Nutritional requirements of lactating women

Abstract

The benefits of breastfeeding, as opposed to formula feeding for the baby are well known, and it is widely understood that the mother is also likely to gain from breastfeeding (Mepham, 1987). Lactation offers some protection from breast cancer and will assist her in regaining her pre-pregnancy figure and weight. Much less is known, however, about the nutritional needs of the mother — the only advice she is likely to receive is to: ‘eat a well-balanced diet and drink plenty.’ This article seeks to review the literature into what lactating women require.