Nutrition During Pregnancy and Lactation Course

Nutrition During Pregnancy and Lactation Course is organized by NurseCe4less.

Statement of Learning Need:
 Pregnant and lactating women need guidance on how to follow dietary practices that enhance the intake of needed nutrients from the food consumed and through the use of vitamin and mineral supplements. While the evidence does not warrant routine vitamin-mineral supplementation during lactation, there may be instances when the health of the mother and the infant require that certain food types and supplements rich in needed nutrients be increased to promote healthy weight and overall well-being of mother and baby. 

Course Purpose:
To provide health clinicians with knowledge of pregnancy and lactation nutritional recommendations that promote healthy mothers and infants.

Course Summary:
Nutrients needed by pregnant and lactating women are generally assessed during the intrapartum and breastfeeding periods to avoid nutritional deficits that may lead to either low weight or obesity. Women who are lactating should be followed up closely by their medical provider for possible deficiencies that may potentially affect the health of the mother and of the newborn. Guidance to maintain proper eating habits that include nutrient-rich food will help to ensure that nutrients lacking in the diet are replaced. By increasing dietary intake of nutrient-rich food and supplements during pregnancy and lactation, both mother and baby may avoid certain disease states and improve general health and wellbeing. The example of maternal vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy and lactation, and the health consequences in nursing infants is discussed.