as said Motherhood is near to Divinity, the highest, holiest service to be assumed by mankind. Motherhood is a gift from god that promotes life and future on this Universe and not everybody got this gift from God. But being mother is not like having a cupcake. It comes with a huge cost whether mentally, physically or emotionally.
In today’s fast-paced world which is full of competition newly become mothers want to shred those extra kilos soon after they delivered a baby. One has to remember that mother’s body has undergone many changes and it needs time to heal and recover itself. For overcoming this patience and balancing your food regimen can work.
For being a best mom you need to eat foods that provides the overall nutrition and energy to not only your body but also your child’s body through breast milk. If you are not taking enough nutrients then the body will provide breast milk through your own stores. So you need to eat cautiously and timely so that you are not deprived of any nutrient and energy.
What a mother should eat?
Well a mother has to do 24*7 job like feeding and burping the baby, nappy changing and so on. For performing all her duties well with sleepless nights she needs to eat those foods which not only provide her with instant energy but also a source of nutrients for both baby and mother. Here is a routine food plan for post baby weight loss:
- Low-fat Dairy Products: Dairy products play a crucial role in producing breast milk for baby. Calcium and Vitamin D is extensively needed by newborn for strengthening of bones and milk fulfils this requirement. Can take at least 2 cups of dairy and if lactose intolerant then you can go for fresh curd.
- Legumes: Kidney beans and dark colored beans which are rich in iron can help produce breast milk. Reasonable in price and an ultimate source of non-animal protein for vegetarians.
- Fruits: To boost your energy levels instantly fruits like berries and fresh juices are good source. They will not only provide you with essential vitamins and minerals but would also keep you hydrated.
- Brown Rice: To increase your energy levels you can mix the whole grain carbs like brown rice with pulses which are rich in fiber and help avoid fat collection in body.
- Enrich your diet with Vitamin C: An ample source of vitamin c is present in fruits like oranges, lemons, sweet limes. They are handy and nourishing and can lift up the energy levels as feeding moms need more Vitamin C than pregnant women for breastfeeding. Sip a glass of mausami juice in your busy schedule and you will get all the Vitamin C
- Eggs: Eggs are good source of protein and easy to prepare, less time consuming and can fulfill the daily protein requirement. Scramble or boil the egg and can have it in dinner or salad.
- Green Leafy Vegetables: The benefits of having green veggies are numerous. They are not only a good source of iron and Vitamin A & C but also a source of calcium for lactose-intolerant mothers. Full of anti-oxidants and low in fats they are also good for heart. Cows and buffaloes eat green grass and produce nutritious milk. Examples are methi, bathua, chaulai, spinach, saag, and broccoli.
- Whole grains are good: one of the healthiest breakfast after sleepless night is the breakfast full of whole grain cereals. That’s why new moms are given Dalia and nuts in the morning to boost energy levels.
- Stay hydrated: it’s indispensable for moms to keep themselves hydrated because the body uses its fluids to produce breast milk and if your fluid intake is poor then your whole energy can drain leading to dehydration.. For fluids intake you can opt for juices and milk. Drink after every feed. Avoid taking tea or coffee or any kind of caffeine as it enters the breast milk and cause irritability and sleeplessness to baby.
So be patient new moms and eating right food at right time can prove to be a boon in the long run for recovering and reshaping your body. Be the strong mother for your baby and don’t be over cautious about calories as through breast feed it will pass on to your baby. Make realistic goals and try to lose weight steadily. So eat well and regain energy.
Foods to increase lactation:
- Wheat dalia
- Garlic
- Vegetable juices
- Sprouts
- Soaked nuts
- Spilt moong dal
- Methi
- Sauf
- Roasted cumin
- All green leafy vegetables
