Is Maternal Milk/Susu Necessary During Pregnancy?

If you ever wondered whether maternal milk is necessary, you are in the right place. Since expecting mums are also eating for their little one, prenatal milk plays an important role in ensuring both the mum and child get the right amount of nutrients. Read on to discover the many benefits of maternal milk, and also the different foods you can eat to better your pregnancy journey.

The Benefits of Maternal Milk

Maternal milk acts as a supplement for expecting mothers, as it brings benefits for both the mother and their child. Read on to discover the benefits of maternal milk

i. Supplements folic acid

Folic acid helps with the growth and development of the foetus and plays an important role in formation of red blood cells. As compared to normal adults, the need of folic acids in pregnant mums is higher.

ii. Eases pregnancy discomforts

Drinking maternal milk can supplement the nutrients lost due to nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, is easily absorbed and does not add to digestion issues. Furthermore, it carries endless benefits for both you and your child!

iii. It supplements mothers with magnesium

Maternal milk has added Magnesium that helps with bone development and tissue formation, prebiotics and probiotics, Choline and Vitamin B-COMPLEX that helps provide energy.

iv. It supplements the child with vitamins

It contains Vitamin D and B12, which produces red blood cells and encourages calcium absorption. It also helps your child as it is loaded in DHA, Iodine, and Folic Acid for child’s development.  

v. It provides the nutritional benefits lactating mums require

Maternal milk is also suitable for lactating mums. It helps to meet the nutritional requirements of lactating mothers.  

How much maternal milk is enough?

One to three glasses of maternal milk a day is more than enough to provide the essential nutrients required for both mother and child. It can also supplement fluid requirements during pregnancy.¹ This is important as water retention is something that expecting mums often suffer from.   

Foods that benefit both mother and child during pregnancy

It is recommended for expecting mums to have a diet that consists of fruits and vegetables, starchy food, proteins and dairy.²

i. Fruits and vegetables

Try having at least half a plate of fruits and vegetables each day, as they provide essential nutrients such as fibre to help prevent constipation.³

ii. Starchy food

Starchy food should consist of a quarter of your plate every day.³ This is because foods under this category such as bread, rice, and pasta provide you with ample energy.

iii. Proteins

Fish and meat are the two things that come to mind when it comes to proteins. Of course, you can also look at options like beans, poultry, and nuts as they are rich in protein too.

iv. Dairy

Dairy products such as milk, cheese and yoghurt are rich in calcium, which is why expectant mothers should always have them. As you may be having them more frequently than before, go for those made with low-fat milk to reduce your calorie intake.

Frisomum® Gold – Our Formula Milk Alternative During Your Pregnancy

Now that you know that maternal milk is necessary, it’s time to learn more about Frisomum® Gold. We have formulated this prenatal milk formula with both mum and child in mind, and its unique Dual Care+ formula supports you on your pregnancy journey. Some of the vital nutrients that Frisomum® Gold provides you with include:

Vitamin D - Vitamin D is necessary for the absorption and utilisation of calcium and phosphorus⁴.

Calcium - Helps in the normal growth and development of bones and teeth⁵.

Vitamin B12 - Needed for red blood cell production and the healthy functioning of the nervous system⁶.

Folic Acid - Folic acid is essential for growth and division of cells. Folate plays a role in the formation of red blood cells. Folate helps to maintain the growth and development of the foetus⁷.

Iodine - Essential for the formation of thyroid hormones, which supports brain development⁸.

Low glycemic index - The glycaemic index (GI) is a rating system for foods containing carbohydrates. It shows how quickly food affects your blood sugar (glucose) level when eaten on its own. The low glycemic index (GI) could help the mother avoid being overweight during pregnancy.

When you consider pregnancy milk powder, it is also best to consider the origins of the milk, the process of manufacturing, and nutrient content as well as one which helps you control weight gain during pregnancy. Frisomum® Gold, our preferred prenatal milk for mums, preserves the natural nutrients of the milk to give you what you need in your pregnancy journey. Now that you are aware of the importance of maternal milk/susu, check out what Frisomum® Gold has to offer now!
 

References

1. Denise HM Heppe, Rob M van Dam, Sten P Willemsen, Hanneke den Breeijen, Hein Raat, Albert Hofman, Eric AP Steegers, Vincent WV Jaddoe, Maternal milk consumption, fetal growth, and the risks of neonatal complications: the Generation R Study, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 94, Issue 2, August 2011, Pages 501–509, https://doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.111.013854
2. Roles of Vitamin B in Pregnancy – American Pregnancy. Accessed December 22, 2021.
3. Plan your meals with My Healthy Plate. Accessed January 26, 2022.
4. Vitamin D. (2022). Retrieved 14 June 2022, from https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamin-d/ 
5. Calcium. (2022). Retrieved 14 June 2022, from https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/calcium/ 
6. B Vitamins. (2022). Retrieved 14 June 2022, from https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamins/vitamin-b/
7. https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/vitamins-supplements-and-nutrition/#:~:text=Folic%20acid%20before%20and%20during,tube%20defects%2C%20including%20spina%20bifida.
8. https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/kidsfamilies/MCFhealth/maternity/Pages/iodine-supplements-factsheet.aspx#:~:text=How%20much%20iodine%20do%20pregnant,micrograms%20per%20day%20when%20breastfeeding.