It is often said that pregnant women “eat for two”, referring to their appetites and often uncontrollable cravings during pregnancy. Once the baby is born and mothers commence the breastfeeding phase, there are also recommendations regarding maternal nutrition, but mostly in terms of foods to support proper lactation, as well as those to avoid. However, mothers indeed do eat for two, and their nutritional choices influence much more than their own appetites and the quality of milk they produce for the baby.
Without a doubt, keeping nutrients optimized during pregnancy, as well as during breastfeeding, is pivotal - and not only when it comes to the health of both mother and child. Scientific evidence suggests that Omega-3 fatty acids in the body are crucial for infant development, and in today’s article, we’re focusing on each of them.
However, before we dive into the science, we’d like to acknowledge that maternal nutrition is surrounded by many diverging opinions and what works for one mother isn’t necessarily right for another. Also, not all women choose to breastfeed so if breastfeeding doesn’t apply to you, then stop here. Most of all, while essential Omega-3 nutrients are beneficial for everyone, nutrition during maternity should be first and foremost informed by your health care professional, so we advise you to start with their expertise before making any supplement decisions. So, let’s dive in.