Author Question: How are energy and nutrient requirements determined during ... (Read 43 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?

Medications that are definitely not safe to take when breastfeeding include radioactive drugs, antimetabolites, some cancer (chemotherapy) agents, bromocriptine, ergotamine, methotrexate, and cyclosporine.

Did you know?

Multiple sclerosis is a condition wherein the body's nervous system is weakened by an autoimmune reaction that attacks the myelin sheaths of neurons.

Did you know?

Hypertension is a silent killer because it is deadly and has no significant early symptoms. The danger from hypertension is the extra load on the heart, which can lead to hypertensive heart disease and kidney damage. This occurs without any major symptoms until the high blood pressure becomes extreme. Regular blood pressure checks are an important method of catching hypertension before it can kill you.

Did you know?

Children with strabismus (crossed eyes) can be treated. They are not able to outgrow this condition on their own, but with help, it can be more easily corrected at a younger age. It is important for infants to have eye examinations as early as possible in their development and then another at age 2 years.

Did you know?

Egg cells are about the size of a grain of sand. They are formed inside of a female's ovaries before she is even born.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library