Good nutrition is just as important for breastfeeding women as it is for pregnant women.

Here are 3 good reasons why your own good nutrition is important during lactation:

In terms of nutrition, your breastfeeding baby is demanding a lot more of you now than he/she did when you were pregnant.  That’s because his/her growth is so much more substantial.  In the first 4 months of life, an infant typically doubles the birthweight that it took 9 months of pregnancy to achieve. 

The breast milk production required to support this growth is considerable.  To support 1 month of breastfeeding, you will use as many calories as you did during your entire pregnancy. 

Good nutrition and plenty of fluids will help ensure a sufficient milk supply.  Wholesome nutrition also helps you produce the best quality breast milk.  Adequate vitamin intake will help ensure that your breast milk is rich in essential vitamins.  Good nutritional status can also favorably affect important proteins in breast milk that help protect your baby from infection.

Making sure that your diet keeps up with your baby’s nutrient demands will also help to protect your own nutrient stores.  Although low intake of minerals is unlikely to reduce the mineral content of your breast milk, your own stores may be depleted in order to compensate. 

This site, along with your health care professional’s advice, can help ensure the best nutrition for you and your baby while you are breastfeeding.

Your need for virtually every nutrient—protein, vitamins, minerals, etc.—are greater when you are breastfeeding.
See What to Eat During Lactation for details about the nutrients you need and the best sources for them.

Nutritional supplements can help ensure that you meet nutrient needs during lactation.
Our Nutritional Supplements for Lactation will tell you more about how supplements can help ensure good nutrition while you are breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding is natural, but it does not always come naturally.Learn more about technique, breast care, and dealing with occasional complications in How to Breastfeed, Breast Care, and Breast Infections.