Good News! Food Choice Doesn’t Determine the Quality of Breast Milk. Thank God, Because I love Cheeseburgers.
from adeevee/facebook
An ad campaign in Brazil has set out to warn mothers about their food choices while breastfeeding. This new campaign is called “your child is what you eat.” The add depicts newborns nursing unhealthy food choices instead of mothers milk. While the intent of this campaign is trying to compel mothers to make better food choices, it has come across as insulting and provocative. Furthermore, this campaign is not founded in evidence, and is doing a disservice to new mothers.
Our bodies work to make milk even when we don’t eat the best!
In fact, There has been evidence to suggest that even when a mother is receiving less than optimal nutrition her body will still work to make the milk that your baby needs. According to a study done by Georgetown researchers: “Even when a mother’s own supply of nutrients and energy is limited, she still is able to produce breast milk of sufficient quantity and quality to support the growth and health of her infant.”
Optimal Nutrition for Breastfeeding is Best
If you are looking for resources on proper nutrition and breastfeeding, I recommend checking out KellyMom. Of course optimal nutrition is best for mom and baby! If you have a balanced diet while nursing you will have more energy and feel better! But on the other hand, I know what it’s like to be a newly postpartum mom, and not caring about what you are eating as long as you get to sleep and cuddle your baby. A cheeseburger and a chocolate shake starts to sound really good when you new bundle is nursing every two hours, and you don’t want to worry about cooking and cleaning. So have your postpartum doula pick some of that up for you on the way to your house for her shift.
Seriously, it’s OK to continue the occasional junk food and breastfeeding.
It will not effect the quality of breast milk, and you and your baby will be happy and healthy if you not hungry! Relax, Cuddle Your Baby, and Eat Whatever You want. The tiny baby days only last for a little while, and you are rocking it.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Brittany started her journey of helping women in 2012, as a pregnancy consultant. She was certified as a Birth and Bereavement Doula through Stillbirthday in 2015 and gained certification as a Gena Kirby Rebozo Doula later that year. She is the Birth Doula for modern women. She is intuitive and open-minded; she is attentive and ready to support everyone. Brittany received over 800 hours of advanced training in the practice of massage therapy in her quest as a healer, and is continually researching and attending training in the art of holistic health and wellness. She volunteers with the Oklahoma Birth Trauma Support Group for mothers and families who have experienced birth trauma and pregnancy loss. She lives in Oklahoma City with her husband and four children.
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