The benefits of breastfeeding are well-documented. Mothers who breastfeed have a lower risk of breast, uterine and ovarian cancers, and babies experience fewer ear infections, respiratory infections, allergies and hospital admissions.
More than 80% of new mothers in the U.S. now choose to breastfeed, recognizing its significant advantages.
Healthy eating tips for breastfeeding moms
Choose a mix of healthy foods you enjoy from each food group:
- Whole fruits, like apples, berries, oranges, mango and bananas.
- Veggies, like broccoli, sweet potatoes, beets, okra, spinach, peppers, edamame and jicama.
- Whole grains, like brown rice, oatmeal, bulgur and whole wheat bread and pasta.
- Proteins, like lean meats and chicken, eggs, seafood, beans and lentils, nuts and seeds.
- Low-fat or fat free dairy-milk, yogurt, cheese, lactose-free dairy and soy milk.
- Vegetable oil, olive oil and oils in foods like seafood, avocado and nuts.
Limit certain nutrients and Ingredients, such as the following:
- Sodium found in table salt but also from packaged foods or food from a restaurant.
- Added sugars, including syrups and sweeteners that are added to products like soda, some yogurts and cereals.
- Saturated fat. It comes from animal products like cheese, fatty meats and poultry, whole milk, butter and many sweet snack foods. Some plant products like coconut oil also have saturated fat.
See Breastfeeding – MN Dept. of Health (
https://www.health.state.mn.us/people/breastfeeding/index.html
) for more information, or check out our website at Breastfeeding Support (
https://www.ncchb.org/breastfeeding-support/
).
The North Country Community Health Services Board (NCCHB) is a legal, governing authority for local public health. The NCCHB works with the Minnesota Department of Health to fund and provide local public health services in the counties of Hubbard, Clearwater and Lake of the Woods. More info at www.ncchb.org.
