Nutrition is as important for women during pregnancy as it is during delivery. At this time, a woman's body needs nutrition to make it healthy again, to produce milk, and for the proper development of the child. During pregnancy, a woman's body undergoes many physical, hormonal and mental changes. Therefore, women need a lot of energy and nutrition at this time. A breastfeeding mother's diet affects the quality and quantity of milk.
Mother's nutrition during delivery is more than during pregnancy. For the first 6 months, the baby needs to be fed only mother's milk, so 600 calories are needed more than normal. Similarly, during the period from seven to twelve months, the child needs additional 500 calories because he is given other foods along with mother's milk. If the woman is malnourished then the corresponding calories should be added .
Protein
During pregnancy, protein-rich diet should be taken regularly. Protein is important for body repair, milk production, immune enhancement and infant growth and development. Its main sources are eggs, meat, fish, legumes, pulses, milk and dairy products.
Iron
Pregnant women need iron to replenish blood lost during delivery. Iron also makes hemoglobin in the blood, which carries oxygen to different parts of the body. For this, it should be eaten with fruits containing vitamin C. The main sources of iron are red meat, fish, eggs, spinach, raisin greens .
calcium
The level of calcium in a woman's body during childbirth is used in milk production . Adequate calcium intake during this time will benefit the health of both mother and baby. Strengthens the mother's bones, improves the health of the muscles and also helps in blood pressure control . Consuming a calcium-rich diet with vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium better. The main sources of calcium are dairy products, green vegetables, sesame seeds, chia seeds etc.
Vitamin D
Taking vitamin D during pregnancy is very important. Because it helps in the absorption of calcium . It plays a helpful role in strengthening the bones of mother and baby. The main sources of vitamin D are sunlight, fish, eggs and especially foods including sun-dried mushrooms.
Zinc
It helps to strengthen the body's immune system, milk production, reduce fatigue, heal wounds . The main sources of zinc are fish, meat, lentils, beans, chickpeas, almonds, cashew nuts, parsley, milk, curd, and paneer.
Omega 3 fatty acid
It is considered important to improve the health of the pregnant mother and for the development of the baby's brain and eyes. Its main sources are chia seeds, almonds, walnuts, fish (tuna, salmon).
Magnesium
Magnesium is extremely important during the postpartum period. It helps in hydration. Controls blood pressure, reduces the risk of postpartum depression and improves sleep. Its main sources are soybeans, peanuts, cashews, almonds, parsley seeds, peanut butter, tofu, avocados, etc. Along with that, iodine, vitamin B, vitamin B6, vitamin 12, Vitamin B9 and other nutrients are also needed.
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