Proper nutrition for mother and baby after birth

After giving birth, the mother's health needs to be restored quickly to ensure both physical and mental health, while creating an abundant and quality source of milk for breastfeeding. Nutrition during this period is extremely important, not only helping the mother stay healthy but also ensuring the comprehensive development of the newborn.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Huong, Head of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Hoan My Dong Nai Hospital, said: After giving birth, mothers need a balanced diet with enough energy and nutrients. On average, each day, mothers need to supplement about 500 kcal more than normal needs to ensure the milk production process. The diet must have all 4 food groups including: starch, protein, fat, vitamins and minerals.

Protein is a particularly important nutrient, requiring 1.3g/kg of body weight per day to help regenerate muscle tissue and restore health. In addition, calcium and vitamin D need to be supplemented to maintain bone and joint health and prevent osteoporosis in pregnant women.

Fiber is also indispensable to limit constipation, which is common in pregnant women. Every day, mothers need to eat about 400-500g of green vegetables and fruits to achieve the necessary amount of fiber (25g/day). The amount of water also needs to be maintained at 40ml/kg of body weight, both supporting the metabolism and contributing to maintaining a stable amount of breast milk.

In the first 6 months of life, babies can develop healthily with only breast milk. This is a comprehensive source of nutrition, containing full of protein, fat, vitamins, minerals and natural antibodies, helping babies strengthen their immunity and prevent diseases.

Nutrition experts recommend that during this period, mothers should not give their babies water, honey or any other milk other than breast milk. Adding other foods too early can affect the baby's immature digestive system.

After 6 months, babies can start eating solid foods, but breast milk continues to be an important source of nutrition for babies for at least the first 2 years of life.

In addition to the nutritional needs of a healthy mother and baby, diets also need to be adjusted according to medical conditions. For example, pregnant women with high blood pressure should limit salt and foods high in sodium; people at risk of diabetes need to reduce sugar and simple starch intake; patients with kidney problems need to control protein and minerals according to doctor's instructions.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Huong emphasized: A reasonable and scientific nutritional regimen after giving birth not only helps mothers recover quickly and raise healthy children, but also contributes to preventing diseases in the long term. In addition to diet, mothers should also combine rest, light exercise and keep a comfortable spirit to maintain comprehensive health for both mother and baby.

Peace

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/dong-nai-cuoi-tuan/202510/dinh-duong-hop-ly-cho-me-va-be-sau-sinh-7eb3f2f/