When your baby relies on you and your precious breast milk to provide the essential nutrients they need to help them grow and give them the best start in life, it is crucial you are eating healthily.
Finding the time and the energy to eat properly when you have a new baby to care for can be challenging, so here are a few helpful tips:
A glass of warm milk just before bed will help you sleep better and will provide additional calcium which is needed to keep you and your baby’s bones healthy
Keep a small plastic container or a re-sealable bag filled with dried fruit, nuts or a cereal bar in your handbag so you always have a healthy snack on hand.
Before you settle down to breastfeed, prepare yourself a snack so you can refuel while your baby is feeding. It is best not to have hot drinks while breastfeeding to avoid accidents, but make sure you have a glass of water, fruit juice or a smoothie within easy reach.
When you are busy it is easy to forget meal times, so set the alarm on your phone to remind yourself that it is time to eat.
Keep a supply of healthy ready-made meals in the freezer, so if you are short on time or lacking the energy to cook, you can re-heat a meal.
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help – if friends or family offer to assist by doing the shopping or cooking from time-to-time, let them.
By Fiona Hunter, Nutritionist.