Important Nutrition of Nursing Mothers' Food for Smart Babies

Having a smart and healthy child is certainly a parent's hope. Various things can be done to achieve this, including eating breastfeeding mothers so that the baby is smart. Providing breast milk for babies has many benefits, including reducing the risk of ear and respiratory tract infections, and reducing the risk of babies having bowel movements. In addition, the breastfeeding process helps to form a close relationship between the baby and mother. Equally important, several studies have shown that children who are breastfed have a higher level of intelligence (IQ).

Nursing Mothers' Food for Smart Babies

Until now, there is no known special food for nursing mothers who can make smart babies. In fact, even though breastfeeding mothers do not get complete nutrition, breast milk that is released can still meet the nutritional needs of infants. Lack of certain types of nutrients will be taken from the mother's body. However, if left unchecked in the long run, this can affect the health condition of the mother. That is why it is important not to eat only one particular type of food or to go on an excessive diet. This can reduce the quality and quantity of breast milk. To maintain the quality and amount of breast milk, nursing mothers are advised to consume around 2000 -2500 calories per day, drink plenty of water, and get enough rest. To meet nutritional needs, nursing mothers need to eat a variety of foods with balanced nutrition. Good food for nursing mothers needs to contain the following nutrients:

1. Complex carbohydrates

Foods that contain complex carbohydrates, such as wheat, beans, vegetables, and fruit, are good choices for meeting energy needs during lactation. This is because complex carbohydrates are digested more slowly than simple carbohydrates, so they can supply longer energy and blood sugar will also be more stable.

2. Protein

For nursing mothers, it is important to meet protein needs. Protein is needed by babies to form nerve and brain tissue. According to research, adequate protein intake from breast milk plays an important role in the growth of the baby's brain, so it will support his intelligence later. Foods that are a source of protein include eggs, lean meat, fish, dairy products, nuts or seeds, and whole grains.

3. Healthy fats

When breastfeeding, it is recommended to avoid bad fats, such as saturated fats or trans fats. The fat is found in butter, palm oil, cream, and meat and whole milk. Instead, choose foods with healthy fats that contain omega-3s. Healthy fats can be obtained by eating sea fish, avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil. Sea fish are often recommended for consumption by nursing mothers because they contain high protein and omega-3, which consists of DHA and EPA. These nutrients are important for the development of a baby's eyes and brain, and support their general growth and development so that one day they become intelligent children.

4. Iron

Iron plays an important role in the baby's brain development process. Therefore, nursing mothers are advised to consume foods rich in iron, such as meat, beans, green vegetables, and whole grains. To help the absorption of iron, consume foods that contain vitamin C, such as fruits and vegetables.

5. Calcium

Milk and its processed products, such as cheese and yogurt, as well as green vegetables are good sources of calcium. Other foods that are also high in calcium are tofu, tempeh, soy milk, and juices or cereals that have been added with calcium. The important thing to remember in choosing food for nursing mothers so that smart babies are varying the types of food consumed so that the nutritional intake obtained is more diverse. If necessary, consult a nutrition doctor to find out what nutrients are needed by nursing mothers and babies.