You already know that eating well during pregnancy is crucial to your developing baby's health. But did you know that attention to nutrition is just as important to you and your baby now? Carrying a child for 9 months makes enormous demands on your own nutrient stores. And if you choose to breastfeed, you should consume a diet that meets the additional energy needs required to help you produce breast milk.

In the United States, the Committee on Recommended Dietary Allowances of the Food and Nutrition Board recommends that lactating (breastfeeding) women eat a diet higher in every required nutrient. It is generally recommended that they consume an additional 500 calories per day. Although pregnant women store body fat to supply the extra energy (or calories) they will eventually need for breastfeeding, fat storage alone does not meet all of their needs. The remainder of this energy has to be derived from their diet. If you have given birth to twins, you will have even greater dietary needs.

Along with increased calorie needs, lactating women require an increase of 12 grams to 15 grams of protein daily. It's also important to get enough dietary calcium to prevent loss of this important mineral from your bones. These needs can be met by adding 3 cups of milk per day to your predelivery intake. You will also need to increase your consumption of vitamins E and C and folic acid. You can do this by eating more citrus fruits, leafy greens, and vegetable oils. For more information, see What to Eat During Lactation.

Although many health care experts believe that a well-balanced diet can meet all of a lactating woman's nutritional needs, others favor the use of vitamin and mineral supplements during lactation. You should consult your health care professional for advice on meeting your particular needs. Please also see Nutritional Supplements for Lactation.