What should a mother consider in her nutritional intake during breastfeeding?

During breastfeeding, it is important for a mother to understand that her nutritional needs increase due to the energy demands of producing breast milk. Breastfeeding typically requires an additional 300 to 500 calories per day, as the body is working to create nourishing milk that will support the baby's growth and development. This makes it crucial for mothers to consume an adequate amount of calories from a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrients, including proteins, carbohydrates, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.

The notion that anything ingested will not affect the baby is misleading; various substances can indeed pass into breast milk, impacting the infant. Therefore, a mother should be mindful of her diet. While hydration is very important, especially because fluid needs can be higher during breastfeeding, focusing solely on hydration overlooks the necessity of a well-rounded diet to support both the mother’s health and the baby’s nutritional needs. Reducing calorie intake significantly is not advisable, as it can negatively affect lactation, milk supply, and the overall health of both mother and baby.