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Breastfeeding When not to breastfeed Types of breastmilk

Mother's diet Foods to avoid Bottle-feeding

Soya formulas Possible feeding problems

Breastfeeding uses at least 500 calories a day. Much of this energy can be derived from fat stores laid down in pregnancy, but many women also experience an increase in their appetite. Sensations of hunger and thirst are particularly intense during this period, and new mothers should be encouraged to respond to these signals. The stress and tiredness of early motherhood, as well as the demands of breastfeeding, mean this isn't a good time to diet or limit your food intake.

It's important this increased appetite is satisfied with foods of a high nutritional quality, not fatty and sugary foods alone. The need for protein, calcium, folate and vitamins A and C increase while breastfeeding. General healthy eating recommendations apply, but looking after a newborn baby often leaves little time to prepare meals, so it's important to keep them simple and easy to make.

The only nutrient that might not be provided in sufficient amounts in breastmilk is vitamin D, so the Department of Health recommends that all breastfeeding mothers take a vitamin D supplement (10 micrograms per day).

Sufficient fluid is also vital. All breastfeeding women should drink more than usual and shouldn't ignore thirst; it's often the first sign of dehydration. Caffeine (from tea, coffee and some soft drinks) is excreted in breastmilk, so excessive quantities should be avoided.

There should be no need to avoid any particular foods while breastfeeding. Some mothers say certain foods, such as onions, garlic and citrus fruits, seem to upset their babies. However, you should always check with a health professional before omitting any foods from your diet to avoid any potential deficiency in vitamins or minerals.

Small amounts of alcohol pass into breastmilk, making it smell different, which may affect your baby's feeding, sleeping or digestion. Stick within the daily limits for women of between two and three units.

It has been suggested that avoiding potentially allergenic agents during early life could reduce the incidence of allergies. The Department of Health advises that women who are atopic (have inherited allergies such as eczema, hayfever or asthma) or who have an atopic partner may consider avoiding obvious sources of peanuts during pregnancy and lactation. But a lack of research data means advice has not yet been extended to other allergenic foods.