Breast milk contains nearly all of the essential vitamins and nutrition that an infant requires for the first months of life. Vitamin D is an exception to the rule, as most infants require supplemental amounts. In addition, doctors often recommend additional vitamins for babies with health conditions and those born prematurely.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is produced in our bodies upon exposure to sunlight. However, there is growing evidence that many adults and children living in the northern hemisphere are deficient in vitamin D. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that breastfed babies receive a supplement of 400 International Units per day of vitamin D starting in the first few days of life. Formula is already supplemented with vitamin D, but partially formula-fed babies who consume less than 17 fluid ounces of formula daily should still receive the vitamin D supplement.
Iron
The iron in breast milk is absorbed very efficiently by nursing babies. In addition, full-term babies are born with sufficient iron stores to last for the first six months of life. As a result, newborn infants aged 0 through 6 months require only 0.27 milligrams of iron per day. From 7 to 12 months this increases dramatically to 11 milligrams daily. At this time, many babies are beginning to eat small amounts of solid foods. Most infant cereals are fortified with iron and purred meats and legumes such as lentils and beans can be introduced. Your doctor can perform a hemoglobin test if there is concern about the iron levels in the baby. Premature babies or those with low birth weight may be prescribed routine iron supplements.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is essential for central nervous system and brain development as well as the production of blood cells. It is found in meat, poultry, eggs and dairy foods. Breastfeeding mothers who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet may wish to add a vitamin B12 supplement to their own diet. The vitamin will be passed on to their nursing infant through their breast milk.
DHA
DHA is an essential omega-3 fatty acid that plays important roles in infant brain development and development of the vision system. The amount of DHA in breast milk depends on the mother's diet. Women who do not consume fish or other rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids should consider a supplement for themselves. This will increase the amount of DHA transferred to their breastfed baby.
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