Mom's Diet and it's Impacts on Breastmilk Nutrient Levels (NEW Study Results)

After the birth of a baby, things are typically centered around caring for the baby. There is a lot of attention on the baby's nutrition and making sure they are fed properly. Did you know that it is the most important time for mom to focus on her dietary needs - more so than pregnancy? Now you are caring for yourself and the baby, especially if you are breastfeeding. I think one of the challenges is making sure during your sleep deprived moments that you remember to eat a well-balanced diet.

This NEW research study found that the average breastfeeding mom’s diet isn't providing the desired levels of key nutrients naturally found in breast milk. These 3 nutrients are:

DHA: (docosahexaenoic acid) a fatty acid essential for a baby’s brain development

Lutein: a component in breast milk that supports eye health

Vitamin E: an important antioxidant to support developing cells

Mainstream dietary organizations believe that the ideal for pregnant and lactating women would be to consume at least 200 milligrams of DHA, 19 milligrams of vitamin E per day, and lutein at 4-7 milligrams.

Examples of this would be: to eat (3) 4 ounce servings of salmon per week as a source of DHA, 1 ounce of almonds or peanuts per day as a source of vitamin E and 2 cups of cooked broccoli a day as a source of lutein.

I had the pleasure of discussing these findings in depth with Abbott Research Scientist Christina Sherry. She explained that eating the nutrients through food was the best step. But for most of us that might not be an option. Similac makes a Breastfeeding Supplement that will compliment your prenatal vitamin and will improve your levels of DHA, vitamin E and lutein.