Lactation
Nutritional needs of a nursing mother
Milk Nutritional requirements of a nursing mother are higher than pregnant mother as the child’s demand for milk increases. Nursing mother needs more protein, minerals, vitamins and calories. Additional diet requirement. Since the additional requirements of nursing mother are for production and secretion of breast milk, it can be continued as long as the mother is feeding the baby. Requirement may be reduced progressively as milk output is reduced.

Milk Suggest the foods to get the additional nutritional requirements 4 additional servings of protein foods, 2 out of which should be of milk to provide additional requirement of calcium and riboflavin. A serving each of dark green, or yellow orange vegetable/fruit and one to two citrus fruits to provide vitamin A and C. 2–3 servings from cereal group and 15–20 ml of oil to provide essential fatty acid sand additional energy. Number of feeds need to be increased to accommodate extra food.

• Select nutrient dense foods.
• Consume more fluids to compensate total breast milk output.
• Lacteous ( almonds, garden cress seeds, poppy seeds, fenugreek seeds, garlic etc.) may be included in the diet to stimulate milk production. Sufficient rest for mother, freedom from anxiety and desire to nurse baby are also essential for successful lactation.