Do I need a calcium supplement while breastfeeding?

Understanding Calcium Needs During Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a critical period for both mothers and infants, and ensuring adequate nutrition is essential. One common question that arises among nursing mothers is whether they need to take calcium supplements to support their health and milk production.
Calcium Requirements for Nursing Mothers
According to the Institute of Medicine, nursing mothers aged 18 and older should aim for a daily calcium intake of 1,000 mg, which is consistent with the requirements for women in this age group who are not breastfeeding. This recommendation underscores the importance of calcium for both maternal bone health and the development of the infant’s skeletal system.
Do You Need a Supplement?
The consensus among health professionals is that most breastfeeding mothers do not require additional calcium supplements beyond what is typically recommended for their age group. A study highlighted that lactating women with a dietary calcium intake below 800 mg/day may benefit from supplementation, but for those meeting the recommended intake through diet, supplements are generally unnecessary.
Moreover, a well-balanced diet that includes a variety of foods can typically provide sufficient calcium. Foods rich in calcium, such as dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods, can help mothers meet their nutritional needs without the need for supplements.
The Role of Diet
Maintaining a healthy diet is crucial during breastfeeding. Experts recommend that breastfeeding mothers consume a diverse range of foods to ensure they receive all necessary nutrients, including calcium. While some may consider continuing their prenatal vitamins, it’s important to note that these often contain higher levels of iron than needed during breastfeeding.
Conclusion
In summary, while calcium is vital for nursing mothers, most do not need to take supplements if they are consuming a balanced diet that meets the recommended daily intake. However, those with lower dietary calcium intake may want to consult with a healthcare provider about the potential benefits of supplementation. Ultimately, focusing on a nutritious diet is the best approach to support both maternal health and breastfeeding success.

Does breastfeeding deplete your calcium?

Studies show that women lose 3 to 5 percent of their bone mass when they are breastfeeding. After you finish breastfeeding, your body must replenish the calcium that was used to produce your milk.

How do I know if my baby is not getting enough calcium?

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Hypocalcemia in Babies?

1. be fussy.
2. vomit.
3. seem weak or floppy.
4. twitch, shake, or seem jittery.
5. not feed well.
6. be sluggish.
7. have seizures.

What are the symptoms of deficiency of calcium in our body?

Calcium deficiency symptoms

• Fatigue. “Fatigue” is a deceptively simple word for a symptom that is actually pretty complicated.
• Poor oral health.
• Muscle pain and spasms.
• Cognitive issues.
• Numbness and tingling in your fingers.
• Seizures.
• Abnormal heart rhythm.

Do breastfed babies get enough calcium?

While it’s true that breast milk does contain less calcium than cow’s milk (5.9-10.1 mg/oz compared to 36.4 mg/oz in whole cow’s milk), the bioavailability of the calcium in breastmilk is over twice as high compared to cow’s milk (meaning our bodies are able to absorb and put the calcium to use WAY more efficiently!).

Does breastfeeding deplete calcium?

If your diet does not contain plenty of calcium, your body will use calcium from your bones to meet your increased needs. Fortunately, calcium lost during breastfeeding is usually recovered within several months after ceasing breastfeeding.

How do I know if my baby needs calcium?

Babies with hypocalcemia often have no symptoms. Sometimes, babies with low blood calcium levels are jittery or have tremors or twitching. Rarely, they have seizures. These babies may also have a slow heart rate and low blood pressure.

Should I take calcium supplements when breastfeeding?

The amounts of calcium that women need do not change when they are pregnant or nursing. The recommended amount for teen girls age 14 to 18 is 1,300 mg a day. Women who are older than age 18 should get 1,000 mg of calcium a day.

What are the symptoms of low calcium while breastfeeding?

Muscle Cramps and Weakness. Lactating mothers experiencing unexplained muscle cramps or weakness may be exhibiting early signs of calcium deficiency.

What supplements should I avoid while breastfeeding?

Dietary Supplements and Herbs to Avoid When Breastfeeding

• Answer: Certain herbals, high dose vitamins, and other dietary supplements can be dangerous to breastfed babies through breast milk.
• Aloe latex.
• Ashwagandha.
• Berberine/goldenseal.
• Bilberry.
• Black cohosh.
• Butterbur.
• Dong quai.

How can I get enough calcium without dairy breastfeeding?

Dairy free sources of calcium: If you or your child are allergic or intolerant to milk, other cow’s milk free sources of calcium include: Calcium Fortified dairy free plant drinks or ‘milks’ such as soya milk, rice milk*, oat milk, almond milk, hazelnut milk, hemp milk, coconut milk, pea milk etc**.