Breast Feeding

Nutrition During Breastfeeding

Daily Food Servings For Breastfeeding Mothers

Food Pyramid

A Serving Is Considered:

Meat & Dried Beans:
(2) servings per day
  • 2-3 oz cooked lean meat, fish, turkey or chicken
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup cooked dried peas or beans
Milk & Dairy:
(3-4) servings per day
  • 1 cup milk or yogurt
  • 1 1/2 oz (2 slices) natural cheese -- like colby or cheddar
Fruits:
(3) servings per day
  • 1 medium fruit
  • 1/2 cup chopped or canned fruit
  • 3/4 cup juice
Vegetables:
(4) servings per day
  • 1/2 cup cooked or raw
  • 1 cup raw leafy vegetables
Bread & Cereals:
(9-11) servings per day
  • 1 oz (3/4 cup) cold cereal
  • 1/2 cup cooked cereal, rice or pasta
  • 1 slice bread

Other Guidelines
  • Follow a healthy, low fat, high fiber diet.
  • Eat a variety of foods.
  • Drink to quench thirst (some women find it helpful to have a glass of liquid nearby when they breastfeed the baby).
  • Avoid alcohol and smoking.
  • Caffeine containing beverages (i.e. coffee, soda) can cause baby to be wakeful and irritable.
  • There is no need to limit certain foods to avoid colic in babies because many babies are not sensitive to anything their mother eats. If your baby fusses 6 - 8 hours after certain foods are eaten, try to determine what those foods are. Then eliminate them from your diet for a month or two.

Resources For More Information:

International Lactation Consultants Association:
(708) 260-8874

La Leche League International:
(800) 525-3243

The material contained in this document was prepared to provide basic information.
Questions concerning its application to your particular case should be directed to your physician.

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