Author Question: How are energy and nutrient requirements determined during ... (Read 51 times)

kodithompson

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 566
How are energy and nutrient requirements determined during lactation?

Question 2

How can a new mom be sure that the baby is getting enough if she is breastfeeding only?



shaquita

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 324
Answer to Question 1

It depends on whether the mother is exclusively breastfeeding or feeding a combination of human milk and formula. If breastfeeding only, she will need 500 kcal extra per day (minus 170 kcal available from fat stores = 330 kcal) for the first 6 months and 400 kcal/day for the second 6 months. Recommendations for micronutrients are similar to those during pregnancy, although vitamin A requirements during lactation are greater and folate requirements are a bit reduced. Vitamin C is of interest because large amounts of vitamin C are secreted in milk and thus the RDA increases to 120 mg/day during lactation. Inadequate fluid intake can decrease milk volume; thus, fluid needs for lactating women are 13 cups per day.

Answer to Question 2

The best indicators of adequate milk production are infant weight gain and frequency of wet diapers. Parents should expect 4-5 heavy diaper changes per day. Often during the first six months, infants have very small stomachs and can only consume small amounts of milk at each feeding, so moms may be breastfeeding as often as every two to three hours. Infants should be allowed to nurse on demand. It is expected that newborns will nurse at least 8-12 times each day.



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question
 

Did you know?

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, more than 50 million Americans have some kind of food allergy. Food allergies affect between 4 and 6% of children, and 4% of adults, according to the CDC. The most common food allergies include shellfish, peanuts, walnuts, fish, eggs, milk, and soy.

Did you know?

Approximately one in four people diagnosed with diabetes will develop foot problems. Of these, about one-third will require lower extremity amputation.

Did you know?

About 3% of all pregnant women will give birth to twins, which is an increase in rate of nearly 60% since the early 1980s.

Did you know?

Many of the drugs used by neuroscientists are derived from toxic plants and venomous animals (such as snakes, spiders, snails, and puffer fish).

Did you know?

In the ancient and medieval periods, dysentery killed about ? of all babies before they reach 12 months of age. The disease was transferred through contaminated drinking water, because there was no way to adequately dispose of sewage, which contaminated the water.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library