Mothers do not need a special diet when breastfeeding. What they need is a varied, balanced diet, aimed at: A total of about 2,000 calories a day Plenty of fluids (water, milk and fresh fruit juice) Vegetarian mothers may need some dietary supplements and must talk to their physician about this. Avoid drinking beverages containing: Alcohol Caffeine Other stimulants. These beverages must not be drunk close to feeds, only after the feeds. The baby can only be breastfed at least two hours after intake. Smoking should be avoided , as it causes: A faster heart rate Nausea Vomiting Diarrhoea. Respiratory diseases are more frequent in children of smoking parents , regardless of the type of food. Smoking can also reduce milk production. Mothers who are unable to stop smoking should: Choose low-nicotine tobacco Reduce consumption as much as possible If you smoke, do so immediately after the baby's feeds, as the amount of nicotine in the milk decreases after two to three hours. This article was written with the support of physicians and other clinical professionals from the Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
