The BFAB (Breastfeeding Answer Book) 2003, has a good synopsis re: Vitamin D. One alternative suggestion is to give mom 1000-2000IU per day of Vit D,  which increases levels in her milk.  Gartner (2001) says this may place mother at risk for kidney stones. (Hey Norway, will cod liver oil do the trick without the complications?)

The important thing to remember about sun exposure is it is only needed for a few minutes per day, on baby's cheeks for instance.  We aren't talking about sun bathing here!  Dark skinned moms and babies need more time in sunlight, but we are still talking about minutes, not hours.  Sunlight in an open window (glass interferes) can do the trick.  

Risk factors for Vit D deficiency are: dark skin; consistent coverage of skin with clothing or sunscreen; areas of world where there is little sun for parts of the year; don't go outdoors; heavy air pollution, which blocks sunlight; mom is vit D deficient (for any of the above reasons.)  Pat in SNJ

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