The hospital is not always the best place to do teaching! If you've forgotten what you learned about nutrition for you and your baby after giving birth, here is a simple checklist to make sure you have the basics covered. Remember, you can also contact your Regional CPNP Nutritionist, nurse, doctor, or health center if you have questions.
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Rest whenever you can.
Continue to take your prenatal vitamin every day. If you run out of your prenatal vitamins, you can choose to switch to a regular multivitamin.
Drink fluids – aim for at least 8 cups a day. Water and milk are great choices.
Eat a variety of foods from the four food groups, including country foods every day. If you are experiencing constipation, include foods high in fibre (fruits and vegetables, brown rice, whole wheat pasta and bread) and drink your fluids.
From October to April, take an extra Vitamin D pill – you need 400 IU extra per day (in addition to your prenatal/multivitamin vitamin) in the North.
Do Kegel Exercises to help you tone up and strengthen your pelvic muscles.
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Feeding – feed on demand. If you are breastfeeding or formula feeding, your baby does not need anything else to eat or drink until about 6 months.
Peeing and Pooping – this can help you know if baby is eating enough.
Vitamin D drops
Make sure you know how to prepare formula properly
Take care of baby’s teeth