Proper postnatal nutrition for mothers is important to serve the essential needs of breastfeeding a newborn baby. Although breast milk is capable of fulfilling the nutritional needs of newborns on its own, there are a number of common concerns about nutrition that face breastfeeding mothers. This article will address proper caloric intake during breastfeeding, achieving safe and normal weight loss, mixing formula supplements and the questions about fluid intake.

One of the biggest questions on the mind of mothers is how many extra calories they should consume to compensate for the natural production and supply of breast milk. In most cases, a woman should be able to attain a reasonable caloric intake by simply following their appetite. It is not unusual for a baby nursing to make mothers feel hungry more frequently than normal. Calorie counting may be necessary in your particular situation. If you are counting calories, remember that research indicates that a daily intake of eighteen to twenty-two hundred calories will allow you a sufficient supply of breast milk. A breast feeding mother will require between three and five hundred more calories after pregnancy than she did while carrying her child.

Each mother's individual need for calories will vary. Your level of exercise, prior nutritional status and body weight will all affect the number of additional calories you need. Some mothers feel the need to begin the process of losing weight during the first weeks following a pregnancy. While weight loss is a reasonable concern, studies show that mothers who are both breastfeeding and consuming fewer calories actually lose more weight when their child is three to six months old. In order to allow your body to properly recover from childbirth, you should give yourself at least two months before attempting to lose weight.

Weight loss during the first two months is accomplished normally by simply eating a diet that satisfies hunger. After two months you can raise your level of activity by walking a half an hour each day. With proper dieting and physical activity it is reasonable to achieve the gradual loss of about a pound a week. Always consult your pediatrician before undertaking any form of weight loss strategy, as it could affect your child.

Another concern for mothers who breastfeed is whether it is necessary to force fluids in the weeks following childbirth. Just as maintaining a healthy diet requires eating to hunger, fluid intake should be at a level that it comfortably satisfies your thirst. By paying attention to your body, you will know when it is appropriate to drink fluids. One recommendation by breast feeding experts is that mothers keep water or some other fluid nearby at all times. This helps prevent you from ignoring thirst should it arise at an inconvenient time.

There are advantages to mixing breast milk with baby formula. Mixing allows you to both increase the supply of breast milk on hand and also supplement the natural immunological benefits of breast milk.

The best way to artificially express breast milk safely is with a breast pump. Breast pumps are helpful for a number of reasons. First, they can help ensure that you keep an adequate supply of milk available for your child when you are separated from him or her. They also give your nipples a chance to rest if they have become sore from normal nursing of your baby. It is important to choose a quality electric breast pump with a double pump kit to ensure that you have all the tools you need for expressing milk for a baby formula supplement.

In the end, your first line of defense in the world of breastfeeding nutrition is simply listening to your body and acting when you realize you are either hungry or thirsty. Weight loss should be achieved gradually at first and is more effective three to six months after your baby is born. Supplementing your breast milk with baby formula is an acceptable method of keeping your baby healthy, but it may require the use of a breast feeding pump. By practicing tips for proper postnatal nutrition you can help ensure that you and your child will successfully enjoy the loving connection that results from breastfeeding.
(c) 2005 NaturalNursing.com

Clara Parks is a former nurse practitioner, mother of three and author of articles written for Natural Nursing. Natural Nursing provides postnatal mothers breastfeeding information and support.

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