The diet of lactating women is not only limited to their health but also directly affects the development and immunity of the child. Therefore, it becomes very important to take care of diet at this time. Proper and balanced food not only gives strength to the mother but also provides necessary nutrition to the child so that his physical and mental development can take place well.

The Ministry of Women and Child Development posted on social media ‘X’ that it is most important for lactating women to include all the essential nutrients in their diet. Generally food can be divided into four main groups.

The first group is cereals which include options like wheat, rice, millet and ragi. These give energy to the body and help in staying active throughout the day. The second group is pulses and protein rich things like moong, lentils, gram etc. They play a very important role in the repair of the body and development of the child.

The third group is fruits and vegetables. These are a good source of vitamins, minerals and fiber. Green vegetables like spinach, fenugreek, bathua and seasonal fruits like banana, apple, papaya etc. strengthen the mother’s body and increase immunity. The fourth group is milk and milk products, such as curd, cheese and buttermilk. These are a good source of calcium, which helps in strengthening bones.

Apart from this, small amounts of good fats are also necessary, like ghee, dry fruits (almonds, walnuts), jaggery, sesame etc. These give energy to the body and help in removing weakness. However, keep in mind that they should be consumed in balanced quantities only. Eating too much can cause less benefit and more harm.

Breastfeeding women are usually advised to eat a little more than usual, about a quarter more. The reason for this is that the body spends more energy at this time because the process of milk production continues continuously. If food is not taken in the right quantity, you may feel tired, weak and irritable.

Not only food but also water intake is very important. Drinking enough water throughout the day keeps the body hydrated and the process of milk production also improves. Apart from this, light walks and rest are also necessary, so that the body gets time to recover.