Foods to focus on while you're nursing

Today's post written by Holly~ Writer for our Perch in the area of breastfeeding and wellness

The quality of your breast milk is affected by what you put in your body- but who has time to figure out exactly what to consume when you're overwhelmed with caring for your new baby?  We've all been given plenty of advice from mothers and friends about what you should eat and what to avoid while breastfeeding.  I'd like to offer a few ideas that maybe you haven't heard, that will boost your supply, make your milk healthier, and may even create a smarter baby!  The best part is, they're all very easy to implement.

Here is a list of some specific foods to focus on while you're nursing:  

Coconuts.  Every bit of them...the meat, the milk, the oil, the water.  Coconuts contain lauric acid which the human body converts to monolaurin- the building block of the immune system.  Monolaurin is antiviral and antibacterial- so to keep your baby healthy, drink coconut water, cook with coconut oil, make Thai inspired coconut soups, even eat macaroons!
Walnuts.  Have you ever pondered the shape of the walnut?  It looks just like a brain- nature's way of telling us what body part it benefits.  So as you're munching away on a handful of raw walnuts, not only are you helping your baby's brain develop and grow, but you are also keeping your own mind sharp.  A definite necessity in the face of sleepless nights and pregnancy/breastfeeding brain!
Beans.  If you're caring for a gassy or colicky baby, avoid all beans.  The proteins can pass into your breast milk and are hard for baby to digest.  Be sure to look for sneaky sources of beans- such as those in soy milk or your morning coffee.  (Remember, those are beans too!)  Coffee should be avoided for two reasons- the caffeine that passes into breast milk takes longer for baby to metabolize, and it can make your baby gassy from the beans; a recipe for a wide-awake, super fussy baby.  That's reason enough for me to skip my morning java.
Fish.  Aim for up to 12 ounces of fish per week, and both you and your baby will reap the rewards.  Fish is a great source of protein and full of omega 3 fatty acids which aid in the healthy development of your baby's eyes, heart and brain.  Fish is also high in Vitamin D which is good for your baby's bones and strengthens the immune system.   It might even lower your baby's risk of developing asthma.  Fish oil has been shown to decrease levels of postpartum depression in new moms, so if you choose to take a daily supplement, look for one that is third party tested and pharmaceutical grade.
Eggs.  Breakfast is especially important, especially in the early weeks and months when you're nursing all night.  Opt for whole eggs cooked in coconut oil or real butter.  Egg yolks contain choline which is necessary for milk production, and in your baby it affects the parts of the brain responsible for memory function and lifelong learning ability.  The cholesterol in eggs is needed to build nerve tissue and brain cells.   In fact, cholesterol is one of the most important ingredients in breast milk!  Please don't be afraid of the healthy fats- You and your baby both need them.   After all, it's a proven fact that nursing a baby requires more energy than pregnancy.

Are you hungry yet?  I am, and I just had breakfast...I think I'll go make myself another omelet.

Find Holly at Integrative Mom.com

Holly