New mothers may be in a dilemma as to what to eat and what not to eat. There are so many things to consider! They want to get back in shape, they want to shed the pregnancy weight, get their energy back, go back to eating for one, and most importantly, breastfeed! So with a plethora of information available on dietary trends post-pregnancy, women usually find themselves confused. More importantly, amidst taking care of the newborns, they forget to take care of themselves. So what can you do to correct your postpartum diet?

To help you solve your woes, HealthShots got in touch with Vidhi Chawla, Dietician and Founder of Fisico Diet Clinic, to share some do’s and don’ts of a postpartum diet.

Here are four things to keep in mind to follow a healthy postpartum diet:

1. Calories

Birthing is followed by breastfeeding, that’s why it becomes vital to provide the body with the right nutrition. An addition of 300-400 calories is all that needs to be consumed per day.

2. Protein

Extra proteins need to be consumed regularly. And not just in one meal from one source, every meal should have portions of proteins from different sources.

3. Galactagogues

Galactagogues, which enhance the production of milk in the body, can be induced using eatables such as papaya, nuts, seeds, chickpeas, beans, ginger, saunf, jeera, etc.

4. Minerals

Essential minerals such as zinc and folates should especially be ensured in the palette. To ensure the intake of these

Here are four things to avoid to follow a healthy a postpartum diet:

1. Avoid eating for two

A myth around post-pregnancy nutrition is that you need to eat for two. That is not necessarily healthy.

2. Avoid alcohol

Sudden consumption of alcohol, or tobacco too, may harm the body and slow down the recovery process.

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3. Avoid sedentary lifestyle

Complete rest is not advised, depending upon the delivery, as it may make the body too relaxed and recovery may take more time. Hence, being lightly active becomes absolutely necessary.

4. Avoid quick weight loss

After pregnancy, women have the pressure of getting back in shape. It is suggested that you don’t give in to that pressure. Don’t rush into a weight-loss diet immediately. Give your body some time to recover slowly but in a healthy manner.