For all Nursing and Expecting Mothers, pls provide feedback if you are currently taking fish oils.
The DHA levels of breast milk vary a lot according to the diet of the breastfeeding mother. In a Danish study, consuming fish or fish oil increased the amount of DHA found in the breast milk, and the researched noted large fluctuations in the levels of omega-3 fatty acids in breast milk. The milk of Nigerian women, whose diet is rich in nuts, has a high omega-3 fat content, significantly more than that of German mothers.
In a study from Connecticut, it was found that babies of mothers with higher DHA levels showed significantly more quiet sleep and less active sleep, and less sleep-wake transition than those of mothers with lower DHA levels. In other words, they slept better. This was interpreted as indicating greater central nervous system maturity in the higher DHA group. That is very interesting news for all pregnant and nursing mothers, since the baby's sleeping pattern has such an effect on everybody in the family.
Pregnant women should eat fish to get omega-3 fats, as well. It has been well proven that maternal fish consumption during pregnancy helps child cognitive development, independently of breastfeeding.
Additionally, by consuming fish or fish oils during pregnancy you can ward off postpartum depression, because women who develop that depression have lowered levels of DHA. The developing fetus has drawn a lot of DHA from the maternal sources, and a woman not eating foods high in omega-3's risks her own mental health. Books always tell pregnant women that you need to eat your yellow vegetables, your dark greens, and your proteins, but mention NOTHING about the omega-3 fats!
How to get DHA ? write to support@babyparadise.com.my
The DHA levels of breast milk vary a lot according to the diet of the breastfeeding mother. In a Danish study, consuming fish or fish oil increased the amount of DHA found in the breast milk, and the researched noted large fluctuations in the levels of omega-3 fatty acids in breast milk. The milk of Nigerian women, whose diet is rich in nuts, has a high omega-3 fat content, significantly more than that of German mothers.
In a study from Connecticut, it was found that babies of mothers with higher DHA levels showed significantly more quiet sleep and less active sleep, and less sleep-wake transition than those of mothers with lower DHA levels. In other words, they slept better. This was interpreted as indicating greater central nervous system maturity in the higher DHA group. That is very interesting news for all pregnant and nursing mothers, since the baby's sleeping pattern has such an effect on everybody in the family.
Pregnant women should eat fish to get omega-3 fats, as well. It has been well proven that maternal fish consumption during pregnancy helps child cognitive development, independently of breastfeeding.
Additionally, by consuming fish or fish oils during pregnancy you can ward off postpartum depression, because women who develop that depression have lowered levels of DHA. The developing fetus has drawn a lot of DHA from the maternal sources, and a woman not eating foods high in omega-3's risks her own mental health. Books always tell pregnant women that you need to eat your yellow vegetables, your dark greens, and your proteins, but mention NOTHING about the omega-3 fats!
How to get DHA ? write to support@babyparadise.com.my
Many people know how the fatty acid DHA is now added to some infant formulas, because it is a substance that is important for baby's brain growth.
ReplyDeleteBut did you know you can affect the level of DHA in your breast milk by your own diet?