Author(s): Dr. Kalpana Rani

Abstract:
Nutrient requirements are considerably elevated during lactation than in any other stage of a woman's reproductive life. Women who are breastfeeding should increase their energy and nutrient intake to levels above those of non-pregnant, non-lactating women. The requirement are greater than during the pregnancy period, since breast milk to supply an adequate amount of all the nutrients for an infant's needs for growth and development. By four months after birth, an infant doubles the birth weight accumulated during the nine-month pregnancy period. The milk secreted in one month represents more energy than the total cost of a pregnancy.