A breastfed infant is dependent on the mother's milk as the primary source of nutrition. Lactation requires the mother to consume an additional 500 Kcal per day (approximately) as well as increased protein, calcium, and other vitamins and minerals (2, 1). Inadequate maternal nutrition may result in decreased nutrient content of the milk (1). Special attention should therefore be given to the health and nutritional status of breastfed infants whose mothers are at nutritional risk (4).

References

1. Institute of Medicine. Nutrition During Lactation. National Academy Press, Washington, D.C.; 1991.

2. National Research Council (U.S.), Subcommittee on the Tenth Edition of the RDAs, National Institutes of Health, Committee on Dietary Allowances. Recommended dietary allowances. Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press, 1989.

3. WIC Program Regulations; Section 246.7(e)(1)(i).

4. Worthington-Roberts BS, Williams SR. Nutrition During Pregnancy and Lactation. St. Louis: Mosby, 1989.