Nutrition While Breastfeeding

Your body needs fuel to make breastmilk, so eat your fill of a variety of foods. Breastfeeding isn't an excuse to eat and drink everything you want, but it's not a reason to avoid favorite foods either. When choosing foods, use the nutrition chart below as a guide.

What's Good for You

• Drink 8 ounces of liquid, such as water or diluted juice, every time you feed the baby. Your body needs this fluid to make milk.

• Be sure to eat breads, leafy vegetables, and fruits, as well as milk products, meats, and fish.

• Snack on fruit or low-fat dairy products if you're hungry between meals.

• If your health care provider recommends it, keep taking prenatal vitamins.

What's Not

• Some foods are best eaten in limited quantities. Those high in saturated fats, such as butter and bacon, fall into this category.

• Be aware that what enters your body passes into your breastmilk. Limit caffeine-which is not just in coffee but is also in cola, tea, and chocolate.

• Don't take medications of any type, unless your doctor says it's okay. This includes aspirin.