Taking care of a newborn baby is very challenging especially for moms. When you are a breastfeeding mom, your challenge is quite extra because you need to double duty. You must nourish your baby and yourself as well. Because of that, food choices and nutrients are a top consideration.
Nursing moms need to indulge an extra 300 to 500 calories per day because she is nourishing a baby. It is important to make wise food choices that are full of nutrients that will have a positive and good impact on the baby and the mother as well. In order to do so, moms should not skimp on an important nutrient which is protein.
Protein is the building block of new tissue and it is required for growth and development. An adequate amount of protein is very needed to ensure that the body can repair, build, and maintain tissues and organs. This is very important for the mother’s health and the baby’s growth as well.
Nursing mothers need two or three servings or at least 65 grams of protein every day. Breastfeeding moms, in particular, can fill their protein needs by making sure that they have a minimum source of protein each meal. Protein includes lean meat, fish, poultry; dairy products such as milk and yogurt, nuts, beans, legumes, some vegetables, grains, and eggs.
Those who are pregnant should include good protein at every meal to support their baby’s growth and development. These include tofu, cheese, milk, nuts, meat, fish, beans, poultry, and seeds. Actually, more protein is needed during pregnancy but most women don’t have problems in getting the adequate protein they need daily. Protein is a builder nutrient because it helps to build important organs for the baby such as his or her heart and brain.
Growing babies need a lot of protein. So moms who are breastfeeding should eat additional dietary protein to meet those needs. Protein is responsible and vital for the growth, repair, and maintenance of the cells in the body that’s why it is very important. The average protein intake that breastfeeding moms should consume is 54 g daily, and sometimes you may need 67 g daily or more.
Aside from food which is a good source of protein, protein shakes are also good for breastfeeding moms. They are very easy to prepare and they are full of nutrients. Moms that are deficient in protein can have an extra boost of protein by consuming protein shakes. It is easy and quick to make and you can bring it. You can also add other superfoods in it for other nutrients you want to add. Protein shakes taste good so you won’t have a hard time consuming it like you are taking a medicine.
Although moms are busy, it is very important that they take note of the vital nutrients that their and themselves need. Daily consumption of the needed nutrients is very important to help their babies grow healthy and strong. In order to meet the needs of their babies and their needs as well, they need to prepare meals and consume easy alternative foods as well.
We hope that this article will help moms learn about the importance of protein in their daily nutrient intake and how it affects their baby’s growth and development as well. May your sacrifices become all worth it by having a baby that grows up to be a strong, healthy and intelligent child.
Read also:
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- Pregnancy Diet: How Safe is it to Eat Apricot During Pregnancy?
- Eating Avocados Essential Guide for Pregnant and Lactating Mothers
