There are various ways to make your child grow up smart and healthy, one of which is by consuming food for breastfeeding mothers to make babies smart. The food for breastfeeding mothers is food that is rich in nutrients, such as protein, healthy fats, and calcium. Breast milk (ASI) has many benefits for the health of babies, such as reducing the risk of babies experiencing ear infections, respiratory infections, or difficulty defecating. Not only that, the breastfeeding process can also form a close relationship between baby and mother. In fact, several studies have shown that children who are given breast milk have a higher level of intelligence (Intelligence Quotient/IQ).
Breastfeeding Mothers’ Food for Smart Babies
Until now, it is not known that there is a special food for breastfeeding mothers that can make babies smart. Although breastfeeding mothers do not get complete nutrition, the breast milk that is produced can still meet the baby’s nutritional needs. Deficiencies in certain types of nutrients will be taken from the mother’s body. However, if left in the long term, this can affect the mother’s health condition. Therefore, breastfeeding mothers should not only consume one type of food or go on an excessive diet, because this can reduce the quality and quantity of breast milk. To maintain the quality and quantity of breast milk, breastfeeding mothers are advised to consume around 2000-2500 calories per day, drink lots of water, and get enough rest. Breastfeeding mothers also need to meet their nutritional needs by consuming a variety of nutritious, balanced foods.
A balanced nutritious diet that is good for breastfeeding mothers needs to contain the following nutrients:
- Complex carbohydrates
Foods containing complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, beans, vegetables, and fruits, are good choices to meet energy needs during breastfeeding. This is because complex carbohydrates are digested more slowly by the body than simple carbohydrates, so they can supply energy for longer and keep blood sugar stable. - Protein
Breastfeeding mothers need to meet the protein intake needed by the baby to form nerve tissue and brain. According to research, sufficient protein intake from breast milk plays an important role in the growth of the baby’s brain which will support his intelligence later. Some types of food that are sources of protein are eggs, lean meat, fish, dairy products, nuts or seeds, and whole grains. - Healthy fats
Breastfeeding mothers are advised to avoid bad fats, such as saturated fats or trans fats that can be found in butter, palm oil, cream, and meat and whole milk. Instead, breastfeeding mothers need to consume foods with healthy fats that contain omega-3. These healthy fats can be obtained by consuming sea fish, avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil. Sea fish is often recommended for breastfeeding mothers to consume because it contains high protein and omega-3, consisting of DHA and EPA. These nutrients are important for the development of the baby’s eyes and brain, and support their growth and development so that they will become intelligent children in the future. - Iron
Iron plays an important role in the process of baby’s brain development. Therefore, breastfeeding mothers are advised to consume foods rich in iron, such as meat, nuts, green vegetables, and whole grains. To help iron absorption, also consume foods containing vitamin C, such as fruits and vegetables. - Calcium
Milk and dairy products, such as cheese and yogurt, and green vegetables are good sources of calcium. Other foods that are also high in calcium include tofu, tempeh, soy milk, and juices or cereals that have been fortified with calcium.
The important thing to remember in choosing food for breastfeeding mothers to have smart babies is to vary the types of food consumed so that the nutritional intake obtained is more diverse. If necessary, consult a nutritionist to find out what nutrients are needed by breastfeeding mothers and babies.
