Lactation | Common Nutritional Problems and Recommended Diet

BREASTFEEDING
 Gold standard for infant feeding which aids in the infant’s proper nutrition and natural immune
system.
 Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first 6 months and breastfeeding for at least the
first year.
GENERAL CONSIDERATION
 Breastfeeding mothers need more calories to meet nutritional needs. They need an additional 450-
500 kcal per day which is approximately 2,300-2,500 kcal per day.
 The diet of lactating others won’t affect the quantity and/or caloric value of the breastmilk.
COMMON NUTRITIONAL PROBLEMS
1. Weight loss - caused by deficit of the required calorie per day.
Intervention: Increase in calorie intake through diverse and healthy food choices or by
following the recommended diet for lactating mothers.
2. Inadequate Calcium - the body will remove calcium from the bone to supply it to the
     breastfeeding infant.
- studies have shown 3-5% reduction in lactating mother’s bone mass
due to calcium deficiency.
3. Constipation - caused by failure to consume adequate water and fiber.
Intervention: Increase water intake and include fiber-rich foods in the diet.
RECOMMENDED DIET
1. Water - 8 glasses of water
2. Vegetables - 3cups of vegetables per day
3. Protein - additional 25 grams per day
4. Fruits - 2 cups of fruits a day
5. Dairy - 3 cups of dairy products a day.

LIMITATIONS & RESTRCTIONS

1. Caffeine - may cause poor sleeping pattern, fussiness,

and irritability to infants.
2. Seafoods - mercury content of some fish may cause
adverse effect to the brain and nervous system of the
infants.
3. Spicy or gas-producing foods - may cause infants to
be gassy or to experience diarrhea.

LUCENA | MARCELO | NATAL

BSN 209