Although calcium, zinc, magnesium, vitamin B6 and folate are particularly important, all of these and others can come from fortified soy beverages rather than cow's milk. Vitamins The Role of Vitamins in Breast Feeding. A woman's vitamin and calorie requirements remain quite high after giving birth if she breastfeeds. An extra 500 calories a day are needed. In addition, five nutrients are particularly important.
Milk is a good way to get many nutrients.
If you assume this means women should drink cow's milk, think again. There are other alternatives without the high antibiotic and hormone content of some cow's milk. A lactating woman should consume an extra 500 calories a day to obtain nutrients and to compensate for the energy her body expends in producing breast milk. The level of vitamin D in breast milk is directly related to the amonnt of D in the mother's diet. If she eats a D-deficient diet or she is not often exposed to direct sunlight to stimulate natural production of vitamin D, the American Dietetic Association recommends supplementation.