Dr. Ditchek Dr. Stuart H. Ditchek, MD, FAAP Pediatrics... Naturally

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Nutrition for Nursing Moms

Congratulations for choosing to breastfeed. It’s a gift to your baby that has benefits for you as well. Here are some tips on eating well while you’re nursing:

• Continue the healthy diet you followed through your pregnancy—one high in protein, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Getting the right nutrients—and enough of them—is essential to both you and your little one. Plus, eating well will give you the energy you need to care for the new addition to your family.
• You’re still eating for two, so the most important thing is to make sure you get enough calories. You must eat an extra 500 calories a day, or you’ll lose weight too quickly and your milk will not have enough of the healthy fatty acids your baby needs. Aim for a total of 2,500-2,700 calories a day. Make healthy choices for your meals and snacks, because filling up with junk food now may predispose your nursing baby to obesity later.

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Paging Dr. D™

There were so many favorite foods I gave up while I was pregnant for the sake of my baby. Is it okay to indulge in a glass of wine or snack on some glazed doughnuts now?

I know what you want me to say, but I can’t. You can have a glass of wine with dinner as long as it’s at least two hours before your baby’s next feeding—but only one. As for the doughnuts, an occasional treat is no problem. However, the evidence is increasing that if you eat too many sweet or starchy foods while nursing, you may affect your developing child’s metabolism for life, switching on genes responsible for appetite and blood-sugar control that can make him more vulnerable to obesity and diabetes later. So stick to a healthy, varied diet—it’s good practice for being a good role model once your child is old enough to notice what’s on your plate. More….

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Dr. D™ Blog

Joint pain and fever in a 15 year old

(5/29/2008)

I saw a young man with Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) who has been having pain in his hand for 24 hours along with a low grade fever. He has a history of Celiac Disease or gluten enteropathy (sensitivity to the primary component of wheat products). This entity is very common in children with Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) and can cause a number of symptoms including bloating, loose stools and growth failure. In cases where the dietary management is not complied with, there can be inflammatory complications such as joint pain. All children with Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) should be screened for Celiac Disease as part of their routine screenings as it is present in nearly 25% of individuals with Trisomy 21.

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