As an older breastfeeding mum, I was on the receiving end of a lot of dietary advice and support from the in-laws in Persia. I knew I needed to consume about 500 extra calories to maintain my health and milk production, but I wasn’t really sure what I should eat for the best.
Midlife Breastfeeding
The in-laws suggested I try to eat three to four gerdoo (walnuts) and khorma (dates) every morning with my cup of tea. Now this wasn’t something complicated to prepare and it wasn’t expensive either; it was what you could call a quick health fix and it gave me a natural energy boost too.
Natural Energy Boost
They are believed to contain elements that help combat depression in new mums. They also enrich the breast-milk with the right elements needed to make the baby healthy. I ate walnuts daily throughout my pregnancy as I knew they were good for my baby’s brain and eye development.
Naturally Sweet
They are believed to contain elements that help combat depression in new mums. They also enrich the breast-milk with the right elements needed to make the baby healthy. I ate walnuts daily throughout my pregnancy. Dates are rich in essential minerals such as iron, magnesium, and zinc, promoting overall well-being. They also contain fiber, aiding digestion and preventing constipation, a common concern during pregnancy and postpartum.
Milk Supply
I continued to eat them after Little C arrived to help maintain my milk supply. It’s fair to say they are one of the best foods for all-day energy! Dates are filled with natural sugars, including fructose, sucrose, and glucose, and they also proved the perfect snack. I kept my energy levels up without the crash I might have experienced from a bar of chocolate. And I’m still eating them today.
Immediate Benefits
Moreover, beyond the immediate benefits for breastfeeding, dates and walnuts have long-lasting positive effects. Dates provide sustained energy, avoiding the typical crashes associated with sugary snacks. As for walnuts, they contribute to your baby’s brain and eye development, making them an excellent choice for both pregnancy and postpartum nutrition.
To find out other ways I keep healthy, check out this post on drinking smoothies.
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Saffron and Cyrus is a Newcastle-based family lifestyle blog, covering health, wellness, days out, travel, reviews, recipes and more from our family life.
The blog is written by new mum over 40, Aranda, with input from hubby H and son, Little C.
