Pregnancy A to Z - Diet

Here's a list of foods that contain the nutrients your body needs after you've had a baby. These foods will not only help you heal, but can also help boost your energy!

• Water:
  Be sure to drink at least 8 glasses every day

• Carbohydrates:
  You'll need 9 servings each day of carbohydrates. These include whole grains, rice, pasta, breads, nuts, vegetables, and some fruits.

• Protein:
  Eat 3 protein servings each day if you're bottle feeding your baby, or 4 servings each day if you're breast-feeding. Good sources of protein include dried beans, nuts, peanut butter, eggs, dairy products, fish, and lean meats.

• Fruits/Vegetables:
  You'll want to eat at least 5 servings a day of fruits and vegetables.

• Fat:
  In general, you'll want to use fat sparingly, since you'll get any fat that you need from the other foods that you are eating. Cheese, butter, margarine, and oils are all "fats".

• Calcium:
  If you're bottle feeding, your body needs 3 calcium servings each day. If you're breast feeding, 4 servings of calcium are required. Dairy products, collard greens, broccoli, yogurt, cheese, and bananas are good sources.

• Iron:
  Spinach, tofu, whole grains, lean red meat, and dried beans are good sources of iron. Be sure to eat at least one serving a day.