Pre and post natal health is an ever popular topic of discussion and debate. Australian Avocados have a few tips for new mums to keep in mind when considering you and your baby's health.

But why should you worry yourself while trying to deal with a new baby? Your health during pregnancy, and when breast-feeding, can affect your baby's health and therefore it is important as a new mother to know how to look after yourself during this time.

Breast-feeding

The most recent studies have shown that the benefits of breast-feeding your baby are abundantly clear. This of course is provided that you as the mother have supplemented your pregnancy with a healthy diet.

A pregnancy diet is important, but so are the foods you eat while you breast feed your child, because it is important for your breast-milk to be full of nutrients such as vitamin B 12 and folate, both of which are found in avocados.

You should aim to breast-feed your child until they are at least 6 months105.

Pre-natal Weight Gain

As you progress through pregnancy, it is important to keep your body supplemented with essential fats and protein in your pregnancy diet, which will keep your energy levels at their peak.

Recent research suggests that the amount of fat that is consumed during pregnancy can affect the blood-pressure of your unborn child106.

However, during your pregnancy you need to be mindful that your physical activity levels will be decreasing, so portion sizes will need to be taken into account.

Your pregnancy diet and the foods you consume during pregnancy are important.

Post-natal Weight Gain

Obesity is such a large issue in today's society, and the weight gained from a pregnancy may pose some problems.

It is important to have healthy weight goals when you are a new mother, however, it is imperative to make sure that nutrition is maintained during your pregnancy so that the process of losing the gestational weight is easier to achieve.

This is essential; especially if you wish to have more children in the future.

Studies suggest that gestational weight can lead to polycystic ovary syndrome.