How are energy and nutrient requirements determined during lactation?

Answer 1

It depends on whether the mother is exclusively breastfeeding or feeding a combination of human milk and formula. If breastfeeding only, she will need 500 kcal extra per day (minus ~170 kcal available from fat stores = 330 kcal) for the first 6 months and 400 kcal/day for the second 6 months. Recommendations for micronutrients are similar to those during pregnancy, although vitamin A requirements during lactation are greater and folate requirements are a bit reduced. Vitamin C is of interest because large amounts of vitamin C are secreted in milk and thus the RDA increases to 120 mg/day during lactation. Inadequate fluid intake can decrease milk volume; thus, fluid needs for lactating women are 13 cups per day.