I am a breastfeeding mother. I want to know if there are any vitamin deficiencies in breastfed babies? As a mother, do I need to take additional vitamin supplements?

It becomes increasingly difficult when you have an infant (baby younger than 6 months of age). The reason is that infants thrive solely on milk, whether breast milk or formula. So, we aren’t really sure whether or not they are getting enough vitamins that they normally should.

Remember that as long as you are breastfeeding, your baby does not need additional vitamins. In case, you think you are deficient in any of the essential vitamin, you must start supplementing after consulting a doctor. Here’s a bit of more detailed information on the vitamins your baby need:

1Vitamin A

This happens to be probably one of the most important vitamins as a deficiency in this can lead to visual impairment in babies. However, breast milk has enough Vitamin A required for your baby’s needs and a deficiency is rare if you are breastfeeding.

2Vitamin B1, B2, B6 and B12

Although supplementation is not important for full-grown, healthy breastfed babies, however, in case you are lacking in any of these vitamins – thiamine, riboflavin, B6 or B12, then you will have to ensure you are consuming enough of this so that your baby doesn’t develop beri-beri, vomiting, diarrhea, irritation, anemia, dermatitis and many more.

3Vitamin C

Another important vitamin happens to be Vitamin C and like all the others, you have to ensure that you are getting enough C in your diet. A deficiency of Vitamin C in babies can cause scurvy, and consequently, your baby will have to be supplemented with the same at the consult of a doctor.

ALSO READ – All You Need To Know About Calcium Deficiency In Babies

4Vitamin D

We all know this that a Vitamin D deficiency is caused by decreased exposure to sunlight. So, the only possible solution is a supplement.

5Vitamin K

Studies have shown that when a baby is born, Vitamin K in his body is at a very low point and in order to cover up for it, the mother has to ensure she gets enough Vitamin K in her diet.

If, as a mother, you fear that your baby will not get the desired nutrients because you yourself are very deficient in some of them, an ideal option for you would be to increase your intake of all those nutrients.

ALSO READ – Foods To Avoid When Breastfeeding – A Personal Experience

Whether supplementing helps you or you get them from a specific diet, you have to ensure you’re consuming enough of those vitamins because they are not only helpful for you but more importantly, your baby.

Do you feel your baby is deficient in any vitamin? Do you supplement your baby with any of them? Let us know.