Question

Hello, this is Jessie Hardcastle over at the Refugee Resettlement Organization. We are dealing with a large number of women with infants who have recently been resettled in our town. However, the doctors tell us that they have some malnutrition problems and need information about how to eat healthily. The doctor has given them vitamins but they need basic nutrition for new mothers and infants up to 2 years old. Could you put together an educational program for them and choose examples of a good menu for a week for the mothers? They could also use the information on WIC, and on proper feeding of infants from newborn to 2 years old."

Answer 1

Malnutrition is a serious condition that happens when your diet does not contain the right amount of nutrients. Malnutrition is often used to specifically refer to undernutrition where an individual is not getting enough calories, protein, or micronutrients. If undernutrition occurs during pregnancy, or before 2 years of age, it may result in permanent problems with physical and mental development.

In order to inform them about the basic nutrition they needed , Initially we have to let them understand the root cause of it , and the reason behind such problems .

Initially we should list them food items through which the can prevent their child as well as themselves from malnutrition in future , later on we should discuss about the nutrition chart and menu for a week for the mother's .

The best way to prevent malnutrition is to eat a healthy, balanced diet.
plenty of fruit and vegetables
plenty of starchy foods such as bread, rice, potatoes, pasta
some milk and dairy foods or non-dairy alternatives
some sources of protein, such as meat, fish, eggs and beans.

Menu for a week for the new mother's (Breastfeeding ):

• Include protein foods 2-3 times per day such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, beans, nuts and seeds.
• Eat three servings of vegetables, including dark green and yellow vegetables per day.
• Eat two servings of fruit per day.
• Include whole grains such as whole wheat breads, pasta, cereal and oatmeal in your daily diet.
• Drink water to satisfy your thirst. Many women find they are thirsty while breastfeeding; however, forcing yourself to drink fluids does not increase your supply.
• Dietary restrictions from pregnancy do not apply to breastfeeding moms.
• Vegetarian diets can be compatible with breastfeeding. If you avoid meat, make sure you eat other sources of iron and zinc such as dried beans, dried fruit, nuts, seeds and dairy. If you avoid all animal products (vegan diet) you will need to take a B12 supplement to make sure your baby does not develop a B12 deficiency.

Also here is a weekly chart for breastfeeding mothers for a different meal time :