RMC Women

Nutritional Guidelines for Lactating Women

• Select a variety of foods from the food guide pyramid to obtain the necessary, balanced diet.
  
• Usual recommendation is 500 extra calories per day.
  
• 6 - 8 glasses of fluid per day is recommended (easily obtained by drinking to thirst). No increase or restriction is necessary.
  
• Mothers may continue their prenatal vitamins.
  
• Smoking, alcohol, and caffeine consumption is discouraged. If avoidance is not possible, please limit consumption.
  
• If a mother cannot tolerate a particular food group, attention should be given to obtain the necessary nutrient from another source. Ex: milk intolerance-calcium supplements or dark green leafy vegetables.
  
• Vegetarian diets are not a problem as long as some animal protein is consumed. A registered dietician should be consulted.
  
• Occasionally something a mother consumes or a known history of food allergy will have an effect on the infant. Limitations of these foods may be necessary.