Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Good Nutrition For Breastfeeding 2021
Good Nutrition For Breastfeeding 2021
Good Nutrition For Breastfeeding 2021
FOR BREASTFEEDING
The Women’s encourages mothers to breastfeed their babies. Breast milk is the perfect food for
your baby.
Important nutrients during breastfeeding Women who were diagnosed with iron deficiency
in pregnancy should consult their doctor about whether
Protein to continue taking iron tablets after pregnancy to rebuild
Breast milk contains protein to meet your baby’s growth their iron stores.
needs. Good sources of protein for breastfeeding mothers
Iodine
include meat, chicken, eggs, cheese, yoghurt and
vegetarian choices such as nuts, tofu and legumes (lentils, Iodine is needed for the normal brain development
baked beans, split peas, etc.). of the baby. It can be difficult to get enough iodine
from the Australian food supply. Seafood, dairy
Calcium foods and iodine added to bread flour help meet the
Calcium is needed to maintain bone strength. The best needs of most of the population but this may not be
sources of calcium are dairy foods. Fish with edible bones, enough for breastfeeding women. If you are
such as canned salmon and sardines, are also a good breastfeeding an extra 150 micrograms (mcg or µg)
source. There are small amounts of calcium in other foods, a day is recommended. This level is present in most
but on average about three-quarters of our calcium comes breastfeeding multivitamins. If you regularly use salt
from dairy foods. If you drink soy or other milks such as in cooking or at table, changing to iodised salt is another
almond or rice milk, check the label and choose a brand way of increasing iodine intake.
with the same amount of calcium as cow’s milk (at least
100mg per 100ml). Low fat dairy foods are not lower in
calcium than the full fat versions.
Unsaturated oils and spreads Optional »» 14–20g per day (around 1–2 tablespoons)
Cheese 1 slice 1
/ 2 milk/yoghurt/cheese serve
Dinner Pasta with beef mince 11/ 2 cups of cooked pasta 21/ 2 grain serves
and red kidney beans 100g cooked mince 1 meat or alternative serve
1
/ 4 cup kidney beans 1
/ 2 vegetable serves
11/ 2 vegetable serves
Tomato and green salad 11/ 2 medium tomato 1
/ 2 vegetable serves
1
/ 2 onion
11/ 2 cups green leafy salad 11/ 2 vegetable serves
1
/ 2 tomato 1
/ 2 vegetable serve
For more information and tips on planning healthy meals visit the Eat for Health website.
www.eatforhealth.gov.au/eating-well
DISCLAIMER This fact sheet provides general information only. For specific advice about your baby or your healthcare needs, you should seek advice from your health professional. The
Royal Women’s Hospital does not accept any responsibility for loss or damage arising from your reliance on this fact sheet instead of seeing a health professional. If you or your baby
require urgent medical attention, please contact your nearest emergency department. © The Royal Women’s Hospital 2018-2021