Pregnancy Information Center
Information, Symptoms, Treatments and Resources
Best Foods for Breastfeeding Moms
Nutrient Needs While Breastfeeding
Nutrient Needs While Breastfeeding
A woman’s nutritional needs are greater while breastfeeding. A nursing mother needs significantly more of certain vitamins and nutrients than the average woman, including protein and carbohydrates; vitamins A, C and E; all the B vitamins; and iodine, selenium and zinc. Taking multivitamins or supplements is not a substitute for healthy eating. Eating a varied diet and including a few key foods will help nursing mothers meet these nutrient needs.
By Nicole Ferring Holovach, MS, RD. Nicole is a Washington, DC-based nutrition communications professional, writer, and yoga teacher. She blogs about holistic health at www.WholeHealthRD.com.
