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Benefits of a healthy postpartum diet
Eating the right diet in postnatal time is important not just for the mother, but also the baby. This is a time when the mother needs to push the physical and mental limits of her body, as well as nurture a baby. If she eats right, it also contributes to the proper growth and development of the little one. Let us take some of the short-term and long-term benefits of a good postpartum diet.
1. Supports breast milk production
Intake of special class of nutrients named galatogouges like garlic, milk based beverages, gourd vegetables and certain leafy vegetables will help improve breast milk production. This would help in production of the necessary nutrients for the baby’s development.
2. Right diet helps to meet energy needs
The postpartum phase demands additional energy. There is a requirement of 500-600 kilocalories. So, a tailor-made healthy and balanced postpartum diet will meet this increased energy needs of the mother.
3. Quickens recovery
Nutrient dense meals and snacks containing carbohydrates, proteins, fats and other micronutrients will surely help the mother heal better and faster. A good postpartum diet will replenish all the nutrients required by the mother postpartum, aids in better digestion, improves immunity and improves metabolism.
4. Helps you slowly get back to healthy BMI
It is very important to have balanced nutrition that supports additional energy needs, meets increased nutritional needs and help the mother get back to healthy Body Mass Index within the span of lactation period. It also ensures there’s healthy weight loss post pregnancy.
5. Improves stamina levels
The postpartum period is a roller-coaster ride for the new mother. She has to take care of herself and meet the newborn’s needs too. Without the apt nutrition, the stamina levels will not be maintained.
6. Helps to battle postpartum health issues
Specific physical and physiological health concerns are common in postpartum period. These include anemia, constipation, urinary infections, hemorrhage, wound site infections, postpartum depression and more. Apt nutrition helps deal with and overcome these issues.
