Pregnancy & Lactation

family walking together in forest with sunsunshine Pregnant woman with glass of milk

Pregnancy

During pregnancy a healthy varied diet that contains adequate amounts of nutrients such, as iron, calcium and folate / folic acid will help the baby to grow and develop, and help your body deal with the changes taking place.

Vitamin D intake is important during pregnancy as the babies Vitamin D at birth is determined by the mothers own Vitamin D stores. The recommended amount of Vitamin D during pregnancy and lactation is 10µg per day.

Vitamin A is an important nutrient and the recommended amount increases slightly during pregnancy and lactation, high amounts however, are not recommended. You should be able to get all the Vitamin A you need by eating a varied and balanced diet.

Many multivitamins and some foods contains high amounts of Vitamin A, such as liver and some foods are fortified with Vitamin A such as Super Milk. It is important to keep track of all the sources of Vitamin A in your diet.

The Department of Health advice is to:

  • avoid taking supplements containing Vitamin A, including fish liver oil (except on the advice of your GP)
  • avoid eating liver or liver products such as pâté because these are very high in Vitamin A

If you want to know more about Vitamin A intake during pregnancy talk to your GP or midwife.

How can Super Milk contribute to a balanced diet during pregnancy?

  • Protein which is essential for growth and development
  • Calcium to help build and maintain healthy bones
  • Vitamin D helps absorb and utilise calcium in the body and helps maintain healthy bones
  • Vitamin B2 which is important for mental function and performance
  • Vitamin B12 which is needed for healthy blood
  • Vitamin A which helps keep skin and mucous membranes healthy, however, it is important to keep track of all the sources of Vitamin A in your diet. If you want to know more about Vitamin A intake during pregnancy talk to your GP or midwife
  • Vitamin E an antioxidant which helps to protect the body's cells
  • Folic acid which can contribute to a healthy pregnancy

Folic Acid

Folic acid has an established role in the prevention of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida. All women of child bearing age who may become pregnant are advised to take a daily supplement of 400µg of folic acid as it is difficult to achieve this extra folate through diet alone.

For more information on nutritional requirements at different stages of life contact your health professional.

Lactation

Nutritional requirements for a mother while breastfeeding are similar to the nutritional guidelines advised during pregnancy.

Calcium requirements when pregnant and breastfeeding increase from 800mg to 1200mg to match the calcium lost from the milk.

How can Super Milk contribute to a balanced diet when breastfeeding?

  • Protein which is essential for growth and development.
  • Calcium to help build and maintain healthy bones.
  • Vitamin D helps absorb and utilise calcium in the body and helps maintain healthy bones
  • Vitamin B2 which is important for mental function and performance.
  • Vitamin B12 which is needed for healthy blood.
  • Vitamin A which helps keep skin and mucous membranes healthy.
  • Vitamin E an antioxidant which helps to protect the body's cells.
  • Folic acid which is important for healthy blood.

For more information on nutritional requirements at different stages of life contact your health professional.