwheat (rice). Any permitted drinkYou can try vegetable and fish cutlets, only at least in the second or third week and with caution

Turn your baby onto his stomach every day 10 minutes before feeding. This will help him digest food better.

Green tea and coffee affect the nervous system and heart. Keep this in mind during the first month of breastfeeding. For prevention, it is advisable to give the child drops based on simethicone, dill water and regularly massage the tummy.

Nutrition rules by month - table

Starting from the second month, nursing mothers are allowed to slowly introduce new foods into the diet (see Table 2). Every baby's body is different. Some people start to feel bad even after eating buckwheat. Take this into account. Observe your baby's reaction to each dish.

Table 2 Approximate input of products by month, starting from the 2nd

MonthProductRecommendations
2-3 Apples, pears, fresh and boiled vegetables;
Meat broths (beef, pork);
Pasta, greens, eggs;
Bread, cottage cheese, milk porridge
At this stage, red fruits and vegetables should be excluded. This also applies to fish. For the first six months, it is better to refrain from fatty and red fish.
4-7 Onions, garlic, spices;
Other fruits;
Baking, sweets;
Yogurt, kefir, sour cream
Use hot spices, including garlic, with caution. For sweets, give preference to marshmallows, marshmallows, meringue cakes and halva
8-12 Other products, excluding junk foodHabitual foods that were consumed before birth should be introduced gradually and in moderation.

Many mothers worry where to get calcium if dairy products are not desirable, especially in the first stages of feeding? In fact, there is much more calcium in other foods. For example, the food richest in calcium is sesame. It is not prohibited for nursing mothers. You can sprinkle the seeds on any dish. It will become both tastier and healthier.

Greens also have a lot of calcium. Add spinach leaves everywhere and you will replenish your body's calcium reserves.

A poor diet can cause vitamin deficiency, so take care of yourself and purchase a vitamin complex at the pharmacy. Don't forget about vitamins to stay beautiful and feel good.

Diet restrictions

First of all, limit yourself to those foods to which your baby has an unhealthy reaction. If your body needs such a product or you just really want it, there is a way out. Firstly, you can drink a little of everything, unless of course the baby has a severe allergy, and we are not talking about alcohol. Secondly, milk that arrived after consuming an unwanted product can be expressed.

If the product is healthy, but the baby does not accept it, use it once a week. For example, cottage cheese strengthens, but it is very healthy. Therefore, it can be eaten by a nursing mother periodically and in small portions.

There is a list of foods that should be excluded throughout feeding:

  • alcohol;
  • soy sauce, mustard (affect the taste of milk);
  • food enriched with harmful components;
  • too fatty and spicy food.

Complementary foods are also introduced gradually to the baby. Breastfed infants begin to feed the baby food from 5–6 months.

When should you go on a strict diet?

A strict diet during lactation is necessary in the following cases:

  1. The first month after birth.
  2. Allergy in a child.
  3. The functioning of the gastrointestinal tract in the baby or the mother herself is disrupted.

The list of permitted products in such cases is prescribed by the pediatrician.

Drinking regime during lactation

The more fluid you drink, the more breast milk you will produce. This is true. Young mothers are recommended to drink a lot of tea while still in the maternity hospital. This is not without reason; warm, abundant drinking increases lactation.

During lactation you should not drink soda.

The rate of fluid intake during lactation increases by 1–1.5 liters. If before childbirth, the female body needed one to two liters, then after childbirth this figure will already reach 2 to 3.5 liters. The fact is that a nursing mother produces approximately 1 liter of fluid per day, so she needs to replenish it from somewhere.

P First of all, I would like to understand why a woman who is breastfeeding should pay special attention to her own nutrition. Let's start with the obvious reasons.

Firstly , pregnancy and childbirth are a serious test for a woman’s body, therefore, in the postpartum period, her body needs to be restored, replenishing those substances that were used to bear and give birth to a child.

Secondly , the child, although he is no longer directly connected to the mother’s body, continues to feed on what her body produces - breast milk. The elements that make up breast milk are produced by breast cells. In this case, nutrients that are present in the mother’s blood are used. They enter the blood from the intestines. Accordingly, we can say that all the products that make up the mother’s menu are present in breast milk in one form or another. This means that these products must be in sufficient quantity and of the required quality to ensure the normal growth and development of the baby.

Third , in our time, mothers very often suffer from various kinds of allergic diseases, dysfunctions of the gastrointestinal tract, including those arising in connection with gestosis of pregnancy, and all these conditions lead to the fact that the normal barrier function of the intestine changes, and some antigens ( substances that cause an allergic reaction), which are normally excreted from the body, are absorbed into the blood and, accordingly, penetrate into breast milk.

Taking into account all the above considerations, nutritional recommendations for nursing mothers are drawn up.

What can't you do?

All women breastfeeding, regardless of health status, allergies, etc., Not recommended:

drink alcohol (including beer), smoke (alcohol and nicotine have a toxic effect on the child);

there are foods with a “notorious reputation” for allergens, and these include: chocolate, crabs, crayfish, mackerel;

drink strong tea and coffee, which have a stimulating effect on the child’s nervous system;

eat onions and garlic (the child may not like the strong specific smell of these products).

In addition, healthy women should limit , and for women suffering from allergic diseases, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and those who have suffered late gestosis - exclude from your diet while breastfeeding the following products:

citrus fruits, strawberries, raspberries, tropical fruits (mango, avocado, papaya, etc.), milk, eggs, honey,

nuts and sugar, delicacy fish (these products, consumed in large quantities, can cause allergies in a child);

smoked meats, canned snack foods, mayonnaise;

brown bread, legumes and grapes (can lead to increased gas formation in a child’s intestines, especially in the first three months of his life);

lard and fatty meats (these products contain large amounts of so-called saturated fatty acids, which are harmful to health and are poorly digested in the gastrointestinal tract).

What is possible?

We hasten to reassure those who are frightened by the “severe” restrictions listed above: despite all these prohibitions, there remains a fairly large selection of products that a nursing mother can and should include in her diet. Nursing mothers can eat:

Dairy products:

    fermented milk products (kefir, yogurt, bifidokefir, yoghurts without fruit additives) - up to 600-800 ml per day;

milk - no more than 200 ml per day (it is better to use it for preparing various dishes - porridge, puree, etc.);

cottage cheese and mild cheese.

Meat and fish:

    lean beef varieties;

lean pork;

fish - any types of river and sea fish, except those mentioned in the first list.

    butter;

creamy varieties of margarine (limited);

vegetable oils (all types).

Any cereals, bread - better with bran.

Confectionery products - dry cookies, crackers, marshmallows, marshmallows, marmalade.

Vegetables and fruits, with the exception of those mentioned in the first list.

    tea (weak black and green)

herbal teas with oregano, mint, thyme (these herbs stimulate milk production);

weak coffee;

table still mineral water.

The total amount of fluid drunk should be 1.5-2 liters per day (in the first three days after birth - the period of lactation - it is recommended to limit the amount of fluid drunk to 1 liter per day).

What should you add to your diet?

Exist specialized products for nursing mothers . These include:

drinks and juices for pregnant women and nursing mothers;

teas for pregnant and lactating women;

instant porridge for pregnant and lactating women;

dry protein-vitamin-mineral complexes for nursing mothers;

vitamins for pregnant and lactating women.

All these products increase lactation, replenish the deficiency of vitamins and minerals, and some - protein.

The baby is growing

Should a nursing mother's diet change depending on the age of the child? We have already mentioned that in the first three days after birth it is advisable to limit the amount of fluid consumed. At the same time, a dairy-vegetable diet is recommended. Then, until three months, while the baby is especially susceptible to colic, you should abstain from foods that cause flatulence (see above).

Quality and quantity of breast milk

The question often arises about quality breast milk. It must be said that it is possible to definitely decide whether mother’s milk contains enough basic nutrients, vitamins and microelements necessary for the child, only by conducting a chemical analysis of the milk. Content squirrel in breast milk practically does not depend on the amount of protein eaten by the mother, but the content fat, vitamins and minerals may indeed fluctuate depending on maternal diet. That is why you should avoid low-fat and especially fatty foods and be sure to take multivitamin-mineral complexes.

Quantity breast milk is determined more by genetic predisposition than by diet. However, if there is a shortage of breast milk, you should first of all pay attention to the amount of fluid consumed (it may simply not be enough), and also include in your diet specialized products for nursing mothers that increase lactation. They are quite effective and help cope with hypogalactia (lack of milk). If there is an excess amount of milk, it is recommended to limit fluid intake, and if this does not help and there is too much milk, it is best to consult a doctor.

How to avoid trouble?

While breastfeeding, especially if the mother suffers from allergies or diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, it is useful to keep a “food diary”, noting the appearance of new foods in the diet. New products should be introduced one at a time and in small quantities. If the child does not appear within three days skin rashes, not noted disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, does not change sleep and behavior(that is, the baby does not have a tummy ache), which means that the child normally tolerates the innovation in the mother’s diet. And vice versa: if a child has rash, bowel movements, anxiety(usually associated with intestinal colic), you should think about whether any of the foods that the nursing mother ate in the last three days could be allergens.

Nowadays, many courses on preparation for childbirth, “traditional healers”, and even, alas, some “smart” books advise completely avoiding eating meat during pregnancy and breastfeeding. We would like to emphasize that this can lead to the development of anemia in the child - that is, his organs and tissues begin to suffer from a lack of oxygen, which means that he grows worse and lags behind in development. Refusal of meat - one of the staple foods and the main sources of protein, iron and vitamin B12 - will negatively affect the health of a nursing (and pregnant!) woman, and therefore - the health of the child. Therefore, blindly following such recommendations is unacceptable. If vegetarianism is a life principle for you that you do not want to compromise under any circumstances, then during breastfeeding you need to very carefully monitor the intake of iron and vitamin B12. Be sure to consult your doctor - he will recommend a suitable diet and the necessary vitamin complexes.

In conclusion, I would like to say: constant nervousness and increased suspiciousness of a nursing mother can be a factor much more harmful than “wrong” food. If your baby is not yet a month old, the problems that arise during breastfeeding are most likely associated not so much with the gastronomic “crimes” of the mother, but with the objective difficulties of the adaptation period. Up to three months, babies are often tormented by intestinal colic, which is also most often a consequence of the immaturity of the gastrointestinal tract, and not an incorrectly selected menu. Listen to the advice of specialists and... to your “inner voice” - a mother’s instinct rarely fails.

Igor Kon

Academician of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor, Head of the Department of Baby Nutrition

State Research Institute of Nutrition of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences

Maria Gmoshinskaya

Department of Baby Nutrition, State Research Institute of Nutrition, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, pediatrician of the highest category, Ph.D.

Proper nutrition during breastfeeding is the key to successful lactation, rapid recovery of a woman after childbirth, and normal development and growth of the newborn. This does not mean that mom should go on a strict diet.

You only need to adhere to a strict regime for the first three to four weeks after the baby is born. Then new products are gradually introduced into the diet of the nursing mother, but at the same time you should carefully monitor the well-being and reaction of the baby and follow the recommendations.

Every mother knows that the food she eats passes into breast milk. And then the food components, along with the milk, enter the baby’s body. During the first few months, the baby’s digestion is just getting used to the new conditions. Often new food leads to severe colic, flatulence, allergies and other troubles.

Proper nutrition for a nursing mother will help avoid the problem. Please note that diet also affects breast milk production. So, some foods and drinks enhance lactation. And others, on the contrary, reduce the amount of milk. You can find a list of products to improve lactation at the link /.

Principles of nutrition during breastfeeding

  • The diet of a nursing mother should contain a full range of vitamins and beneficial elements. Be sure to eat fish and meat, dairy and fermented milk products, fruits and vegetables. You can't go on a strict diet to lose weight! Such a diet will lead to health problems for the woman and the newborn;
  • Meal frequency is five times a day. The menu for a nursing mother includes three main meals and two snacks. It is important to avoid overeating or undereating;
  • Don't abuse it! This principle is partly related to the previous one. Overeating causes bloating and severe colic in the baby, stomach upset in the mother, and disrupts bowel movements. Even a safe product in excess leads to a negative reaction. A reasonable approach is the fundamental rule that shapes a woman’s nutrition when breastfeeding;
  • When preparing dishes, give preference to stewing, baking or steaming. Fresh fruits can be eaten with caution even after two to three months after the birth of the child. Heat treatment promotes easy digestion of food, while it retains its beneficial properties;
  • In the first month, follow a strict diet, exclude from the nursing mother’s menu foods that contain allergens and foods that can cause digestive disorders in the newborn;
  • From the second month, new foods are introduced into the diet of a nursing mother. For the first time, try a small piece of food and monitor the child’s well-being for two days. If there are no negative consequences, the food can be eaten without fear. If the baby has an allergy or digestive problems, reduce the dose or delay administration for a month;
  • Don't try several new products at the same time! It is important to know what food a newborn reacts to;
  • Limit the consumption of fried, too salty, spicy and fatty foods, flour and sweets. Choose fermented milk and dairy products without additives and with low fat content;
  • The menu for a nursing mother should not include processed foods, preservatives or other chemicals! Such food will lead to digestive disorders and intoxication;
  • When breastfeeding, forget about alcohol. Alcoholic drinks poison the body of the baby and mother, inhibit the development of the baby and provoke diseases of the heart, blood vessels, and nerve cells;
  • If there is a lack of vitamins, take special complexes for nursing mothers that are compatible with lactation and safe for babies. Read which vitamin complexes are suitable for breastfeeding mothers;
  • Drink more. Warm, abundant drinking cleanses the body, helps with viruses and enhances lactation. The minimum daily volume of liquid is two liters, taking into account that half of the volume is drinking water. A nursing mother's diet should include soups and broths, natural juices and compotes.

Food table for nursing mothers

Can It is forbidden
Apples, bananas and pears; with caution - persimmon, pomegranate Citrus and exotic fruits (except bananas)
Zucchini and pumpkin, potatoes and carrots, cauliflower and broccoli; with caution - tomatoes, eggplants, cucumbers, beets White cabbage and radishes, radishes and horseradish, bell peppers, onions and garlic (for 4-6 months)
Porridge with water, after 4-5 months - with milk, semolina and multigrain porridge - after 6 months Mushrooms and sauerkraut, pickles and marinades
Fermented milk and dairy products without additives and low fat content, cow's milk can only be drunk for 4-5 months Yogurts with additives, high-fat fermented milk products
Lean fish and meat Lard, smoked, fatty and salted fish and meat
Pasta without egg additives Ham, sausages, smoked sausage
Chicken eggs - two pieces per week, quail eggs - no more than eight Mayonnaise, ketchup, sauces
Unrefined vegetable and butter Semi-finished and canned food, fast food
Dark chocolate, marshmallows and marshmallows, homemade cakes with minimal sugar, biscuits and oatmeal cookies Flour products with chemical additives and dyes, milk and aerated chocolate
Greenery Hot herbs and spices
Weak green and black tea, herbal tea and decoctions, chicory Coffee and strong tea (possible after six months)
Compotes and fruit drinks, natural juices diluted with water Carbonated drinks and alcohol


Food and drinks

The table provides a short list of products for a nursing mother. Pediatricians and nutritionists give detailed explanations of what, when and in what quantity to consume while breastfeeding. Let's take a closer look at what Can to eat for a nursing mother:

  • Lean meat (chicken and turkey, beef and rabbit) boiled or stewed;
  • Low-fat fish (pike perch, pollock and cod, hake and flounder) boiled or stewed;
  • Dairy and fermented milk products with low fat content (sour cream and cottage cheese, yogurt without additives, fermented baked milk and yogurt). But use whole cow's milk with caution when breastfeeding;
  • Cheeses of brine, soft and hard varieties that have undergone a short ripening process. Cheese is best consumed in a salad, casserole or with a sandwich, and not as a separate dish;
  • Stewed or steamed vegetables, less often – raw. The safest and healthiest are zucchini, cauliflower and broccoli. You can also include potatoes, carrots and pumpkin in the menu of a nursing mother. You can eat cucumbers, eggplants, beets and tomatoes with caution. By the way, it is better to eat yellow tomatoes;
  • Eat fruits that are peeled and peeled. A nursing mother's diet may include green apples, bananas and pears. By the way, apples are the safest fruit that you can eat in the first weeks after childbirth. Use persimmons and pomegranates with caution. Fruits should not be eaten on an empty stomach. The optimal time for taking is two hours after the main meal;
  • At first, you should eat porridge with water. Nutrition during breastfeeding consists of buckwheat and oatmeal, corn and rice porridge. Semolina and multigrain porridge can be included in the diet for 5-6 months. Then start cooking milk porridge;

  • Pasta can be consumed without egg additives in small quantities and only when boiled;
  • Eggs during breastfeeding sometimes cause allergies in infants. Therefore, follow the norm - eat no more than two eggs per week. In this case, eggs are introduced into the diet of a nursing mother from the yolk. If your child has allergies, replace chicken eggs with quail eggs;
  • Vegetable oils (sunflower, olive, sesame, etc.) are beneficial for mothers and infants. You can cook with oil or add it to a finished dish. But remember not to overuse!;
  • Sweets and flour. Not every woman can go without sweets for a long time. If the baby does not have allergies, the nursing mother can sometimes eat dark chocolate or cookies in small quantities. Among the types of cookies, choose biscuits and oatmeal. In addition, you can eat homemade baked goods without additives and large amounts of sugar. A suitable treat would be apple pie, white marshmallows and meringues, marshmallows. What other sweets you can eat while breastfeeding, read the link;
  • Dried fruits are an excellent substitute for sweets. They are easier to digest and do not harm digestion, do not cause allergies and retain the beneficial properties of fresh fruits. At the same time, they have a sweet taste;
  • Greens are an excellent addition to dishes on the menu for a nursing mother. Use dill and parsley. These plants will not only add flavor and decorate the dish, but will increase lactation!

As for bread, it is not recommended to eat white and black bread while breastfeeding. You can eat unleavened pita bread, bread and flour products with bran. Now let's look at the products that cannot be consumed when breastfeeding:

  • Mushrooms are a difficult food to digest, which impairs digestion, disrupts stool and provokes poisoning;
  • Marinades, sauerkraut and pickles cause intoxication in the baby due to the vinegar content and excess salt;
  • White cabbage is also difficult for the body to digest and causes bloating in the baby and mother;
  • Radish, radish, horseradish are “aggressive” foods that negatively affect the digestion of an infant;
  • Semi-finished products, products with artificial preservatives and dyes;
  • Fatty and smoked meat, lard, eat pork with caution;
  • Fatty fish;

  • Hot spices. You can eat onions and garlic while breastfeeding, but in limited quantities. It is recommended to introduce these vegetables into the diet of a nursing mother no earlier than 4-5 months. The norm during lactation is one clove of garlic twice a week. By the way, contrary to the opinion of many mothers, garlic, when consumed in small quantities, does not change the taste of breast milk. And parsley will help eliminate the unpleasant smell.
  • Sausages and ham, smoked sausage;
  • Exotic fruits, with the exception of bananas. They often cause allergies in children. In addition, chemicals are often added to imported products;
  • Sweet chocolate, cakes and sweets with dyes, creams and chemical additives;
  • Sauces and mayonnaise, fast food and other junk food.

We have already talked about how important it is to drink plenty of fluids while breastfeeding. Let's look at what you can drink nursing mother:

  • Natural juices from apples, pears, carrots. At first, dilute the juice with water 1 to 1. Then gradually reduce the portion of water;
  • Compotes of fresh and dried fruits and berries. Apples and pears, prunes and dried apricots, plums and cherries are suitable for a nursing mother. This drink stimulates the intestines and strengthens the immune system. How to prepare compote, read;
  • Weak black and green tea. Chamomile tea also has a positive effect on the body;
  • Weak coffee is introduced into the diet of a nursing mother after 5-6 months. This is a strong pathogen and allergen that negatively affects the nerve cells and digestion of the newborn. In the first six months of lactation, coffee is replaced with chicory, which is safe for babies;
  • Decoctions of fennel, cumin and anise quench thirst and stimulate the production of breast milk. In addition, you can buy special herbal tea for nursing. Read how to choose tea for lactation.

Carbonated and alcoholic drinks should not be included in the diet of a nursing mother! They cause severe intoxication of the newborn's body and harm the woman.

Pediatricians create menus by month and even week for nursing mothers. Knowing the list of permitted products, you can independently choose the diet that suits you best. Here is a sample menu by month that can be adjusted.

For the first week, you need to limit your diet as much as possible and consume only vegetable broth and apple or zucchini puree. On the tenth day, the following can be added to a nursing mother’s diet:

  • Galette cookies (“Jubilee” and “Maria”);
  • Dried fruits;
  • Stewed vegetables (zucchini, carrots, pumpkin, carrots);
  • Pasta;
  • Fermented milk products: hard cheeses, fermented baked milk, cottage cheese and kefir;
  • Boiled fish;
  • Bread with bran.

Thus, for the first month, a nursing mother should eat as follows:

  1. Dietary boiled poultry, turkey, rabbit or beef;
  2. Vegetarian soup;
  3. A small amount of butter meat;
  4. Applesauce or baked apples and bananas;
  5. Olive and sunflower oil;
  6. Porridge with water (except semolina);
  7. Still drinking water, compote, decoctions and green tea.

The second or third month, in addition to the usual diet, includes raw fruits and vegetables, low-fat borscht. After the third month, gradually introduce potatoes, meat broths, eggs and other permitted foods. After six months, you can diversify your diet as much as possible and start eating semolina porridge, soups, coffee and strong tea.

You can return to your usual menu 1-1.5 years after the baby is born. However, remember that proper nutrition is necessary not only for the full development and growth of the child, but also for you. This is the key to a beautiful and slender figure, good health and well-being.

When and why do you need a hypoallergenic diet?

A hypoallergenic diet includes foods that do not contain allergens and do not cause a negative reaction in the baby. This diet is suitable for the first month after childbirth, when the newborn’s body is still weak and does not always accept new foods.

In addition, such a diet is necessary for intestinal diseases in a newborn child, including pathology of digestion or absorption, and developmental abnormalities. The baby may have an individual intolerance to certain food components.

You also need to follow a diet if you have hereditary allergies, when there are repeated cases of food allergies, allergies to wool, insect bites and other types in the family. Such a diet will reduce the possible risks of an allergic reaction in the baby.

Recipes for nursing mothers

The menu of a nursing mother may include not only cereals and purees, but also a delicious variety of nutritious dishes. We present several healthy and easy recipes that will complement your diet while breastfeeding.

Borsch

Borscht during lactation should be mild and not fried. To prepare, steam the vegetables or add them fresh. For the broth, use veal or beef without streaks.

Do not use tomato paste or tomato juice for cooking. Use fresh, peeled tomatoes. But adding zucchini to the soup will soften the effect of the “heavy” beets. Instead of white cabbage, use cauliflower. If you are using traditional cabbage, steam the product.

Before cooking, soak a piece of meat in cold water for two hours. This will eliminate harmful substances. And then cook in fresh water for 1.5-2 hours. To prepare vegetables, take beets and cabbage, potatoes and carrots. You can also use zucchini, as mentioned earlier.

Cut the beets into strips, potatoes and zucchini into cubes. Chop the cabbage and grate the carrots. When the meat is cooked, add the vegetables and cook the soup over low heat. Five minutes before readiness, add salt. You can add herbs and sour cream to the finished dish.

Cottage cheese casserole

A healthy and simple dish that is included in the diet of every nursing mother. Apples, raisins or dried apricots will help diversify the casserole. To prepare, take:

  • Cottage cheese – 500 grams;
  • Chicken egg – 1 pc.;
  • Flour or semolina - 3 tbsp. spoons;
  • Sour cream – 2-3 tbsp. spoons;
  • Sugar – 2-3 tbsp. spoons.

The casserole is prepared in the oven, microwave or slow cooker, depending on capabilities and preferences. Consider a classic recipe for cottage cheese casserole in the oven. Mix semolina or flour with cottage cheese, and beat the egg with sugar. The egg and sugar are poured into a plate with cottage cheese and flour. Stir the mixture until smooth. You can add fruits, dried fruits or berries.

Grease a baking dish with vegetable oil, lay out the mixture and soak with sour cream. Cook the casserole for 40 minutes at 180 degrees. By the way, cottage cheese can also be prepared at home! This will not take much time and effort, but you will be confident in the composition and shelf life of the product. Read how to make cottage cheese at home.

Rice casserole

A lot of dishes are prepared from rice. These are salads and cereals, pilaf and risotto, soups and casseroles. To prepare the rice casserole, take:

  • Rice – 350 grams;
  • Chicken fillet – 400 grams;
  • Grated cheese – 150 grams;
  • Sour cream – 150 grams;
  • Chicken eggs – 2 pcs.;
  • Tomatoes – 1-2 pcs.;
  • Vegetable oil – 4 tbsp. spoons;
  • Salt and herbs to taste.

Rinse the rice thoroughly, cut the fillet into pieces. Salt and mix the ingredients, add a glass of water and simmer under a closed lid until the rice is ready. When the rice has cooled, add sour cream and beaten eggs. Stir the mixture, add peeled and chopped tomatoes. Sprinkle grated cheese and herbs on top. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes at 200 degrees.

Baked apples

An optimal and safe dish during lactation. To prepare, take two or three green apples, peel them, remove the top and core with seeds. This way you will get an apple “cup”. Pour one teaspoon of sugar inside this “cup” and cover with the top. Cook the apples in the microwave for five to six minutes.

You will find even more ways to prepare soups, main courses, desserts and baked goods in the article “”.

The period of breastfeeding is one of the responsible and important moments in the life of a new mother. Breast milk contains a record amount of valuable and essential substances that make it possible to fully provide the baby’s body with all the necessary components for its healthy growth and development. The good health of the baby directly depends on the diet of the nurse. It is worth noting that breast milk is the only source of nutrition in the first days and months of a child’s life, so the young mother has a huge responsibility.

Now let's look at this in more detail.

Proper and nutritious nutrition for a nursing mother is the key to the well-being and health of the baby. During the lactation period, a nursing mother should pay special attention to her diet and understand that all the foods she eats are absorbed into the baby’s body. The more a woman monitors her nutrition and follows a certain diet, the better the baby will feel. The list of permitted foods for a nursing mother in the first months of life is quite limited. It contains only those products that will not disrupt the functioning of the child’s digestive system or cause allergic reactions. The mother’s need for a strict diet is explained by the fact that after birth, the child’s internal organs and systems have not yet matured, so consuming any prohibited product can cause colic, bowel dysfunction, allergies and even poisoning.

Rules for proper nutrition while breastfeeding

The list of products that a woman is allowed to eat during the first month of breastfeeding is quite limited, but even with a small set of products you can eat well, and most importantly, not harm the baby’s health. With each new month of the baby’s life, the list of permitted foods and dishes will expand. In addition to the permitted food products for the mother, which we will discuss below, the choice of the products themselves and their quality, on which the condition and health of the baby depends, is also considered important.

  1. When consuming a new product, you need to monitor the reaction of the newborn’s body.
  2. When introducing a new dish or product into the diet, their quantity should be minimal.
  3. It is recommended to eat food 30 - 40 minutes before breastfeeding.
  4. All products must be fresh.
  5. Any dish must consist only of permitted foods.
  6. Before eating fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, they need to be washed well and given the necessary treatment.
  7. To stimulate breast milk, you need to drink as much fluid as possible.
  8. If you have a strong desire to eat a “forbidden” product, you first need to assess its possible harm and choose an alternative.
  9. A nursing mother's meals should be divided into small portions.

By following some rules when breastfeeding, you can eliminate many problems and ensure your baby feels good and sleeps healthy.

Mother's nutrition in the first months: menu

The first month of the lactation period is very important for the newborn and his mother. It is important to understand that even a small amount of forbidden food eaten can negatively affect the functioning of the baby’s digestive system. He may develop colic, bloating, frequent regurgitation, the baby will become restless, refuse to feed, constantly be capricious and cry. To avoid such symptoms, a woman should be well aware of what foods may be present in her diet, and in what quantity. When breastfeeding, a woman can independently create a menu that will include permitted products. We invite you to familiarize yourself with the table and sample menu for 1 day for a nursing mother in the first month of the baby’s life.

1st breakfast200 g of porridge with milk (oatmeal, buckwheat, rice), a cup of weak black tea and two or three pieces of dry biscuits
2nd breakfasta sandwich with hard cheese, a glass of natural yogurt or low-fat kefir, dry cookies.
dinner150 g of vegetable broth soup, 100 g of mashed potatoes with minimal addition of butter and milk, 1 steamed lean meat cutlet, a glass of dried fruit compote and rye bread.
afternoon tea150 g of low-fat cottage cheese with sour cream, a glass of dried fruit jelly or compote.
dinnerstewed vegetables with the addition of lean meat (150-200 g), weak tea.
before bedtimedry cookies with a glass of kefir

The provided menu can be adjusted at the discretion and desire of the nursing mother, but in any case it should include only approved, safe, fresh and healthy food products. Particular attention should be paid to the drinking ration. Breastfeeding experts recommend consuming 2.5 liters. liquids per day.

Nutrition for children of the first year of life online

Age, months

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Breastfeeding

Natural Artificial Mixed

Features of the diet of a nursing mother

In order to help a nursing mother create a menu, it is important to know what foods can be consumed in the first month of a child’s life. Any new product should be introduced into the diet little by little, while monitoring the baby’s condition. If after feeding, a few hours later, rashes appear on the cheeks, the baby becomes restless, and is bothered by colic, then it is better to avoid this product.

  1. Cereals (wheat, rice, semolina, buckwheat, oatmeal) - it is recommended to eat porridge every morning, you can add milk, a little sugar and butter.
  2. Vegetables – zucchini, cauliflower, carrots, yellow peppers, herbs, beets. You can eat vegetables boiled, steamed or baked in the oven. Before preparing any vegetable dish, they need to be washed well. When buying them in a store, be sure to cut off the peel, since it contains the most pesticides.
  3. Lean meat and fish. It is recommended to eat chicken, duck, rabbit, and young veal. The daily dose is 200 g. The meat can be boiled, steamed or stewed.
  4. Dairy products. Boiled cow's milk will be beneficial during lactation, from which you can prepare porridge, add it to tea, and milk soups. A low-fat variety of cottage cheese 5 - 9% is also recommended to be included in the menu. It is recommended to consume 250 g of low-fat cottage cheese per week. You can make yoghurt, drink fermented baked milk and kefir.
  5. Fruits (green apples without peel, pears, plums, bananas). It is recommended to consume only those fruits that are grown in ecologically clean regions or in your own garden. Fruits can be baked, prepared into compotes, jelly, or eaten fresh, with the exception of pears, which can increase gas formation.
  6. It is recommended to add vegetable oil to salads, stews, and borscht, but not to use it for frying. They are rich in amino acids, which in moderation are beneficial for the baby.
  7. Bread and confectionery. In the first month you can eat black and white bread, bagels, crackers without raisins, oatmeal, biscuits or zoological cookies.
  8. The drink can be tea with milk, dried fruit compote, natural apple juice (diluted), kefir, fermented baked milk. Any drink, as well as consumed food, should not contain dyes, carcinogens, trans fats and other harmful compounds.

All of the above food products can be used to create a menu for nursing mothers in the first month. As the baby grows, the list of permitted products expands, but still, when introducing any new product, you need to monitor the child’s reaction. All risks can be reduced if new foods are introduced in small portions.

You need to follow a diet throughout the entire period of lactation, but as the child grows up, starting from 4 or 6 months, mothers can introduce complementary foods, which at first should be tiny. For example, starting from 3 months, you can give apple and carrot juice, but you need to start with a few drops, gradually increasing. Chicken yolk can also be used as complementary food, one fourth per week. A pediatrician who has been monitoring the child since birth can tell a young mother about complementary feeding.

In order for nutrition to bring maximum benefit to a nursing mother and her baby, it is important not only to choose the right food products, but also to follow some recommendations for food consumption.

  1. Portions for a nursing mother should be small, about 300 - 400 grams.
  2. You need to eat food at least 5 times a day.
  3. A nursing mother should not feel hungry. If you have a strong desire to eat food and feel hungry, you can have small snacks, even at night.
  4. Nurses are not recommended to consume sugar, but it is still possible if necessary. It is added to porridge, cottage cheese, tea. You should not overuse sugar, as it can cause stomach problems in your baby.

What a mother should not eat while breastfeeding

During the lactation period, a nursing mother will have to give up many foods and favorite dishes. It is strictly forbidden to consume the following foods, even in small quantities:

  1. Cakes, chocolates.
  2. Any canned food.
  3. Confectionery products with flavorings and dyes.
  4. Mayonnaise.
  5. Citrus.
  6. Ketchup, hot sauces.
  7. Sausage semi-finished products.
  8. Salted and smoked products.
  9. Sparkling water.
  10. Fatty, fried foods.
  11. Fast foods.
  12. Berries: strawberries, raspberries, blueberries.
  13. Tea from bags.
  14. Coffee.
  15. Ice cream.
  16. Any alcohol, even in minimal quantities.

In the first months you need to give up various exotic foods and fruits, berries, with the exception of bananas. It is forbidden to eat red apples, pomegranates, tomatoes and other vegetables and red fruits. You should not take foods that the woman has never eaten; the result can be unpredictable. When a child grows up, gets stronger, and has no allergies, the menu can be expanded. It is important to understand that not only the well-being of the baby, but also the quality of breast milk, as well as stimulation of lactation, depends on the mother’s proper nutrition. A woman’s diet should be balanced, healthy, fortified and complete.

Experts in the field of pediatrics assure that if a mother does not want her child to develop colic or allergies, there is no need to consume prohibited foods. You can return to your favorite dishes only when the lactation period ends.

Possible dangers of non-compliance with the diet

Almost all newborn babies under 3 months suffer from colic, but it can be temporary and go away quite quickly. If the baby is breastfed and the woman neglects her diet, colic and bloating will become constant. The baby will have difficulty latching on to the breast, will be constantly capricious, and will often wake up with pain in the tummy. All these symptoms have a bad effect not only on his well-being, but also on the functioning of the intestines and the central nervous system. In addition to digestive problems, many forbidden foods are strong allergens, so after the mother eats them, the baby may develop a rash on the body, which is almost impossible to get rid of without medication.

It is possible to eliminate all kinds of difficulties and prevent various health problems for the baby, but for this, the mother must create all the necessary conditions for his comfortable and healthy growth, carefully monitor her diet, and periodically visit a pediatrician.

In the first months of a baby’s life, the digestive system is formed, so if intestinal function is disrupted from the first days, the consequences may appear at an older age. Until the baby is 6 months old, a woman is advised to be especially careful about her diet, eating only healthy foods and approved foods.

Motherhood is one of those periods in a woman’s life when she gives up many once-loved foods. And rightly so, because there is nothing better for a mother than a healthy and happy baby!