What you eat (nutrition) has no effect on the milk supply? Every mother regardless of diet will produce milk if they have no other health issues, like PCOS, breast augmentation, thyroid issues, high BP, etc. A balanced diet is recommended because it takes a lot of energy to breastfeed. A balanced diet would help to ensure that the mother is healthy and has energy. A mother with poor nutrition while pregnant has been shown to result in low birth weight. An infant with low birth weight may not stimulate a full volume of milk production.
You do need to drink enough water. Breastmilk is made up of more than 87% water. A mother who is not drinking enough water may become dehydrated. It is recommended that mothers drink for thirst and have water close by at all times. Bottom line: A mothers’ health in general needs to be top-notch in order to care for an infant and family. If you are not eating enough food throughout the day, then vitamins at the very least should be taken to make sure you’re getting the nutrition missed from not eating.
Have more questions about breastfeeding and nutrition? Ask Natural Lactation’s owner, Lactation Consultant, and Birth Doula Andrea!