REST: Be as good to yourself as you can. Get lots of rest. Try to nap when baby naps. Accept help with housework and meals from your partner, family and friends. Do only what housekeeping must be done. Limit your visitors. Go to bed early.
EAT WELL: The foods you choose are important when you are breastfeeding, to ensure good health for you and your baby. Follow a healthy eating diet for basic nutrition and drink extra fluids to keep your milk supply adequate. The only foods you must avoid are those to which you might be allergic. The following books are specifically written about nutrition and breastfeeding:
Nursing mothers are discouraged from going on weight loss diets as they may cause the milk supply to decrease. While nursing, you may gradually lose weight, and the extra weight gained during pregnancy is used to provide part of the energy needed to make breast milk.
HAVE PLENTY TO DRINK: You'll find you are extra thirsty, so have a glass of juice, milk or water every time the baby nurses. Remember if you smoke or drink alcohol: tobacco, alcohol and other drugs can pass into your breast milk and may harm your baby.
BE COMFORTABLE: Relax in the bathtub. It's good therapy. Walk. Gradually resume some exercise. Plan an evening out regularly. Motherhood and fatherhood are new roles that need to be talked over and learned together. Keep the lines of communication open! For more information about women's health, please check out our women's health page.
ENJOY YOUR BABY: Holding your baby close stimulates her senses of touch, smell and taste. A baby who is smiled at, talked to and cuddled develops a sense of security. Breastfeeding is more than simply providing nutrients and calories for physical growth - it contributes to a special closeness. So have confidence in nature and in your-self and give your little one the very best start in life!
