MyPyramid for Pregnancy and Breastfeeding is designed to meet the unique nutritional needs for pregnant and breastfeeding women. It helps women who are pregnant or breastfeeding plan food choices that will follow MyPyramid and meet their nutrient needs.

Development:

MyPyramid for Pregnancy and Breastfeeding was developed by the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (CNPP) in conjunction with the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children – better known as the WIC Program. The content was developed in consultation with a number of experts in maternal and child nutrition in various agencies of USDA, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and academic institutions.  The content was also reviewed for consistency with the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans by committees on dietary guidance within both USDA and HHS.

Materials:

MyPyramid for Pregnancy and Breastfeeding materials are largely web-based. A user can input basic data to receive an individualized MyPyramid Plan, called “MyPyramid Plan for Moms.” This plan provides recommended amounts to eat from each food group, by trimester of pregnancy or stage of breastfeeding.

The website also includes information on nutritional needs during pregnancy and breastfeeding, weight gain in pregnancy, weight loss during breastfeeding, dietary supplements, food safety, and special health needs. The website also includes numerous links to additional information on pregnancy or breastfeeding from other federal agencies.

In addition to the web-based materials, WIC has developed three printed fact sheets using the same information. These fact sheets are available through WIC clinics and can be downloaded from the WIC Works website.

Relationship to MyPyramid:

MyPyramid, released by USDA in April 2005, is an update to the original Food Guide Pyramid. MyPyramid encourages consumers to make smart choices from every food group, find their balance between food and physical activity, and get the most nutrition from their calories. The MyPyramid food guidance system is made up of motivational and educational tools to help consumers more effectively implement the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Interactive tools included on the MyPyramid.gov website are the MyPyramid Plan and the MyPyramid Tracker. MyPyramid Plan helps consumers find the kinds and amounts of food they should eat to meet the 2005 Dietary Guidelines. The MyPyramid Tracker is for consumers who want a detailed assessment and analysis of their current eating and physical activity habits and provides guidance on how to improve them. The MyPyramid food guidance system also includes print materials, MyPyramid for Kids, and the Spanish-language version, MiPirámide.

MyPyramid for Pregnancy and Breastfeeding expands the information provided by MyPyramid to include specific advice for pregnant and breastfeeding women.


This page was last updated on November 04, 2008 02:15 PM