Diet for a Healthy Lactating Woman

Clin Obstet Gynecol. 2015 Dec;58(4):893-901. doi: 10.1097/GRF.0000000000000144.

Abstract

The nutrient and caloric requirements for lactation are set by the Institute of Medicine. The dietary pattern to meet those needs is found in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Only deficiency states for selected nutrients and/or prolonged inadequate caloric intake appear to affect the volume and quality of breast milk. Other dietary concerns of lactating women include "dieting" to return to prepregnancy weight; low maternal intake of selected nutrients due to health conditions or food choices; need for supplementation of calcium, vitamin D, and fatty acids; and use of non-nutritive sweeteners, caffeine, herbal supplements, and alcohol.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alcohol Drinking
  • Caffeine
  • Calcium, Dietary
  • Diet*
  • Diet, Reducing
  • Diet, Vegetarian
  • Directive Counseling
  • Fatty Acids
  • Female
  • Guidelines as Topic
  • Humans
  • Iodine
  • Lactation / physiology*
  • Nutritional Status / physiology*
  • Postpartum Period
  • Recommended Dietary Allowances
  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin D
  • Weight Loss

Substances

  • Calcium, Dietary
  • Fatty Acids
  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin D
  • Caffeine
  • Iodine