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Eating well: 40 weeks and after delivery

Approved by the BabyCenter India Medical Advisory Board
Last reviewed  July 2012

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haven't been given a pain killer such as https://www.babycenter.in/a542577/pethidine that might make you need a general anaestheticEat what you feel like eating, within reason! Carbohydrates are better than most foods for https://www.babycenter.in/v1027490/inside-pregnancy-labour-and-b…. This is because they release energy slowly to help you through https://www.babycenter.in/braxton-hicks-contractions. *** are some suggestions:

baked potatoes

toast

bananas

dried fruitTo quench your thirst, you could try lemon honey water, coconut water or fresh fruit juice. Read more about https://www.babycenter.in/a544481/eating-and-drinking-in-labour.

Should I eat differently when I start breastfeeding my baby?

You can eat anything you like as long as it is in moderation. Research has shown that a breastfeeding mother requires anywhere between 300 and 500 extra calories a day. Your body will get some energy from fat stored in your body during pregnancy as well.

However, it is important to https://www.babycenter.in/a3565/diet-for-a-healthy-breastfeeding… when you are breastfeeding. It'll help you to https://www.babycenter.in/a3566/healthy-weight-loss-after-birth you may have added during pregnancy and give you the much needed energy.

Try to include these foods in your diet:

vegetables

nuts

fruit

fish

poultry

whole grains

toned or double toned milkYou can get very thirsty when your body is making breastmilk. So drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

Elders may insist you have https://www.babycenter.in/a1049926/traditional-remedies-to-incre… and https://www.babycenter.in/a1023539/recipes-for-traditional-confi…, specifically made for lactating mothers such as panjiri or dry fruit laddoos

to enrich the quality of breastmilk.
It may be difficult to refuse these during the https://www.babycenter.in/a1021145/post-delivery-confinement-pra… after your baby's birth. So if you can, eat these calorie rich foods in small quantities and include wholesome fruits and vegetables in your diet. Also try including drumsticks, roasted cumin (jeera) seeds and brinjal (baingan) in your diet. These are traditionally believed to help with https://www.babycenter.in/a8487/low-breastmilk-supply.

If you are https://www.babycenter.in/a752/bottle-feeding-basics you may not need as many calories. Still, it is important that you eat a varied diet. This will help you recover from birth and cope with your new role.

Are there any foods that will help me recover from birth?

Traditionally new mums are given https://www.babycenter.in/x1049932/will-heating-foods-speed-up-m… to speed up https://www.babycenter.in/a553491/recovery-after-a-normal-delive…. These foods are believed to be packed with vitamins and minerals that help build your strength and keep your energy levels up. Some of these foods are high in calories as they have a https://www.babycenter.in/x1049960/will-eating-ghee-strengthen-m… and sugar. And although you do need the extra calories, overeating may result in unwanted weight gain.

It's best to stick to small portions to enjoy these traditional delicacies. You could also use nutrient rich ingredients to make healthier foods after your delivery. For example, https://www.babycenter.in/x1049935/will-drinking-iajwaini-water-… instead of eating ajwain paranthas with ghee. This way you'll get the benefits of ajwain without the extra calories.

Healthy snacks and drinks during pregnancy

Suggestions for healthy drinks:

fresh ginger lemonade

saffron or cashew (kaju) milk

coconut waterTry these tasty treats for some much needed energy:

roasted channa chaat

grilled mushrooms

baked samosa

soya nugget salad
https://www.babycenter.in/a551243/eating-well-40-weeks-and-after-…