Are you breastfeeding and want to know if you need a calcium supplement? 

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you understand why calcium is crucial & if you really do need a calcium supplement while breastfeeding. 

Why is calcium important while breastfeeding?

Calcium is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth, and it plays a vital role in muscle function and nerve transmission. When you breastfeed, your body transfers calcium to your baby through breast milk, so it's important to ensure you're getting an adequate amount to support both your own health and your baby's development. You will transfer between 200-300mg of calcium from your body daily through your breastmilk to your little one. 

How much calcium do breastfeeding mums need?

The recommended daily intake of calcium for breastfeeding mums is 1,300mg. This can be achieved through a combination of dietary sources such as dairy products, leafy greens, fortified foods, and supplements if necessary.

What happens if a breastfeeding mum doesn't get enough calcium?

If you don't consume enough dietary calcium, your body will take calcium from your bones in a process called bone resorption. This process releases calcium from your bones into your blood stream and then into your breastmilk to be transferred to your baby. This can lead to a higher risk of low bone density and fractures later in life. 

Can calcium supplements help breastfeeding mums meet their needs?

While it's always best to try to get nutrients from food sources, calcium supplements or fortified foods can be a helpful way for breastfeeding mums to ensure they're meeting their daily requirements. 

For example make sure you are using a fortified plant based milk with added calcium or add the Lactation Boost Breastfeeding Protein into a smoothie, as this contains 210mg of calcium per serve- plus vitamin D and magnesium to help with absorption. 

Top calcium sources for breastfeeding mums:

1 cup milk- 300mg

1 slice of hard cheese- 200mg

1 serve Maternal Essentials Lactation Boost- 210mg

1 tbsp sesame seeds- 88mg

20g tahini paste- 64mg

½ cup tinned salmon with bones in- 220mg

5 whole sardines (fresh or tinned)- 286mg

1 cup steamed broccoli- 62mg

2 cups raw kale- 188mg

3 large dried figs- 108mg

½ cup chickpeas- 70mg

1 cup cooked soy beans- 175mg

1 tbsp blackstrap molasses- 172mg