You
> state that it is a myth that bf moms need a
> good diet and prenatal vits while bf.  I learned in my educator course
that
> they do need those. I am a ped. Nurse practitioner and routinely tell my
> moms they must continue their vits. while bf.  So the babies can obtain
them
> through the milk. I am constantly fighting with the docs who want to give
> the babies vit. Supplements through dropper.  My reasoning is the babies
get
> vits from mom if she takes them daily.  Why is this a myth???
 Dear Candice and Laura,
it has always been my understanding from literature that mother's will make
good and even perfect milk regardless of their own diet, unless they are
severely undernourished, like in longterm food shortage or in war times
(There is one much cited study regarding the Hungerwinter in WWII, when
people ate potatoe peels and tulip bulbs, then the milk would become less in
volume.). Milk quality may vary a bit by maternal intake, but that is mainly
for the amount and type of fat; vitamins are much less influenced by
maternal intake. The nutrients in milk are drawn rather from the body stores
than directly from the maternal food intake.
The reason to do urge moms to make sure they have a well balanced diet is
for themselves to stay fit and healthy and be able to performe their
motherly tasks.

Gonneke van Veldhuizen, IBCLC, Maaseik, Belgium
 - one who gives birth is partly mother, one who nurses is fully mother
                                                                  - Jacob
Cats, 17th century

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