Nutrition During Lactation

Summary of a January 2020 workshop when the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academies convened to explore where new evidence has emerged relevant to nutrition during pregnancy and lactation.

This guide provides a number of publications that are designed and targeted for families of groups such as: African American Women, American Indian and Alaska Native Families.

Exclusive breastfeeding under 6 months, calculated from a single 24 hour recall  among mothers of children 0-5 months of age, is a World Health Organization (WHO) indicator used to monitor progress on the 2025 global breastfeeding target.

Provides resources for educating women about their nutritional needs while breastfeeding. Includes Daily Food Plans for Moms, personalized based on breastfeeding status.

USDA's new national breastfeeding campaign is WIC Breastfeeding Support Learn Together. Grow Together. Based on a social marketing approach, the campaign’s goal is to encourage breastfeeding amongst WIC moms and provide support and resources to new moms seeking to breastfeed.

Provides answers to questions regarding breastfeeding.

Provides information about diet and weight loss while breastfeeding, including links to additional resources.

Not drinking alcohol is the safest option for breastfeeding mothers. Generally, moderate alcohol consumption by a breastfeeding mother (up to 1 standard drink per day) is not known to be harmful to the infant, especially if the mother waits at least 2 hours after a single drink before nursing.

Provides information on a well-balanced vegetarian diet that supports the nutritional needs of mother and baby during lactation.