Breastfeeding provides numerous benefits for both the baby and the mother. Breastfeeding their baby after having weight loss surgery is strongly encouraged. Mothers, on the other hand, must take extra precautions to ensure that they eat a nutritious and diverse diet. A balanced diet will assist in ensuring that the baby receives all of the nutrients necessary for optimal growth and preventing nutritional deficits in both the infant and the mother.

Pediatricians highly advise mothers to breastfeed exclusively for the first six months and for at least 12 months beyond that. Inform your baby's pediatrician about your weight loss surgery, as more frequent examinations may be required to monitor for growth and developmental milestones and detect any potential nutritional problems as early as feasible.

Macronutrient Recommendations

Breastfeeding raises women's daily calorie consumption by 300-500 kilocalories (kcal), which is more than the recommended amount for weight maintenance. On average, calorie consumption should be between 1800 and 2200 kcal per day. Energy intake should not be less than 1500 kcal per day, as a low energy intake can reduce milk production.

Protein intake should be between 60 and 70 grams per day. There should be 4-6 little meals with a protein source at each one. Protein-rich foods include lean meats, oily seafood, and low-fat dairy products. Aim for three servings of milk products each day to provide enough calcium intake, which is required for the baby's bones and teeth.

Breastfeeding ladies should consume fish 2-3 times each week. Choose mercury-free seafood, ideally oily fish, as they are good providers of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for newborn brain development. Good examples are salmon, sardines, herring, freshwater trout, and Atlantic mackerel. Walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and their oils are all good sources of omega-3 fatty acids.

Vegetables, fruits, and whole grains are excellent sources of vitamins and minerals. Try to restrict your intake of added sugars, as they are frequently low in nutrients and heavy in calories, which might impede post-pregnancy weight loss.

Fluid

During nursing, you should drink 1800-2300 ml of fluids per day. Fluids include water, tea, diluted juices, and smoothies, but not coffee. Drinks containing caffeine (coffee, tea, cola, and energy drinks) may cause your baby to become fussy if consumed in significant quantities.

Micronutrients

Weight loss surgery, particularly gastric bypass, impacts vitamin and mineral absorption. Following weight loss surgery, there is an increased risk of iron, vitamin B12, calcium, folate, zinc, vitamin D, and protein deficiencies. While nursing, it is recommended that your doctor check your blood every three months to ensure you receive adequate vitamins and minerals (particularly vitamin B12, iron, and vitamin D) and protein.

Anemia is prevalent during pregnancy and nursing because iron absorption is reduced and iron stores are used to support the developing baby. Maternal anemia is linked to impaired newborn physical and emotional development, as well as an increased risk of maternal postpartum depression. The biggest feared risk for the newborn is the B12 vitamin.

A full-term newborn born to a well-nourished mother will have an adequate supply of vitamin B12. This store is adequate to meet the baby's demands for the first eight months. If the mother is not vitamin B12 deficient, her milk is a good supply of vitamin B12. However, if the mother is deficient in vitamin B12, the infant will have poor storage of vitamin B12 at birth, which will not improve because breast milk is likewise low in vitamin B12. Breastfed newborns may have clinical indications of vitamin B12 insufficiency before their moms.

Tips For Successful Breastfeeding

Mothers can employ various measures to ensure successful lactation. To avoid delayed lactogenesis, increase skin-to-skin contact and breastfeed frequently, particularly within the first 24 hours. Nipple massage softens the engorged breasts, which may allow the baby to latch on more easily.

Elongated breast tissue may require support beneath the breast in the form of folded towels or cushions, or the nursing position may be adjusted to be more laid-back, allowing the infant to grab more breast tissue. Mothers should consult with a Lactation Consultant to ensure that enough milk is produced, the newborn can extract milk from the breast, and the child is growing properly.