Don't feel guilty about taking an extra helping at dinner; you need an additional 500 calories per day to help produce breast milk. For your baby's sake, ensure those calories are nutritious. "Eat whole grains, fruits, and vegetables as well as foods containing calcium," advises Laurie Beck, R.N., I.B.C.L.C., president of the Morrisville, N.C.-based U.S. Lactation Consultant Association. Breast milk is rich in calcium, and if your diet is lacking in this nutrient, your body will use your own calcium stores, potentially leaving you deficient. Discover more fascinating breastfeeding facts in this video.

Note: This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. In case of an emergency, contact your doctor or emergency services immediately. Underknown does not endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, or opinions mentioned in this content. Reliance on the information provided is at your own risk.

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