Lactation 3 Flashcards
How are energy needs calculated for lactating parents?
0-6 months postpartum: Pre-pregnancy EER + 400 kcal/day.
6-12 months postpartum: Pre-pregnancy EER + 380 kcal/day.
Why do energy needs decrease after 6 months postpartum?
The baby starts eating complementary foods.
Breastfeeding is no longer the sole source of nutrition.
What is the recommended daily energy intake increase for lactating parents?
What is the recommended daily energy intake increase for lactating parents?
How does restricting energy intake affect milk production?
Can reduce milk volume if intake is too low.
Weight loss should be gradual to maintain milk supply.
Should weight loss be emphasized as a benefit of breastfeeding? Why or why not?
No, findings on postpartum weight loss and breastfeeding are inconsistent.
Overemphasizing weight loss may cause early discontinuation of breastfeeding.
What are the daily recommended intakes for macronutrients in lactation?
Carbohydrates: RDA = 210 g/day.
Protein: RDA = 1.3 g/kg/day.
Linoleic acid (omega-6): AI = 13 g/day.
Alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3): AI = 1.3 g/day.
Which 5 micronutrients increase in lactation?
Vitamin A, C, E (antioxidants in milk).
Choline, Iodine.
Which 2 micronutrients decrease in lactation?
Folate (still needed, but lower than pregnancy).
Iron (if not menstruating).
How does fluid intake change during lactation?
AI = 3.8 L/day to account for extra water in milk.
Breastfeeding parents do not need to drink excess water unless thirsty.
Who might need supplements during lactation?
People who don’t eat dairy → Calcium, Vitamin D.
Vegetarians/Vegans → Calcium, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Zinc, Iron.
People at risk for deficiencies (poor diet, medications, chronic conditions).
All people of childbearing age → 400 mcg folic acid daily.
How often should newborns breastfeed?
On demand, every 2-3 hours, >10 times per day.
Why do newborns need frequent feedings?
Their stomachs are small (5-7 mL at birth).
By 1 month, stomach capacity increases to 80-150 mL.
What are 3 early hunger cues in newborns?
Stirring, mouth opening.
Turning head, seeking/rooting.
What are 3 mid-level hunger cues?
Stretching, increased physical movement.
Hand-to-mouth movements
What is a late hunger cue?
Crying (last resort, signals distress).
What are four recommended breastfeeding positions?
Cradle hold.
Cross-cradle hold.
Clutch/football hold.
Side-lying position.
What are 5 key signs of a good latch?
Baby widely opens mouth before attaching.
Chin touches breast first.
Lips flange outward.
2-3 cm of breast tissue inside baby’s mouth.
Visible swallowing sounds/movements.
What are 4 signs that a baby is getting enough milk?
Wet diapers: At least 6-10 per day by day 6.
Bowel movements: 3-5+ soft, yellow stools per day.
Weight gain: Baby loses ≤7% of birth weight in first 5 days, then starts gaining.
Alertness & responsiveness: Quiet, alert periods between feeds.
Can a baby be allergic to breastmilk?
True allergy is very rare. Reactions may be due to flavors in milk (e.g., garlic, onion).
What should a parent do if they think their baby isn’t getting enough milk?
Increase feeding frequency.
Consider supplementing with formula if needed.
Pump to build supply if necessary.
Should a sick infant still be breastfed?
Yes, breastmilk provides immunological protection to help fight illness.
Should a sick parent still breastfeed?
Yes, except in severe cases.
If physically unable, they can pump and store milk.
Are most medications safe during breastfeeding?
Yes, but consult a healthcare provider.
What are galactagogues, and what are some examples?
Substances that promote milk production.
Examples: Lactation cookies, domperidone (prescription).
How can milk expression be promoted?
Manual massage of the breast.
Using a breast pump.
What are the official recommendations for breastfeeding duration?
Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months.
Continued breastfeeding up to 2 years and beyond.
When is breastfeeding usually discontinued in Canada?
Most infants are weaned within the first year.
How does maternal diet affect breastmilk?
Influences fatty acid composition and vitamin levels.
Can introduce flavors (e.g., garlic, mint).
Does not significantly affect protein or carbohydrate content.
What substances should be avoided during breastfeeding?
Alcohol and cannabis.
Excess caffeine (limit to 300 mg/day, ~2-3 cups coffee).
Do lactating parents need supplements?
Generally not needed unless:
They avoid dairy (Calcium, Vitamin D needed).
They follow a vegan diet (Vitamin B12, Zinc, Iron needed).
They have chronic conditions or poor diet.
