Lactation and Nourishment

Nourishing Baby

Colostrum, also known as “liquid gold” is the perfect first food for baby! It’s easy to digest, promotes gut health and helps to establish baby’s gut microbiome. This is the first milk that your body produces and derives its “liquid gold” nickname from its yellowish color. The newborn baby only needs very small amounts of this concentrated nutrition.
Breastmilk is the ideal food for infants, and the only food and drink your baby needs for the first 6 months of life!
A 400IU vitamin D supplement should be given daily to breastfed babies to support their bone development. Alternatively, an exclusively breastfeeding parent can take a 6400IU supplement daily, some of which will be passed to the baby through breastmilk. Talk to your doctor about what’s right for you!
Breastmilk contains growth factors to support healthy development.
Breastmilk contains hormones which help to regulate baby’s appetite and sleep regulation.
Breastmilk contains immune-boosting live cells and antibodies to help protect baby against infection.
Breastmilk changes to meet your baby’s needs! It changes slowly over time as your baby grows but also changes composition quickly during a single feed in response to the baby’s suckling.

Breastmilk doesn’t provide any nutritional value after 12 months

Breastmilk continues to provide energy, protein, vitamins, probiotics, immunities long after 12 months of age.

Your body is sustaining another human being- what an amazing feat!!
This means your body also needs to be nourished- which can feel like the last thing on your to-do list with a new baby in the house.
The first tip for nourishing you is lots of water! And then some more water. Always grab your water before you sit down to breastfeed baby, and try to keep it close by. Add flavoring with a squeeze of lemon or lime juice, some cucumber or fruit slices, or a flavor packet if this makes water more appealing to you. Some lactating parents like to include an electrolyte drink such as Gatorade, G2, IV Hydration, Body Armor, coconut water.
Your body uses extra energy to make breastmilk each day. This amounts to about 400 calories.
Finding easy snacks can help you get enough to eat on busy days. Some quick ideas include a banana, apple slices dipped in peanut butter, cheese and crackers, a protein or granola bar, beef jerky, overnight oats, whole grain cereal with milk or scrambled eggs on toast.
Take a moment to think about what other forms of nourishment your body needs. Is it fresh air? Sunlight? Meditation? Coffee and chat with friends or other new parents?

Feeding a baby takes a huge amount of work! And lactating parents can benefit greatly from your support. While you may not be able to help feed the baby, feeding the parent is just as important!
Ask the new parent if they would be interested in having a Meal Train around the time of delivery. This can allow their community to come together and take help something off their plate in the early days.
If baking is your love language, energy balls or lactations cookies could be the perfect boost for the new parent! “Galactagogues” such as oats, flaxseed and brewer’s yeast are foods thought to promote milk production.
If they have freezer space, preparing home-cooked meals ahead of time can be a big help.
If the kitchen is not your comfort zone- delivery, takeout or a gift card to a local restaurant could be a great option to feed the parents! And where I come from, food is love! Check out our local community partner restaurants for some delicious options!
Kind words and affirmations for the parent are necessary nourishment too!

Although your baby will start to try some foods between 4 and 6 months, breastmilk will continue to provide the majority of their needs for some months.
When, what and how to introduce solid foods?
Some families choose a phased introduction of solid foods, starting with thin purees. Other families choose baby led weaning. And some families prefer a mix!
Even between 11 and 16 months, breastmilk can provide one-third to one-half of their nutrition needs.
Your child may rely more on breastmilk in times of illness such as colds and flus.
The WHO recommend continuing to breastfeed baby on demand up to 2 years of age and beyond.
Here are some Instagram accounts to follow along with as your start this journey of solids: The Lactating Mama, Feeding Littles, Nutrition for Littles, Kids Eat in Color

This section on lactation and nutrition has been written and edited by Elaine Goode, RD LDN- Registered Dietitian and Breastfeeding Mom