A woman breastfeeding her baby needs energy requirements corresponding to the milk produced. A weight loss of 0.5 kg per month in the six months following delivery is taken into account to calculate it. If milk production during full breastfeeding averages from 680 ml to 820 ml, the additional energy requirement corresponds to 450 kcal in the first month to 565 kcal in the first trimester.
During breastfeeding, the same recommendations for women are equivalent to pregnancy, so a healthy and balanced diet should be followed. During this period there is a need for additional nutrients such as legumes, vegetables and fruits in season. Among protein foods, prefer fish, white meat and dairy products.
Foods contraindicated during breastfeeding are: onion, artichokes, broccoli, cabbage, sparagus, shellfish, game, and dishes prepared with raw eggs. If the child suffers from gas colic, it is necessary to avoid all dairy products, legumes with husks and nuts. If, in addition, you are at risk for allergies, avoid: strawberries, citrus fruits, bananas, pineapple, raspberries, avocados, tomatoes, spinach, potato starch, walnuts, peanuts and hazelnuts, fava beans, peas, chickpeas, lentils, beans, egg whites, cheese, wine, beer, chocolate, sausages, shellfish, seafood, and preserved fish.
Source: Handbook of Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition by Franco Contaldo et al.
