Breastfeeding Diet for Excellent Brain Development in an Infant

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that mothers breastfeed for 12 months to provide their babies with the best start in development. Invest in your childs future brain growth by supplying nutrient-rich milk. While a special diet isnt necessary, concentrate on selecting a variety of foods to expose your baby to a wide range of flavors. Opt for fresh foods whenever possible to ensure you are ingesting vitamins in their purest form. A rainbow of foods on your plate secures your child's proper brain health and development.

Iodine

Pediatric neurologist G. Robert Delong writes in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition that Iodine deficiency is the most widespread nutritional cause of impairment of brain development. . . [and] remains one of the worlds most common preventable causes of mental retardation. Find iodine in yogurt, eggs, milk and strawberries in addition to processed foods like iodized salt and bread products. Some fish also contain high levels of iodine depending on the waters where they were harvested.

DHA

Docosahexaenoic acid, the healthiest of the omega-3 fatty acids, increases brain health and function for you and your baby because the brain is comprised of 60% fat. While formula makers promote their DHA supplementation, you can provide the same neurological benefits to your child by eating foods naturally rich in the fatty acid. To meet the daily requirements of DHA, consume foods like walnuts, avocados or DHA-enriched egg yolks. Fish provides one of best sources of DHA, but select fish low in mercury like salmon, canned light tuna, shrimp and catfish.

Iron and Protein

The breastfeeding mother can easily become anemic, but babies need the iron in proteins to properly develop the central nervous system. The highest sources of protein are found in dried beans, legumes and soybeans or animal-based foods like chicken, red meat, fish or dairy products. Add to those protein sources with iron-rich breakfast foods like whole grain bread and oatmeal, and supplement throughout the day with leafy green vegetables like spinach and kale or superpower starches such as the sweet potato.

Calcium and Vitamin D

Calcium, a nutrient necessary for nerve function, is an important staple in any diet. Dairy products like milk, yogurts and cheeses are an obvious source of calcium, but you can also benefit from dark green leafy vegetables, sunflower seeds, or foods enriched with calcium like some cereals or orange juice. Vitamin D, the "sunshine vitamin," helps the body process calcium properly; without it, the nutrients are wasted. Find adequate vitamin D in cod liver oil, fish, enriched milk and orange juice or vitamin supplements.