Healthy eating will help you get the nutrition you need while you are breastfeeding. Try to eat a variety of grains, vegetables, fruits, dairy or dairy alternatives, and protein foods. You may need to eat more calories while you are breastfeeding. Avoid fish high in mercury. And limit alcohol and caffeine.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and contact your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
How can you care for yourself at home?
Making good choices about what you eat and drink when you are breastfeeding can help you get the nutrition you need. Here are some things you can do.
Eat a variety of healthy foods. This includes vegetables, fruits, milk products, whole grains, and protein.
Drink plenty of fluids. Make water your first choice. If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your doctor before you increase your fluids.
Avoid fish with high mercury. This includes shark, swordfish, king mackerel, marlin, orange roughy, and bigeye tuna, as well as tilefish from the Gulf of Mexico. Instead, eat fish that is low in mercury. Choose canned light tuna, salmon, pollock, catfish, or shrimp.
Limit caffeine. Things like coffee, energy drinks, tea, chocolate, and some sodas can contain caffeine. Caffeine can pass through breast milk to your baby. It may cause fussiness and sleep problems. Talk to your doctor about how much caffeine is safe for you.
Limit alcohol. Alcohol can pass through breast milk to your baby. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about drinking alcohol while breastfeeding.
Be safe with supplements. Talk with your doctor before taking any vitamins, minerals, and herbal or other dietary supplements.
When should you call for help?
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you have any problems.
Clinical Review Board All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Clinical Review Board All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.
Sign out
