Question

Discuss the major nutritional factors that are needed to support lactation. What additional non- nutritional needs does the breastfeeding mother have, and what suggestions can you give to help her meet them? Why is additional fluid needed for lactation?

nutrition

Answer 1

Lactation refers to secretion of milk from the mammary glands.

Nutritional needs during laction depend primarily on the volume and composition of milk produced and on mothers nutritional status.

Eating a healthy diet while you are breastfeeding is important because hat you eat determimes the energy,protein,vitamin and nutrient content of breast milk.

Nutritional demands during lactation are high where an additional 550kcal is needed for first six months and 400kcal for the next six months.

The major nutrients that are required during lactation are

Carbohydrates(160g/kg/day),Proteins(71g),Iron(9mg),folic acid(500ug),Calcium(1000mg),Vitamin B12(2.8ug).

The non nutritional factors that are required for breast feeding mothers are:

• Maintain comfortable position
• Take proper rest
• Relax with your baby
• Takecare of skin by applying moisturizer
• Maintain proper care of breast by preventing from breast engorgement and breast saffing
• Massage is one the best therapy to relieve from tiredness

The additional fluid is required during lactation because both mother and baby should be well hydrated and 90% of breast milk is composed of water.To meet these fluid demand its not necessary to take only plain fluid it can be met by taking in combination forms like fruit juices,soups,water rich fruits and vegetables etc.