Nutritional Supplements While Breastfeeding

If you are not eating a healthy, nutritious diet, either you or your baby are likely to fall short of the daily vitamins and minerals you need. By taking your prenatal vitamins before and after birth, which many obstetricians recommend, then you and your baby will have a stronger immune system to fight sickness disease, and be in the best health you can be.

Essential Nutrients for Mother and Baby

The three vitamins and supplements pregnant and breastfeeding mothers most need are, Calcium, Iron Folic, and Vitamin B

A Little Sun

Another supplement your baby might need is vitamin D, which is necessary to absorb calcium into the bones. Vitamin D is in breast milk, but in low amounts.

What can you do? The sun naturally converts certain body chemicals to vitamin D. Many obstetricians suggest taking your baby outside for about a half hour each day. If your baby gets about 20 minutes of sun exposure on their cheeks once a day, then they are probably getting enough vitamin D.

But be careful about exposing your baby to too much sun, which can cause sunburn and raise baby's risk of skin cancer in later life. If you're uncertain about what to do, talk to your pediatrician about this issue, and ask about the proper dose and type of vitamin D supplements for your baby.

B for Energy

In addition, if you are a strict vegetarian, your breast milk might be missing adequate stores of vitamin B-12. Ask your pediatrician if your baby needs supplements of this nutrient as well.

No Alcohol Please

As you probably already know, alcohol and pregnancy are a dangerous mix. Surprisingly, however, the evidence is far less clear when it comes to alcohol's effects during breastfeeding.

With studies on both sides of the fence, some showing it may increase the risk of problems, others failing to prove it, it's not surprising that experts are divided on the subject.

As a result, breastfeeding moms should err on the side of caution. Just choose to not drink at all during pregnancy and breastfeeding so you can give your precious new baby a strong and healthy immune system to start their new life.

Vitamins Supplements for Stronger Immune System to Fight Disease

Review the right column links for the Calcium, Iron Folic, and Vitamin B you and your baby need while breastfeeding.

Good day and good health to you and your new child.