What are the symptoms of low calcium while breastfeeding?

Understanding Low Calcium Symptoms in Breastfeeding Mothers
Breastfeeding is a demanding process that requires mothers to provide essential nutrients not only for their infants but also to maintain their own health. Calcium, a vital mineral, plays a crucial role during this period. When calcium levels drop too low, breastfeeding mothers may experience a range of symptoms that can affect their well-being and milk production.
Physiological Changes and Calcium Needs
During lactation, a mother’s body undergoes significant physiological changes to meet the increased calcium demands for milk production. The Institute of Medicine recommends that nursing mothers consume about 1,000 mg of calcium daily, which is the same requirement as for women of similar age who are not breastfeeding. However, if a mother’s dietary intake falls below this threshold, particularly under 800 mg per day, she may be at risk for calcium deficiency.
Symptoms of Low Calcium
The symptoms of low calcium can manifest in various ways, impacting both physical and mental health. Common signs include:
– Muscle Cramps and Spasms: One of the most noticeable symptoms of calcium deficiency is muscle cramps, particularly in the legs and back. These spasms can be painful and disruptive, making it difficult for mothers to care for their infants or engage in daily activities.
– Numbness and Tingling: Low calcium levels can lead to sensations of numbness or tingling, especially in the fingers and around the mouth. This condition, known as paresthesia, can be alarming and may interfere with a mother’s ability to hold or nurse her baby comfortably.
– Fatigue and Weakness: A deficiency in calcium can contribute to overall fatigue and a sense of weakness. This can be particularly challenging for breastfeeding mothers, who already face exhaustion from the demands of caring for a newborn.
– Mood Changes: Calcium plays a role in neurotransmitter function, and low levels can lead to mood swings, anxiety, or even depression. This emotional toll can affect a mother’s bonding with her baby and her overall mental health.
– Bone Pain: While temporary decreases in bone density are normal during breastfeeding, significant calcium deficiency can lead to more pronounced bone pain or discomfort, as the body may start to draw calcium from the bones to meet the needs of milk production.
Long-Term Implications
If left unaddressed, low calcium levels can have long-term implications for both the mother and the child. For mothers, chronic calcium deficiency can lead to osteoporosis or other bone health issues later in life. For infants, inadequate calcium in breast milk can affect their growth and bone development, potentially leading to deficiencies that could impact their health.
Conclusion
Breastfeeding mothers must be vigilant about their calcium intake to avoid the symptoms associated with deficiency. A balanced diet rich in calcium, along with regular check-ups, can help ensure that both mother and baby remain healthy during this critical period. If symptoms of low calcium arise, it is essential for mothers to consult healthcare professionals for appropriate dietary adjustments or supplementation.

Should a breastfeeding mom take a calcium supplement?

Studies indicate that calcium consumption should be encouraged, especially during pregnancy and lactation, to replace maternal skeletal calcium stores that are depleted during these periods.

How can I check my calcium level at home?

You can take a calcium test at-home, either with a blood or urine sample. If using a 24-hour urine test, you will need to collect your urine wherever you are during the day. For blood tests, you’ll need to visit a local laboratory to have your sample collected.

How much milk do I need to drink to get enough calcium?

The general rule of thumb is that 2-3 servings of dairy a day will keep your calcium intake at about the right level. One serving equals a 250ml glass of milk, a 125-150g pottle of yoghurt, or two slices (40g) of cheese. For someone who loves milk, drinking 2-3 glasses a day is easy to achieve.

What 2 signs are indicative of low blood calcium level?

Symptoms of low calcium include:

• painful muscle spasms and cramps.
• twitching of muscles.
• numbness or tingling in feet and hands.
• numbness or tingling around the mouth.

How do I know if I’m low on calcium?

An extremely low calcium level may cause tingling (often in the lips, tongue, fingers, and feet), muscle aches, spasms of the muscles in the throat (leading to difficulty breathing), stiffening and spasms of muscles (tetany), seizures, and abnormal heart rhythms.

How much calcium is lost in breastfeeding?

This has been found to increase steadily if the mother continues to breastfeed, with a 6% total body calcium loss after six months of lactation (Kovacs, 2001; Oliveri et al., 2004).

How can I increase my calcium while breastfeeding?

The best sources of calcium are: Milk. Yogurt. Hard cheeses.

What vitamins should you not take while breastfeeding?

Daily ingestion of 400mg of vitamin B-2 (riboflavin) should be avoided due to safety concerns for the infant. A high dose of vitamin B-6, such as 200mg-600mg daily for many months/years can increase the risk of neuropathy in the mother.

What are the symptoms of calcium deficiency in breastfeeding mothers?

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

What happens if you lack of calcium while breastfeeding?

If insufficient calcium is available during lactation, the composition, and possibly volume, of breast-milk may be impaired. Inadequate calcium intakes during childhood are likely to lead to diminished growth and reduced bone mineral contents.