The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusively breastfeeding for the first 6 months of an infants life.

Breastfeeding can offer a slew of health benefits for both mom and baby.

Chicken

Chicken may be known as a versatile protein source that is loved by many.

Bottled breast milk and a pacifier.

Verywell / Getty Images

But this meat is also rich in breastfeeding-friendly nutrients.

Moms intake and status of this key nutrient impacts the levels found in breastmilk.

So if a mom isnt taking in enough of this nutrient, the breastmilk may contain insufficient levels too.

And deficiency of vitamin B12 during infancy is linked to a cluster of neurologic symptoms and developmental regression.

Proteins From Milk

What new mom doesnt want to feel the strong inside?

Leaning on convenient foods that contain high-quality and complete proteins from milk can help bridge that gap.

Maternal vitamin B-6 consumption strongly influences how much of the vitamin is found in breast milk.

Enjoying a glass of 100% orange juice can fuel your body with a natural source of thiamin.

Plus, this juice is a good source of hydrationa factor that is critical during lactation too.

Salmon

Salmon is a breastfeeding superfood.

Salmon also contains iodine, another nutrient found in breastmilk affected by moms status.

This nutrient plays a role in a babys brain health.

Mushrooms

When it comes to lactation, eating mushrooms can offer up some important nutrients.

One of these nutrients is riboflavin.

Mushrooms are also high in other B vitamins including pantothenic acid and niacin.

Oats

Breastfeeding people often swear by oats, claiming that it promotes milk supply.

Oats contain calories and are a comfort food.

The combination of supplying the body with nutrition while supporting relaxation may help in the lactation department.

Oats also contain key nutrients and complex carbs to help give moms sustainable energy in a natural way.

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