What to eat when you're breastfeeding: Part 3

Demands on the mother's time

A mum has to be available 24 hours a day to feed the baby, especially during the early weeks while feeding is likely to be frequent. This is exhausting and so it is important that mum receives a lot of encouragement, support and adequate time to rest during these first few weeks.

If a mum eats and drinks properly, her breast milk should provide all of the nutrients, vitamins and minerals that the baby needs.

However, if a mum hasn't taken in enough vitamins and minerals during pregnancy, (which is common in the UK) she will be having to build them up again and supply them for breast milk, so needs may be higher than anticipated. Regular and continued use of a one-a-day multivitamin and mineral supplement such as Pregnacare or Pregnacare Plus which is suitable for breastfeeding is definitely a good idea for many women.

Keep drinking

It's really important to drink enough fluid to make sure you don't get dehydrated, because you will then also get headaches and feel even more tired.
Top tip: Drink an extra glass of water, milk or fruit juice every time you breastfeed.

- Next: Find out what else affects your milk

More help and advice

- How much milk should I be producing?
- Tips on coping with breastfeeding
- What to expect in the first few weeks after the birth

By Angie Jefferson, Pregnacare consultant and dietitian