Breastfeeding Women Are Still Not Meeting Nutritional Targets
Faculty Mentor Information
Dr. Bethaney Fehrenkamp, University of Idaho
Presentation Date
7-16-2026
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Maternal nutrition during lactation is essential in supporting recovery from childbirth, meeting lactational demands and influences milk composition.
METHODS: Diet quality and maternal factors were analyzed among a cohort of 3-month postpartum women. Dietary intake over the past month was determined via the DHQIII. Participants completed the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI).
RESULTS: A significant positive correlation between caloric intake and BMI was observed (r = 0.4727, p = 0.0227). Participants were within macronutrient targets for carbohydrates and protein, but ranges were exceeded for fat. Micronutrient targets were met or exceeded except for vitamins D, E, and potassium. The mean HEI score of 65.30 ± 8.631 was just above the U.S. average, indicating moderately poor diet quality. SES appeared related to education level but not necessarily caloric intake or diet quality. HEI was positively correlated with education level, but not SES. Anxiety was not significantly associated with HEI, BMI, or the majority of deficient micronutrients, except for Vitamin E.
CONCLUSION: The findings indicate room for improving diet quality among lactating women and barriers such as income are not the main factors that contribute to this. Micronutrients do not appear related to maternal anxiety, except for vitamin E intake.
Breastfeeding Women Are Still Not Meeting Nutritional Targets
BACKGROUND: Maternal nutrition during lactation is essential in supporting recovery from childbirth, meeting lactational demands and influences milk composition.
METHODS: Diet quality and maternal factors were analyzed among a cohort of 3-month postpartum women. Dietary intake over the past month was determined via the DHQIII. Participants completed the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI).
RESULTS: A significant positive correlation between caloric intake and BMI was observed (r = 0.4727, p = 0.0227). Participants were within macronutrient targets for carbohydrates and protein, but ranges were exceeded for fat. Micronutrient targets were met or exceeded except for vitamins D, E, and potassium. The mean HEI score of 65.30 ± 8.631 was just above the U.S. average, indicating moderately poor diet quality. SES appeared related to education level but not necessarily caloric intake or diet quality. HEI was positively correlated with education level, but not SES. Anxiety was not significantly associated with HEI, BMI, or the majority of deficient micronutrients, except for Vitamin E.
CONCLUSION: The findings indicate room for improving diet quality among lactating women and barriers such as income are not the main factors that contribute to this. Micronutrients do not appear related to maternal anxiety, except for vitamin E intake.