Factors Affecting the Composition and Volume of Breast Milk

Nutrition for Special Groups 3(3+0)

Lesson 14 : Nutrition for the Lactating Mothers

Factors Affecting the Composition and Volume of Breast Milk

  1. Maternal nutritional status: fat and energy concentration in milk are significantly related to fat stores.
  2. Parity: milk of primiparae has a higher fat concentration than that of multiparae.
  3. Supplementary feeding: No significant effect of supplementary feeding on the production of milk.
  4. Infant’s demand: The frequency of milk removal is an important determinant of the volume of milk secreted. Sucking stimulates the release of hormones that stimulate milk production.
  5. Undernourished mother produce less quantity but same quality of milk.
  6. Lactose, protein, calcium, iron, copper, fluorine content of milk is independent of the mother’s diet.
  7. Selenium, iodine and B complex vitamins content of milk is dependent on mother’s diet.
  8. Lactational capacity is a function of genetic heritage.
  9. Maternal physical activity, thermic effect of food or maternal and infant illness may affect the quantity and quality of milk.
  10. Milk production may also be affected by inadequate fluid intake.
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Last modified: Friday, 4 May 2012, 9:13 AM