As new parents, it’s likely that you’ve already discovered the joys of rocking your baby to sleep at 3 am, furtively sneaking out of their room only to have them wake up immediately upon being set down. But what happens when your little one is under the weather?
Fear not, dear friends. We’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to nourishing eats for sick breastfed babies, so you can get back to those delirious late night stroller rides in no time.
The Basics: Breastmilk 101
First things first – as experienced moms and dads (or Google searchers), you probably have some general knowledge of breastfeeding basics. However, if this is all still relatively new to you, here are some key points:
- Breastmilk contains immune-boosting properties that can help prevent illness before it even starts.
- It’s important to frequently nurse or pump milk during times of sickness – both for mama’s supply and baby’s overall health.
- Trust your instincts – if something seems off or different with baby's nursing behaviors or patterns during times of sickness...act quickly!
Now that we've got those out of the way let's dive into some actual food recommendations!
Hydration Station
When facing an illness - hydration is vital! When breastfeeding around the clock it can be tough making sure our bodies stay hydrated while simultaneously keeping baby fed & nourished from mother's milk production.
Here are some foods high in hydration content (let us say watery goodness) which will aid in assisting mamas body with fluid needs and not compromise needed milk production: Soups Smoothies Herbal Teas ('No' caffeine please!) Watery fruits such as watermelon or cantaloupe
Did someone mention soup?
Next on deck are soups - hot, soups in a bowl are great for hydration, warmth and they really fill that stomach up quite nicely.
Soups filled with nutrient-rich veggies can aid in providing those extra vitamins & minerals to mama's milk. Here is a list of some soup varieties worth trying:
| Soup Type | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Chicken Noodle | Hydration + Help reduce inflammation |
| Tomato | Rich Vitamin C content |
| Butternut Squash | Beta Carotene goodness |
Soup Tip: Add cooked quinoa or lentils to give your soup an additional protein boost!
Of course, smoothies cannot be overlooked when it comes to getting down drinks! Layers of fruit mixed with nutty often creamy flavors - simply delightful....
Smoothie Saviors
We've compiled two top recipes for you – the first recipe being more geared toward healthy fats and calories while the second focuses on immunity-building ingredients such as vitamin c.
Recipe #1
The Blackout Smoothie This decadent drink has elements of chocolate but also incorporates some sneaky healthy options as well!
Ingredients
- 2 cups kale
- 1/2 avocado
- 1 banana
- 1 cup almond milk
- handful of almonds/nuts (which ever you have on hand)
- smidgen or pinch (!!) Celtic Salt
Blend all together until at desired consistency. This makes enough for numerous servings so store leftovers correctly by placing mixture evenly into separate containers and freeze; thaw ahead when ready or just grab spoonfuls whenever things get super hectic – cause let us be real...things will stay pretty hectic 😉
Recipe #2
The Immune Booster
For this baby, you'll want more oranges than might seem reasonable but we promise - it'll taste like sunshine on a cloudy day.
Ingredients:
- 2 oranges (peeled)
- 1/4 cup grated fresh ginger
- 1 cups pineapple
- handful of frozen berries (any type you like)
- tiny pinch (!!!) Cinnamon
Blend all together and enjoy the Boost!
High-Calorie Intake for Sick Babies
When babies don't feel well, appetites can decline...even high-metabolism little ones can have quite a time maintaining normal food routines. Here are some higher-caloric intake suggestions:
Avocado Mash-Ups:
Avocados offer not only healthy fats but also pack in significant calories to better nourish under-the-weathers babies.
Here are some quick & easy additions to smashed avocado: mashed peas and chia seeds pitted dates and banana slices quinoa sprinkles – hooray for added protein!
Homemade Nut Butter Spread:
Peanut butter or any nuts buttery goodness (get it?) is always available at stores, but sometimes there are concerns with preservatives. Its very simple preparing your own nut mash-up - plus baby gets just what mama presents with no unknowns
Here's an option recipe:
Ingredients
- Almonds or cashews; raw & unsalted
- sea salt (if preferred) -- Blitz ingredients in mixer for approx 10 minutes until creamy then store it up tightly -
The Garlic Secret Weapon
For those nursing mamas who suffer from cold symptoms themselves! Spicing things up through garlic is truly beneficial:
Not only does adding minced garlic into meals assist in warding off unwanted germs from one’s body defences - this culinary addition also boosts milk production since it aids in relaxing mammary glands which naturally leads them towards producing even more healthy breast-milk!
Above we've outlined important aspects regarding breastfeeding basics along with foods supportive of nursing during times when baby is unwell.
Nothing to be afraid of there. Every parent knows (or will soon find out) that sickness and nursing go hand in hand...just as having lack of sleep might feel unbearable at times - nonetheless, both are just rites of passage with no way denying the reality whatsoever.
Remember to stay hydrated, take in needed nutrients and always trust your mommy/daddy intuition!
{P.S If we could recommend anything extra for mom or even shareable with partner it would definitely have to be a bottle wine so one can pop that cork once baby has finally drifted off into sweet slumber ;)}