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Published Feb 29, 2020

Plant-Based Nutrition during Pregnancy, Infancy, and Breastfeeding | Whitney English, RD

Registered dietitian Whitney English delves into the intricacies of plant-based diets during pregnancy, infancy, and breastfeeding, offering expert advice on ensuring nutritional balance, introducing solids to infants, and managing picky eaters, while debunking myths and highlighting key nutrients and supplements.
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  • Breastfeeding

    Breastfeeding offers numerous benefits for both infants and mothers. highlights that breast milk is the ideal first food for babies, providing essential nutrients, immunological factors, and bioactive compounds that are difficult to replicate in formula 1. It also exposes infants to a variety of flavors, potentially promoting adventurous eating habits later in life 2. Moreover, breastfeeding is associated with reduced risks of certain cancers in mothers and offers cognitive benefits for children 2. emphasizes that any amount of breastfeeding is beneficial, even if not exclusive 2.

    Breast milk is the ideal first food for babies. It has the perfect composition of nutrients, immunological factors, bioactive compounds.

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    The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, with continued breastfeeding up to twelve months if possible 3.

       

    Formula

    For mothers who cannot breastfeed, formula provides a reliable alternative. explains that formula contains all essential micronutrients needed for infant growth, though vitamin D supplementation is recommended for breastfed infants 4. Options include dairy-based and soy-based formulas, with studies showing similar growth outcomes for both 5. Donor milk is another option, but advises caution and proper sourcing 6.

    The main decision you're going to have to make is whether you're going with a dairy based formula or a soy based formula.

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    Ultimately, the choice between formula types depends on personal preferences and ethical considerations 5.

       

    Introducing Solids

    Introducing solids is a crucial step in infant nutrition, typically starting around six months. outlines two main approaches: traditional spoon-feeding of purees and baby-led weaning, where infants self-feed with solid foods 7. Baby-led weaning can enhance motor skills and expose infants to a wider variety of flavors and textures 7. During this period, iron and protein are key nutrients to focus on, especially in plant-based diets 8.

    Baby led weaning is essentially giving baby solid foods right from the start.

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    Complementary feeding continues alongside breastfeeding or formula to ensure a balanced diet 9.

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