mater4newmums program

We are in the process of developing and testing an exciting new program to expand the txt4two program to support Mater Mums' achieve their healthy lifestyle goals after their baby arrives.

In the meantime, here is some information about nutrition for new mums

A common concern for many mums is that they do not have enough milk to feed their baby.

The most important way to establish and maintain an adequate milk supply is to remove milk often and well (the ‘supply and demand’ of breast feeding). The nursing staff and lactation consultants will support you through this process and talk to you about how to maximise your production.

To keep YOU feeling well-nourished and with enough energy to get through the day (and night) aim to eat regular meals and snacks and drink plenty of water. You will most likely feel VERY thirsty and need a drink at each feed (or express).

As tempting as it sounds, there is currently no scientific evidence that specific foods improve breast milk supply (including fenugreek or lactation cookies). Your focus should be eating healthily from the five food groups. Lactation cookies are really high in calories and can cause unwanted weight gain; when breastfeeding and expressing is meant to be helping you to loose weight. Using fenugreek and lactation cookies may also prevent you donating milk to the Milk Bank.

Mater mums’ tip

Take it easy on yourself, get a good night’s sleep, enjoy fresh vegetables every day—mix the colours, you get lots of vitamins that way.

Use this handy table for healthy takeaway ideas

Style	Preferred choice
Asian	vegetable based dishes (chow mien/chop suey) with seafood, chicken or tofu stir-fry e.g. chicken and vegetables steamed rice clear Asian noodle soup sushi rice paper rolls
Bakery	all plain bread types fruit/raisin bread or buns English muffins crumpets Turkish bread Lebanese or pita bread
Chicken	BBQ or rotisserie chicken without skin a side of salad or corn cobs, vegetables
Drinks	water skim milk milkshake (without cream or ice cream added) skinny cappuccino, lattes or flat whites; hot chocolate
Fish	grilled fish served with salad or vegies
Indian	dry curries (vindaloo or madras) tandoori lamb or chicken plain steamed rice roti bread vegetable/lentil dahl
Italian	thin and crispy base pizza chicken, vegetables, pineapple and seafood topping. Have 1 or 2 slices with salad pasta with tomato based sauce (e.g. Napolitano, bolognaise) minestrone
Salads	salad, such as green, Greek, pasta, quinoa-based, or rice-based salad rolls with lean meat filling baked potato with baked beans or other fillings
Sweets/Snacks	yoghurt, fresh fruit, fruit salad nuts vege sticks with hummus