Since I'm right in the middle of a pumping series this week, I thought for this week's Kitchen Tip, I'd offer some advice on fueling your body for pumping success.
Much like in pregnancy, it's important that you get a well-balanced, nutritious diet when you're pumping for your infant. What may come as a surprise is that you actually need MORE calories to support your body's production of milk than you did during the pregnancy: 500 vs. 300 (assuming singleton in both cases).
Lots of fruits and veggies are critical to good health but, honestly, at the end of the day what's going to keep you energized is a balanced combination of whole grains and proteins. And never, ever forget to stay hydrated!
Here is one of my very favorite "nursing breakfasts":
- Whole wheat English muffin with peanut butter
- Strawberry yogurt (this happens, conveniently, to be YoMommy, but any yogurt will do...)
- Plenty of water
For more great food related tips, check out Tammy's Recipes!
Guess it's been a long time since I was a pumper...reading your title "Fueling for Pumping" I couldn't figure out what that all meant (gas for the car??).
ReplyDeleteI pumped w/my first child...she absolutely would not breastfeed - I agree in part it was due to my inexperience - but the problems w/my second child confirmed that there was a problem. Anyway - I remember those hard days (I did not have an electric pump)...
That's funny, Edi... I write about babies all day, every day, so it never even occurred to me that it could be construed that way!
ReplyDeleteEvery time I visit your site, I am so thankful for the ministry you are freely offering new moms. I've never had a premie, but your site encourages me!
ReplyDeleteAmy- I can't begin to tell you how much that means to me. Thanks for taking the time to stop by and comment!
ReplyDeleteI would careful about eating peanut butter. I just read an article a few weeks back about the correlation between nuts and asthma in children while pregnant. Being that your nursing and the baby is a preemie I'd be doubly careful.
ReplyDeleteAnon- Thanks for the comment. That sounds like an interesting article and an important thing to consider. I wonder if family history would play a significant role in that as well? Always crucial to take everything into account whenever you're nursing or pregnant.
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