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I don't have many regrets about my epic 15 years of breastfeeding. Yep, I've been breastfeeding one or more of my five children since January 2009! But if I had the chance to start my breastfeeding journey over, there's one thing I'd change – I would focus more on replenishing and hydrating with minerals.
To be completely honest, I'm pretty sure my recent and ongoing weight loss journey as a breastfeeding mum would have been way more successful if I had prioritized my mineral intake. So, if you're on a similar journey like mine, consider the impact of minerals on your breastfeeding experience and overall well-being. It can truly make a difference!
So, my friend, here is everything I know now about minerals that I wish I knew before.
What are minerals?
Minerals are inorganic elements found in soil and water, absorbed by plants and consumed by animals. Unlike vitamins, minerals are not synthesized by living organisms, so they must be obtained through diet or supplements. Think of minerals as the essential spark plugs for your cells – without them, nothing functions at its best. Your body cannot produce minerals on its ow,; they absolutely must come from the food you eat or drink. So, if you're not consuming enough minerals, your body will lack these vital components.
Why is it crucial to replenish minerals postpartum as a breastfeeding mum like you?
As busy breastfeeding mums, we need more than just water – we need essential minerals to keep ourselves and our breast milk healthy. Minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and zinc are vital for our baby's development and can be passed through our breast milk.
Postpartum and breastfeeding mums have unique nutritional needs due to the physical demands of childbirth and milk production. Here’s why minerals are particularly important:
Recovery from Childbirth: Your body has gone through significant changes and demands during pregnancy and delivery. Essential minerals help repair tissues, support immune function, and replenish lost nutrients.
Breastmilk Production: Adequate intake of minerals ensures that your breast milk is nutrient-rich, providing your baby with essential elements for their growth and development.
Energy Levels: Minerals like magnesium and iron play vital roles in energy production and combating fatigue, which are critical as you care for your newborn.
Hydration and Electrolyte Balance: Proper hydration, supported by a balance of electrolytes (such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium), is crucial for maintaining your breastmilk supply and overall well-being.
Yep, minerals play a big role in maintaining optimal health, especially for us breastfeeding mummies.
So, what are all the best minerals for breastfeeding mums and where can you find them?
Calcium: Found in dairy products, leafy greens, fortified plant milks, and tofu, calcium is crucial for bone health and preventing bone density loss.
Magnesium: Nuts, seeds, whole grains, dark chocolate, and green leafy vegetables are great sources of magnesium, which aids in muscle relaxation, boosts energy, and fights fatigue.
Iron: Lean meats, beans, lentils, fortified cereals, and spinach are excellent sources of iron, vital for hemoglobin production and preventing anemia.
Zinc: Meat, shellfish, legumes, seeds, and nuts support immune function and wound healing, essential for breastfeeding mothers.
Iodine: Ensure thyroid function by including iodized salt, seafood, and dairy products in your diet to regulate metabolism and energy levels.
Potassium: Maintain fluid balance, proper cell function, and muscle contractions with potassium-rich foods like bananas, oranges, potatoes, tomatoes, and dairy products to support your overall well-being while breastfeeding.
Incorporating mineral replenishment into your daily routine can totally help you maintain optimal hydration, reduce physical strain, and support your overall postpartum recovery and well-being throughout your own epic breastfeeding journey.
Whew, that's a lot to take in. I hope I kept it simple for you.
If you're anything like me, you might be feeling overwhelmed with all the mineral information and worried about diving into a complex diet or spending hours on meal prep and planning – I see you! But don't worry, I've got you covered.
Quickly, you probably know that I recently launched a high-protein lactation shake designed for breastfeeding and postpartum moms. It's a fantastic meal replacement shake packed with 25 essential vitamins and minerals, but it's milk-based. So, I knew I needed to create a delicious mineral drink that's quick and simple to prepare – something you can easily add to your water, knowing with 100% certainty that you're meeting your mineral needs as a breastfeeding and postpartum mum.
