5 Post Pregnancy Misconceptions

It’s time for weight loss & calorie deficit

Losing pregnancy weight might be at the fore front of your mind, but what you must remember is, a certain weight gain is normal in pregnancy. After your baby arrives it’s more important to focus on fuelling your body that birthed your new bundle of joy. Your energy levels will need maintenance and the last thing you will benefit from is an intense calorie deficit. Focusing on the type of food you are eating throughout the day will help not only fuel you, but better set you up for the future. During breastfeeding it is common to have an increased calorie intake!

I need to follow a breastfeeding diet

You don’t need to eat anything special while you’re breastfeeding. There is some misconception that there is some post pregnancy diet after giving birth. A post pregnancy diet is merely a well balanced healthy varied diet, suggested for most of the population.

Getting the best quality breast milk

If breast feeding your body will regulate its quality, typically no matter what you eat. BUT, if you do not have enough needed nutrients your body will provide from your store, leaving you depleted. Eating a wide variety diet of all foods will ensure your body produces quality milk packed full of nutrients while keeping your level high.

Peanuts – what if my baby is allergic?

If you enjoy peanuts as a part of your balanced diet, continue to do so. This myth of peanuts contributing to your baby developing a peanut allergy is not supported by research. There is a place for all foods in a balanced diet and maintaining that while breastfeeding is going to be the most beneficial. If you have concerns about allergies, speak with your GP.

Caffeine will give me the energy I need

With that said regarding peanuts, Caffeine is something that can reach your baby through breast feeding. As your energy levels are low and you feel tried you may want to reach for a boost caffeine drink. As it is a stimulant, your baby can feel the effects and it’s best to limit your consumption while pregnant and post-partum while breast feeding. Guidelines suggest restricting intake to less than 200 mg of Caffeine per day. For reference a mug of filter coffee is about 140 mg, a cup of tea is 100 mg and a can of coke about 40 mg. Also, some cold and flu remedies contain levels, so be mindful. With that said opting for decaffeinated tea and coffee, herbal teas are great alternatives.

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