Nutrition during the lactation period
Basically, the diet during the breastfeeding period should be healthy, varied and balanced. It should consist of plenty of fruit and vegetables, whole grains, meat in moderation and fish once or twice a week. Just as during pregnancy, exposure to harmful substances should be avoided, for example mercury in sea fish or fertilizers on plants.
However, raw meat and raw milk products such as Camenbert are no longer forbidden during the breastfeeding period, as the illnesses they cause cannot be transmitted to the child via breast milk. Carbonated drinks do not have to be avoided either, but caffeine is only recommended in moderation, as the child may become restless. One to two cups of coffee a day, preferably in the morning, are perfectly acceptable.
Alcohol and smoking should continue to be avoided completely during the breastfeeding period. With foods such as garlic, onions, chili or lemon juice, the child usually tolerates what the mother can tolerate. They are not prohibited, but if they lead to negative effects such as flatulence or a sore baby’s bottom, it would be better to avoid them.
Effects on the child
The diet, body weight and well-being of the mother have a great influence on the child during pregnancy. For example, children of very overweight mothers also tend to be overweight later in life. Same applies to children of Diabetikerinnen with badly adjusted blood sugar values.
The excess supply of sugar promotes the growth and formation of fatty tissue in the child. A deficiency or malnutrition can be just as harmful. Particular attention must be paid to a sufficient supply of the vitamins and trace elements folic acid, iron, vitamin B12, iodine and calcium so that the child can develop normally. Thereby also in arrangement with a physician can be fallen back to food auxiliary means. Drugs, alcohol and cigarettes can lead to significant developmental disturbances and maldevelopments that cannot be reversed even after birth.
