Lactation is the process of producing breast milk to feed a baby. Hormones produced during pregnancy prepare the body to lactate once the baby is born. The Women's Guide to the University of Chicago notes that lactating women need 500 extra calories a day to sustain the energy requirements of breast-feeding. In addition to extra calories, a well-balanced diet or supplements providing certain vitamins are necessary for optimal health of both mother and baby.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D, in cooperation with calcium, is necessary for the formation of bones and teeth in the breast-feeding infant. The Women's Guide to the University of Chicago notes that breast milk is very high in calcium that the baby needs to grow strong bones. In fact, if there is not enough free calcium in the mother, the mother's body will take it from her own bones to supply it to the baby, which may put the mother at risk for developing osteoporosis later in life. Thus, the mother needs to get enough vitamin D so that she and her baby have a sufficient amount of calcium available for strong bones. Sunlight can trigger the skin to make vitamin D; it is also available in various fortified foods, such as bread, cereal and milk.
Vitamin B-12
Lactating women also require a sufficient amount of vitamin B-12, as this vitamin is necessary for proper growth and cell division in the breast-feeding baby, according to the Women's Guide to the University of Chicago. Additionally, vitamin B-12 supports the formation of blood cells and the making of DNA that forms genes. Fish, milk and meat are good sources of vitamin B-12, so vegetarian lactating women should take a supplement to makes sure they are getting enough of this vitamin.
Vitamin B-9 (Folic Acid)
Vitamin B-9, commonly known as folic acid, is necessary for cell division and the development of organs in the growing infant, according to the McKinley Health Center of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. This is a very important vitamin for the growth of the fetus, especially during the third trimester, but this vitamin is essential for lactating women and newborn infants as well. Foods that are good sources of folic acid include citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits, green leafy vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, lentils and beans.
Other Vitamins
The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA notes that lactating women also benefit from vitamins A, E and C. These vitamins support the overall health and growth of newborn babies as well.
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