Harsh, dry chilly weather during winter can impact severely on the baby’s and mother's health.  Hence, it is essential for breastfeeding mothers to take care of themselves and pay extra attention to what they eat. It is the right time for breastfeeding mothers to put extra effort for the wellbeing of their newborns. So, the new mothers who breastfeed should make sure that they stay hydrated, eat nutritious food, avoid oily, spicy, and sugary foods, amp up their immunity levels, and take precautions like avoiding venturing out in cool air and maintaining the right room temperature. This is because newborns with lower immunity may often fall ill during these cold months. As the temperature dips, the chances of contracting viruses and bacteria increases. The mother should keep certain important things.

Food to eat and avoid - For breastfeeding mothers

Start your day with warm lemon water. This will keep your digestive tract good and regularise your bowel movement. As lemon is a good source of vitamin C that will boost your body's immunity.

Go for soups and stews, that will give you adequate nutrition and ease your digestion.

Make sure you use ginger and garlic in your diet as they contain antiviral and antibacterial properties. This helps keep allergies and infection at bay.

Staying hydrated is also important. This ensures a proper milk supply.

Try to include vitamins, and other nutrients like calcium, iron, omega-3 fatty acids, and potassium, which can help increase milk production.

Include green leafy vegetables, carrots, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, chia seeds, milk, nuts, and fruits like apricots, avocados, melon, and citrus fruits to your diet.

Avoid eating outside spicy, junk, oily, unhealthy foods. Also, skip raw foods and seafood. Prepare everything fresh at home.

Mothers should dress properly in a manner that they should be well protected from cold weather. You can have long-sleeved nursing tops, kaftans, and cardigans that may also allow you to breastfeed your baby easily. 

Take care of nipple numbness. If you experience nipple pain or numbness, then warm compression can do the trick.

For blocked milk ducts, you can do breast massage, and warm compress to get relief from the pain.

Try avoiding going out in winters. In case you do so, don't forget to cover yourself as it can help you protect yourself from allergies and infections.