India, Aug. 7 -- Mothers who breastfeed know how tough it can be, and it is not because the moms are not trying enough. Often, several mental, environmental, and nutritional factors intervene, making the process, which is beneficial for both the mother and the child, a lot tougher.

Nutrition plays a major role in preparing a mother for her breastfeeding journey. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Payel Biswas Soo, MS Lact (Spain), IBCLC (USA), a lactation specialist, Milann Hospital, Bengaluru, stressed that breastfeeding mothers have unique nutritional needs to support both their own health and their baby's development.

"Producing breast milk requires extra energy and nutrients, so eating a balanced, nourishing diet is essential dur...