There was a time not so long ago when breastfeeding was considered very unfashionable, and mothers to be, simply refused to contemplate it. I respectfully suggest that it is much much more important than simply to be treated as a fashion statement. In recent years however, I am glad to say that attitudes towards breastfeeding have changed quite dramatically. it is now regarded as much more acceptable, and in fact is now considered as the norm for expecting mothers. I would strongly recommend to all mothers to be, that if they can breastfeed their new baby, then thy most certainly should. In a number of instances it will be physically impossible for some women to breastfeed their babies, and in such cases there are many excellent brands of formula milk available.

The nutritional needs of a nursing mother are very high when she starts feeding her baby as apart from the amount of breast milk required by the baby, the mother's own needs too need to be taken care of. If the mother does not take sufficient nutrition during this period, the body will strive to keep up the milk production but at the cost of the health of the mother. The breastfeeding diet must, therefore, necessarily incorporate sufficient amounts of balanced food.

Minerals are also important during the breastfeeding days. It is important for the mother to get her RDA of minerals such as Selenium, Zinc and Calcium.

Drink enough water and fluids daily, the recommended amount being 3 quarts. Drinking too much, however, may lead to less milk being produced.

The recommended daily caloric intake for a breastfeeding mother is 2,500 calories per day. If the mother plans to breastfeed for more than three months, then the intake can be increased to 2,800 calories - an addition of 300 calories.

Instead of three large meals, a breastfeeding mother should schedule 5 smaller, but more frequent meals at regular intervals. Make sure to include water, a low fat dairy product, and fruit in each meal.

1. Increase you water consumption to up to one quart more daily. Nursing mothers tend to get very thirsty because much of their water goes to milk production.
2. Eat one gram of protein daily per pound of body weight. Avoid sweets and junk food.
3. Eat equal amounts five times a day, breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack, dinner and midnight snack. This will make sure that the nutrients in your milk always appear in more or less the same levels.
4. Your breastfeeding diet contraindicates nicotine If you must smoke leave a time span of one hour between your puffing in smoke and your eating so that the nicotine is not absorbed into the food.
5. Again, if you must drink alcohol or beer while on a breastfeeding diet should be done after feeding your baby. Alcohol slows down the baby's development.
6. Seek the advice of your doctor before taking any medication. Chemicals with iodine, many antibiotics, laxatives, are among the drugs that are dangerous to the baby. Protracted use of any drug is also contraindicated while breast feeding.

Read about babycare and also read about baby feeding bottles and how much to feed baby