Diet if not Breastfeeding

Facts

• • Your diet in the postnatal period is important to ensure that you recover from the nutritional demands of pregnancy, and have the stamina to care for a young baby. 
  • A healthy diet along with regular physical activity will also help you to recover your pre-pregnant weight and reduce the risk of accumulated weight gain with each pregnancy.
  • The Australian Guide to Healthy Eating below is for women of child-bearing age who are not pregnant or breastfeeding. It shows the recommended daily amounts of each food group to eat for good health.
  • Also, you are an important role model for your family, and research shows that your meal patterns and food choices will shape your child’s food habits and preferences as they grow up.

Recommended serves of food groups for women post-partum and not breastfeeding.

Click image to see and download larger version

Adapted from: Dietary Guidelines for Australian Adults and for Children and Adolescents in Australia (2003)

Tips

• • Keep a diary of what you usually eat and check this against the recommended serves.  Refer to the dairy section in the King Edward Memorial Hospital BLOOM Pack 1 (external )
  • If you would like to lose weight take it slowly in the first few months after delivery and pay attention to the amount and types of foods and drinks you eat. You could reduce the number of serves of extra foods, choose foods and drinks low in fat and sugar and minimise alcohol intake as well as increase your activity levels. Read more about weight control after pregnancy

Learn more about other diet issues after pregnancy:

• • Choose carbohydrate with a low Glycaemic Index
  • Choose reduced-fat options
  • Balance food intake with physical activity
  • Eat safe foods
  • Managing healthy eating

>> Managing Healthy Eating >>

Go to the Ngala Healthy You Healthy Baby App
Track your health and wellbeing during pregnancy and during the early stages of your child's life as well as receive tips on how to improve or maintain your health. 

Further Information

• • Nutrition
  • Weight
  • Emotions
  • Social Life
  • Sleep
  • Physical Activity

Parenting Workshops

• • Managing a Toddler and a Baby
  • You and Your New Baby
  • Skilled Dads
  • Sleep and Your Baby

Ngala Books & DVDs

• • Secrets of Good Sleepers Book
  • Secrets of Good Eaters Book
  • Building Brains for Young Children 0-3 Years DVD

For families of babies and young children who reside or work in W.A.,
if you need further assistance contact the Ngala Helpline
Telephone 9368 9368 or Country Access 1800 111 546
8am to 8pm 7 days a week or

or get support online via the My Ngala Forums

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