POST PARTUM NUTRITION

What Not to Eat While Breastfeeding Caffeine is fine, in moderation, but women should be aware of its presence in chocolate, soda, and other products to avoid consuming enough to keep the baby awake or make him/her fussy. OTHER CONCERNS EXERCISES Kegel s and abdominal breathing on postpartum day one Chin-to-chest on postpartum day 2 to tighten and firm up abdominal muscles Knee-to-abdomen when perineum has healed, to strengthen abdominal and gluteal muscle MENSTRUATION If not breastfeeding- return in6-8 weeks after birth If breastfeeding, in 3-4 months (lactational amenorrhea) or entire lactation period SEXUAL ACTIVITIES abstain from intercourse until episiotomy is healed and lochia ceased around 3-4 weeks. Remind that Assess height, consistency, and location of the fundus breastfeeding does not give adequate protection Cesarean -2 weeks

An initial weight loss of 10 to 12 lbs occurs as a result of the birth of the infant, placenta and amniotic fluid NIGHT SWEATS Puerperal diuresis accounts for loss of an additional 5 lbs during the early postpartum period Normally return to pre-pregnant weight by 6 weeks postpartum Diaphoretic episodes may occur at night, a normal occurrence as the body rids itself of waste products GUSH OF BLOOD THAT SOMETIMES OCCURS WHEN SHE FIRST RISES y Due to normal pooling in vagina when the woman lies down to rest or sleep; gravity causes blood to flow out when she stands AFTER PAINS/ AFTER BIRTH PAINS Intermittent cramping of the uterus Common in multiparas, and those who have given birth to large babies Uterus contracts more forcefully Intense with breastfeeding (because of oxytocin) Strong uterine contractions felt more particularly by multis, those whodelivered larger babies or twins and those who breastfeed. It is normal andrarely last for more than 3 day

Lactation is a physiological process. Human breastmilk is nature's perfect recipe for your babies growth and development. This special blend of nutrients nourishes your baby and provides a unique balance of fats, vitamins, minerals, sugars and proteins. Breastmilk empowers your baby with disease fighting immunoglobulins to help protect baby during those early vulnerable first weeks of life. Breast-fed babies have fewer illnesses because human milk transfers to the infant a mother's antibodies to disease. About 80 percent of the cells in breast milk are macrophages, cells that kill bacteria, fungi and viruses. Breast-fed babies are protected, in varying degrees, from a number of illnesses, including pneumonia, botulism, bronchitis, staphylococcal infections, influenza, ear infections, and German measles. Furthermore, mothers produce antibodies to whatever disease is present in their environment, making their milk custom-designed to fight the diseases their babies are exposed to as well. A breast-fed baby's digestive tract contains large amounts of Lactobacillus bifidus, beneficial bacteria that prevent the growth of harmful organisms. Human milk straight from the breast is always sterile, never contaminated by polluted water or dirty bottles, which can also lead to diarrhea in the infant. Human milk contains at least 100 ingredients not found in formula. No babies are allergic to their mother's milk, although they may have a reaction to something the mother eats. If she eliminates it from her diet, the problem resolves itself. To maximize the benefit of your breastmilk a nursing mother must practice good nutrition. Breastfeeding is a learned behavior that needs a supportive environment. Nutrient needs of the mother during breastfeeding include increased need for energy, vitamins and minerals, and water. Iron supplements may be necessary. Exercise is important. Eating well during pregnancy and lactation requires a few adjustments to general good health dietary guidelines. A woman's need for calories, protein, vitamins, minerals and water all increase. Each woman will require different amounts of foods providing key nutrients to achieve the desired pregnancy weight gain and pregnancy support. Age, weight, activity level, and metabolism all influence how much you will need to eat for optimum weight gain, health, and fetal development or breastmilk production. If you eat too little while breastfeeding, you may not produce as much milk. When breastfeeding a single baby 300-500 calories per day should be added to the diet. When feeding twins an extra 600-1000 calories per day should be added to your diet. Total caloric intake when lactating is 2300-2500 calories for singleton and 2600-3000 calories for twins

Obviously calcium for milk production comes from the mother. When calcium levels in mom's blood are not adequate for her needs and those of her child, calcium deposited in her bones is withdrawn for milk production. In fact, if something is lacking in mom's current diet, mom's body will dip into her reserves of nutrients to keep breast milk nutrient-dense. However, you are going to need your body to be healthy for a long time to take care of your growing child, so don't short change yourself! Be assured that the composition of nutrients in human milk is consistent. A nutrition shortage for mom is more like to reduce the quantity of milk than the quality of the milk for baby. Vitamins:
y y y y

Vitamin D-If mother/infant not exposed to sunlight or diet low in Vitamin D, breastfed infants need to be supplemented 5-7.5 ug/day. Vitamin B12-If mother is a vegan, infant will be B12 deficient,even if mother shows no sign of deficiency. Vitamin K-Very low risk for developing hemorrhagic disease, but all infants are given 0.5-1mg injection of 1-2mg oral Vitamin K.

Iron:
y y

Usually adequate for 6 months, unless infant is supplemented with food too quickly. Solid food may decrease iron absorption and the diet may need to be supplemented.