To keep my nutrition up for both Kamea and myself while breastfeeding, I’m working on a number of things.
1) Taking my prenatal vitamin daily (I’m switching between New Chapter and Vitamin Code that I have on hand) along with other supplements such as wheat grass tablets, vegan DHA, B12, (and iron on occasion right now because my numbers after birth showed they were on the low side). There are some other things, but I take them maybe 1-2 times a week (K2, spirulina, chlorella, etc). I’m also making sure I get vitamin D (I just had my blood levels tested and I’m waiting for the results).
2) Trying to get in enough calories. A breastfeeding mom needs about 500 more calories than pre-pregnancy is my understanding. I haven’t had the biggest appetite, so I’m trying to get extra calories down through heavy shakes and smoothies that I load up with things like: hemp seeds, protein powder, flax or chia meal, fruit, greens, sunflower lecithin, and sometimes things like avocado, prunes, goji berries, raw carob, etc.
3) Staying hydrated!!! I’m drinking lots of water, eating water rich foods like watermelon, and plenty of Raw organic young Thai coconut water is being enjoyed. I haven’t had any green juices yet, but I need to get going with that! I’ve been so busy working on breastfeeding and getting enough rest. I’ll get green juices back into my diet soon though.
4) I want to make sure I’m getting enough calcium in my diet so I’m adding more foods that are rich in calcium such as dark leafy greens, almonds, wakame, tempeh, etc.
I might be missing some things, but that’s off the top of this mommy’s loopy brain right now. :)