Food supplements for breastfeeding
The composition of breast milk is unique, and each mother's milk is necessarily adapted to the needs of her baby in particular. It includes essential antibodies protecting it against germs. This breast milk also promotes optimal brain growth, integrating important substances into the development of the central nervous system.
Finally, breastfed babies are less likely to develop allergies and food hypersensitivity. It is therefore important to understand how breastfeeding works, in order to be able to adopt, if necessary, an appropriate supplementation.
How does breastfeeding work?
Contrary to what we may think, breastfeeding can be learned! Both on the mother's side and on the baby's side. From the beginning of pregnancy, the breast changes to produce breast milk for the unborn baby. At birth, to start breastfeeding, it is necessary to place the baby on the mother's chest, skin to skin, for at least 2 hours.
The baby is normally awake at the exit of the mother's womb, ready to crawl to the breast to take his first sip. At birth, the breasts make colostrum, an orange-yellow liquid extremely rich in nutrients and antibodies. The final milk will only come a few days later. Moreover, milk is never really definitive. Its composition evolves with the rhythm of the day, rich in lactose in the morning and richer in fatty acids in the evening.
Its composition also evolves at the rate of baby's development. Milk changes according to its needs at different ages of life. If it's not wonderful! No other infant milk, no matter how well prepared, can replace the benefits of breast milk.
Choosing your food supplements for breastfeeding
When choosing your dietary supplements for breastfeeding, it is important to make sure that they are compatible with the breastfeeding period. Choose ingredients of natural origin. During breastfeeding, it may be interesting to do a blood test to ensure that the mother does not lack anything and has sufficient daily intake for her baby and for her.
Although it is normal to lose some hair after childbirth, hair loss that lasts over time can be a sign of a lack of iron. The doctor will prescribe a blood test to measure the levels of red blood cells, platelets, iron, vitamin B12 .... A healthy diet is essential because the baby will take what he needs at the expense of the mother's health. A check-up visit to the dentist is also advised.
In case of fatigue, there is spirulina, a freshwater algae rich in amino acids, vitamins, minerals and trace elements. It is simply necessary to ensure its origin and its mode of breeding. It can be taken during breastfeeding and early in pregnancy. It exists in the form of powder to mix, in flakes to sprinkle or in tablets to take as a cure.
To increase milk production, there are many foods and galactogenic plants, that is to say that will stimulate lactation... At the end of pregnancy, the future mother can get a breastfeeding herbal tea.
Supplementation with magnesium, B vitamins and taurine helps fight stress. It can be taken during the day to soothe the nervous system or in the evening to facilitate falling asleep.
Lipid supplementation such as borage contributes to the proper suppleness of the skin. In addition to care with vegetable oils locally, this will reduce the appearance of stretch marks on the chest.
Vitamins C and D are essential for the proper functioning of the immune system. A doctor can judge whether the mother needs supplementation over the breastfeeding period or not.
Supplements to enrich milk
Breast milk offers an extremely rich nutritional contribution to the baby. A good diet of the mother will only increase her nutrient density. But be aware that there is no milk that is not rich enough for a baby. Breast milk is exactly what is needed for the newborn.
Essential fatty acids including omega 3 participate in the proper development of the eyes and brain of the embryo. They are just as essential for this development after childbirth. From the beginning of pregnancy and throughout the duration of breastfeeding, pregnant and lactating women must consume enough good fats. Omega 3 is found in fish oil, some vegetable oils, fatty fish, walnuts, chia seeds...
Vitamin D is essential for proper bone development and the normal functioning of the baby's immune system. It promotes the absorption of calcium in the intestines. In order for baby to receive enough vitamin D, the breastfeeding mother must consume it daily through the diet. Vitamin D is found in eggs, raw butter, fatty fish, cod liver oil but also via daily drop supplementation in autumn and winter.
Before taking dietary supplements, ask your doctor for advice.