Every year, the first week of August is observed as the World Breastfeeding Week throughout the world to encourage mothers and families to support breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding is a natural way to feed your newborn and ensure that the baby gets the required nutrition.
The amount of nutrients and vitamins found in mothers’ breast milk cannot be compared with the nutrients found in formula.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for six months, and then continued breastfeeding combined with solid foods for 12-24 months or as long as mother and baby want.
To produce an adequate amount of breast milk with a variety of nutrients for newborns, the nursing mothers should eat a healthy balanced and nutritious diet.
Here are a few foods that every nursing mothers should include in their diet to increase breast milk:
Oatmeal
One should eat a bowl of oats for breakfast daily as it is considered to control the occurrence of diabetes during post pregnancy. It is good for digestion as it contains fiber.
Salmon
Salmon contains rich amount of Essential Fatty acids and Omega-3 that are highly nutritious and essential for lactating mothers. Include salmon in your diet to boosts lactation hormones and make your milk more nutritious.
Carrots
If you want to increase your breast milk then drink a glass of carrot juice daily as the veggie have lactation promoting qualities. It also contains Vitamin A which complements lactation and boosts the quality of your milk.
Spinach
Nursing mothers should include iron-rich foods like spinach as it can be effective at replenishing their iron levels. This green veggie also contains certain plant chemicals that could help prevent breast cancer.
Asparagus
Asparagus is considered a must-have food for nursing mothers as it contains rich amount of fibre, Vitamin A and Vitamin K. It also helps to stimulate the hormones in nursing mothers that are essential for lactation.
