Monica Silva

The New Postpartum diet for Beginners and Novices Monica Silva

It's no secret that the food we eat fuels our daily activities - an especially important point when those daily activities include caring for a newborn and breastfeeding. But for many new mamas, the desire to lose the baby weight may take precedence over nourishing their body with the right foods to support recovery, milk production, rest, and all the other tasks required to get through the day. Significantly reducing overall carbohydrate intake - the go-to weight loss strategy for many women - is not your best bet postpartum. Carbohydrates are necessary for new moms - not just for breast milk production, but also for mental health, hormone regulation and more. The good news it is possible to slowly shed a few pounds (if that's your goal!) while still eating enough calories to keep up with the physical and mental demands of caring for your little one. The key is to be patient, eat well-rounded meals, and give yourself time. Keep in mind that caloric intake and appropriate macronutrient ranges vary depending on your activity levels, body size, and more. Plus, if you have a health condition like diabetes, you may need to follow a different dietary pattern in order to optimize blood sugar control. Every woman's nutrition needs are different and depend on many factorsDara Godfrey, MS, RD, registered dietician for Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York, says hydration, especially if breastfeeding, is critical. She recommends up to 3 liters of water daily. However, hydration needs can vary so it's best to let thirst be your guide. A good way to gauge hydration is looking at the color of your urine. Pale yellow urine indicates proper hydration while dark-colored urine indicates that you may be dehydrated and need to up your water intakeFueling your body with the right amount of calories will help keep your energy and milk supply up. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a breastfeeding mother should consume approximately 2,300 to 2,500 calories per day compared to 1,800 to 2,000 calories for a non-breastfeeding woman. However, individual calorie needs are highly variable and depend on body size, age, activity level, and how much you're breastfeeding. If you're trying to lose weight while breastfeeding, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics says a slow weight loss of 1 pound per week or 4 pounds per month is ideal.