The Best Breastfeeding Diet: What Should You Eat?

Staying adequately hydrated is crucial to breastfeeding mothers. "Nursing moms should aim to drink a glass of water before breastfeeding," says pediatrician Dr. James Sears, MD. According to Dr. Sears, water is a nursing mom's best friend. Since you've already grown accustomed to drinking more water than usual and avoiding caffeine during pregnancy, it's good to maintain that regimen. The National Institute of Health reports, "Eight 8-ounce servings (64 ounces) of fluid such as water, milk, juice, or soup is a good goal."

"Caffeine-containing beverages can have a diuretic effect, causing you to lose valuable minerals and fluids," Dr. Sears says, and the caffeine you drink goes directly through your milk and into your baby's system. Having a baby up all night because she's jacked up on caffeine is not a pretty sight.

If you get bored with the taste of plain water and don't want to load up on calorie-laden juices, why not try flavored water? Make sure it is not high in calories or sugar and that it doesn't contain chemicals.

While you know that it's best to maintain a proper diet during breastfeeding, you may not have the time to prepare healthy meals now that your baby is here. Somer offers these tips for busy nursing moms on getting the valuable nutrition that they—and their babies—need. Try the following four food tips: