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Nutrition for pregnant and breastfeeding women

Generic C-IYCF Package (2012) (UNICEF | 2011)
Nutrition for pregnant and breastfeeding women

Key Messages

  • During your pregnancy, eat one extra small meal or “snack” (extra food between meals) each day to provide energy and nutrition for you and your growing baby.
  • During breastfeeding, eat two extra small meals or “snacks” (extra food between meals) each day to provide energy and nutrition for you and your growing baby.
  • You need to eat the best foods available, including milk, fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, fish, eggs, grains, peas and beans.
  • Drink whenever you are thirsty.
  • Taking tea or coffee with meals can interfere with your body’s use of the foods. Limit the amount of coffee you drink during pregnancy.
  • During pregnancy and breastfeeding, special nutrients will help your baby grow well and be healthy.
  • Take iron and folic acid tablets to prevent anaemia during pregnancy and for at least 3 months after your baby’s birth.
  • Take vitamin A tablets immediately after delivery or within 6 weeks so that your baby receives the vitamin A in your breast milk to help prevent illness.
  • Use iodised salt to help your baby’s brain and body develop well.
  • Attend antenatal care at least 4 times during pregnancy. These check-ups are important for you to learn about your health and how your baby is growing.
  • Take de-worming tablets to help prevent anaemia.
  • To prevent malaria, sleep under an insecticide-treated mosquito net and take anti-malarial tablets as prescribed.
  • Learn your HIV status, attend all the clinic appointments and take your medicines as advised by your health provider.
  • Adolescent mothers: you need extra care, more food and more rest than an older mother. You need to nourish your own body, which is still growing, as well as your growing baby’s.

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