Nutrition during pregnancy and post childbirth

There are several wonderful nutritional guidelines beneficial for pregnant and nursing mothers.
Called variously by different communities, these dietry guidelines help nourish th emother, produce milk, prevent colic in infants and keep mother and baby healthy. the diets vary according to regional and community habits, availibility and preferences.

Pattiya Saapadu
Common Tamizh Brahmin traditions call for feeding the mother a gently spiced dishes with green gram and bottle gourd. Bottle gourd increases breastmilk production. Kootu is the simplest and most effective recipe.
I invite readers to share their recipes and traditions in this blog. Please mention the region and commuity you come from as this is relavant to the users.