Nutritional features during lactation ‒ practical advice
General Medicine, 2024, 26(6), 52-58.
St. Hitrova-Nikolova1,2, G. Mumdzhieva1,2
1 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University ‒ Sofia
2 Clinic of Neonatology, University Hospital of Оbstetrics and Gynecology “Maychin dom” ‒ Sofia
Abstract. Nutrition during lactation is critical for both the mother’s and the infant’s health. Breastfeeding women require additional calories, proteins, fats, vitamins, and trace elements. Breast milk provides all the necessary macro- and micronutrients, but their content can vary depending on the mother’s diet. Three main balanced meals and 2-3 healthy snacks are recommended to meet increased maternal needs. Specific groups of women during lactation need different nutritional recommendations for this period. In the current review, we emphasize these features as well as useful practical advice for the daily menu. Support for optimal maternal nutrition during lactation is particularly important to maintain exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months. The general practitioner and the pediatrician are closest to a breastfeeding woman who often has difficulties with her nutrition.
Key words: maternal nutrition, lactation, features
Address for correspondence: Stanislava Hitrova-Nikolova, e-mail: stasia_doc@abv.bg