Maternal and child nutrition

This guidance is for health professionals, commissioners and managers, pharmacists, those providing pre-school childcare and other relevant public, community, voluntary and private sector organisations.  It relates to pregnant women (and those who are planning to become pregnant), mothers and other ...

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This guidance is for health professionals, commissioners and managers, pharmacists, those providing pre-school childcare and other relevant public, community, voluntary and private sector organisations. 

It relates to pregnant women (and those who are planning to become pregnant), mothers and other carers of children aged under 5 and their children. It is particularly aimed at those on a low income or from a disadvantaged group.

Recommendations for health professionals include:

• Provide women with information and advice on the benefits of taking a vitamin D supplement (10 micrograms [μg] per day) during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
• Provide Healthy Start vitamin supplements (folic acid and vitamin C and D) for eligible pregnant women.
• NHS commissioners and managers are advised to implement a structured programme to encourage breastfeeding within their organisations. It should include training for health professionals.
• Encourage breastfeeding by providing information, practical advice and ongoing support – including the help of breastfeeding peer supporters and advice on how to  store expressed breast milk safely.
• Once infants are aged 6 months, encourage and help parents and carers to progressively introduce them to a variety of nutritious foods, in addition to milk.   

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