Normal and Therapeutic Nutrition

Normal and Therapeutic Nutrition 3(2+1)

Lesson 11:Nutritional And Food Requirements For Lactating Woman

Introduction

Though lactation is a normal physiological process, it makes considerable nutritional demands on the mother. The physiological development for lactation begin during the later part of pregnancy. Apart from the growth and development of mammary glands, energy reserves are laid down in the form of fat in the body of the mother and this may become available in part to provide extra energy required during lactation.

The nutritional link between the mother and child continues even after birth. New born baby depends for some period safely on breast milk for its existence.

Successful lactation is dependent not only on an adequate diet but on desire to nurse the baby, freedom from anxiety, and sufficient rest as well.