Why Is Increased Calcium Intake a Must for You Post Delivery?

Have you recently become a mommy? I know, the joy of stepping into motherhood is beyond imagination. But, the journey is not easy, especially when it comes to the mommy's health. When I became a mother, my body underwent many changes starting right from the pregnancy days to the days after I gave birth to my baby. Now, along with adequate rest, I was advised by my doctor to consume a wholesome diet consisting of all the essential nutrients so that my body got stronger and healthier. After all, I had to stay well to take care of my little one! Now, one of the most important nutrients that my doctor emphasized upon was calcium.  She said it is a must-have for me to start taking care of my daily calcium consumption, especially after childbirth. Here is why increased calcium intake is necessary for mommies after child delivery. 

6 Facts That You May Not Know - Increased Calcium Intake while Breastfeeding 

Take a quick look at 6 surprising facts about increased calcium requirement after delivery or during breastfeeding may be you are unaware of these.   

#1. Increased Requirement of Calcium

Most pregnant and breastfeeding women in India have low dietary calcium intake. Data from 10 Indian States shows that intake of calcium for women during pregnancy and lactation is only 400 mg whereas they need 1200 mg calcium per day.

#2. The Calcium Requirement of the Baby

The baby requires 200-300 mg of calcium daily from breastmilk for the first six months. This calcium is important for helping the baby develop strong bones and teeth. The teeth and bones comprise of the 99% of body's calcium.

#3. Postpartum Loss of Calcium is Higher

Loss of calcium is four times higher during the nine months of lactation than during pregnancy. This loss in bone mineral density can be prevented with the intake of calcium.

#4. Calcium is Lost on Daily Basis

As exclusive breastfeeding is a must for babies, a lot of calcium is lost from a mother's body on daily basis. A lactating woman can lose 200-300 mg a day during breastfeeding.

#5. Adequate Calcium Intake is a Must

Adequate intake of calcium by the breastfeeding mother is important for calcium-rich breastmilk and for prevention of osteoporosis which is a medical condition caused due to calcium deficiency.

#6. Loss of Bone Mass

A mother's body has to work overtime for meeting the breastfeeding requirements. As studies have shown that women often lose 3% to 5% of their bone mass during six months of breastfeeding to meet the baby's growing need for calcium, nourishment of a mother is important for the nourishment of the baby.

Healthy mothers raise healthy babies. So, mommies, I would urge each one of you to take proper care of your health and diet after delivery. Visit your doctor to seek advice on fulfilling the increased calcium requirement of your body after delivery. Know what your body needs. Take care of yourself as you are your new-born’s support system and remember, ultimately ‘CARE COMES FROM YOU’!

Disclaimer: This is a special initiative by GSK CCM called ‘Care comes from you’ aims at increasing awareness among lactating mothers about the importance of calcium for the mother’s as well as the child’s health.