New Delhi: In Indian households, the arrival of a newborn is met with joyous rituals, a grandmother’s lullaby, proud laughter of the newly crowned father, and the soft shuffle of visitors bringing sweets and blessings. “You’ve had a baby!” is exclaimed with awe, as the mother is gently ushered into her new role. But amid the celebrations and adoration over the baby, another quiet yet essential act unfolds — breastfeeding. As the infant thrives on the mother’s milk, quietly, her body gives and gives, sometimes at her own expense. This World Breastfeeding Week, while we celebrate the power of breastmilk, it’s time to ask: Are we caring for the mother as she devotes herself to caring for her baby?
The Hidden Cost of Breastfeeding
The biology of breastfeeding demands greater maternal nutritional requirements during lactation than during pregnancy. During the first 4 to 6 months of the postpartum period, the baby doubles its birth weight, drawing all its nutrient intake from the mother’s breastmilk. For the mother, these nutrients come either from a mother’s diet or from her body reserves. “Breastmilk is minimally affected by diet”, says Dr Anura Kurpad, Senior Advisor for the Nutrition Portfolio of Tata Trusts. Dr. Kurpad added, “The mother’s body always prioritises the baby’s nourishment, and consequently, most nutrients, such as iron, zinc, folate, calcium, and copper, continue to be excreted in breast milk, at the expense of maternal stores. The situation worsens if the mother already suffers from poor BMI or malnutrition”. Thus, these stores need to be conserved and replenished.
Women who do not get enough energy, protein, or fats in their diets risk critical nutrient shortages, which can lead to a range of health issues, including anemia, osteoporosis, and other nutrient deficiencies. To prevent this, we must focus on the higher nutritional needs of breastfeeding mothers.
A Diverse Plate
The Indian government and WHO recommend that new mothers with a normal pregnancy consume an additional 600 and 505 kilocalories per day, respectively, during the first six months after childbirth, compared to their pre-pregnancy intake. With 64% of infants aged under 6 months exclusively breastfed in India, an enhanced nutritional intake will help meet the increased maternal energy demands of milk production and will ensure adequate nourishment for both mother and baby. But the question remains: Are mothers fed adequately?
A colourful plate with locally available food rich in carbohydrates, protein, fats, iron, and calcium is key to fulfilling the nutrient requirements. The usual dietary pattern need not be modified; however, the quantity and the frequency of consumption of the different foods should be increased. This doesn’t need to be fancy—an extra bowl of khichdi, a glass of milk, an egg, some sprouted beans, dals to avoid bloating and improve nutrient absorption, and the inclusion of seed powders like sesame or pumpkin, or even a simple peanut chikki, can go a long way in replenishing energy. To aid digestion, garlic, carom, and fennel seeds can be used in most recipes. Additionally, breastfeeding causes high fluid loss. Mothers should drink plenty of boiled water, but also include hydrating foods like buttermilk, coconut water, and clear soups, especially during summer or illness. Keeping a water bottle nearby can serve as a visual reminder.
For mothers from low-income backgrounds, or those who are vegetarian, underweight, or have given birth to many children, nutritional needs become even more critical. Diversity of food intake, with adequate intake of animal-based foods like milk, is very important. If these are not accessible, then fortified foods can be considered. In the case of expectant mothers, for instance, only half consume diverse diets, worryingly, but receiving nutritional counselling can make them more likely to consume it.
Towards a Mother-Friendly Environment
As is common practice, much of the attention is paid to what the baby eats, and the mother’s nutrition goes unnoticed, sparse, repetitive, and far from what her recovering body truly needs. This is where the focus must begin to shift. We need to move beyond the notion that breastfeeding is solely a woman’s responsibility; when families, especially husbands, actively support the mother’s nutrition, it strengthens her health and leads to better care for the child. Involving husbands in food selection and management of their wives’ diets goes a long way in improving adherence to dietary diversity and maternal nutrition. This includes tracking the regular intake of iron, folic acid, and calcium supplements, which are especially critical during the lactation period, for the mother who is often feeding around the clock.
By obtaining seasonal, diverse, and fresh produce, reminding and encouraging their wives to eat and take adequate rest, sharing chores, and ensuring she isn’t the last to eat, husbands can create an environment that benefits both the mother and the baby during the postpartum period. In addition, fathers’ support is proven to avert postnatal maternal depression, which, in turn, affects the mother-child interaction during breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding when managed effectively has a host of maternal benefits, including a more rapid regain of uterine muscle strength, postpartum weight loss, delay of ovulation, and decreased risk of breast, ovarian, and endometrial cancers. Dr Anura Kurpad notes, “We need a change in narrative—breastfeeding is not just about child survival, but a mother’s wellbeing. By screening for nutritional problems and following dietary recommendations, her caregivers can help her regain strength, stay healthy, and continue caring for her baby with confidence. Feeding the mother well is both an investment and a necessity.”
In a world quick to celebrate new life, let’s not forget the life that made it possible. Supporting maternal well-being must become an essential part of how we care.