What should I eat and drink?

Healthy eating is good for your body, especially when you are breastfeeding. While you are breastfeeding you need extra energy from food and extra fluids.  You may feel more hungry and thirsty.

Eating well with Canada’s Food Guide gives you advice on how to choose foods.

If you do not have a copy, please ask your doctor or midwife, a dietitian or visit Health Canada’s website:  http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca
(click on Canada’s Food Guide)

Every day, enjoy a variety of foods from each of the 4 food groups:

• vegetables and fruit
   
• grain products
   
• milk and alternatives
   
• meat and alternatives

Healthy foods to choose more often are:

• dark green and orange vegetables
   
• orange fruit
   
• whole grain and enriched products
   
• lower fat foods and milk products
   
• leaner meats, poultry and fish
   
• dried peas, beans and lentils

Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide gives a range of servings for each food group.  When you are pregnant or breastfeeding you need extra energy, so you will need more than the minimum number of servings.  You do not need to increase the calcium in your diet while breastfeeding.