Prenatal Visit

During a prenatal office visit, discuss plans for newborn feeding with the expectant parents.

Assess

Ask about maternal vitamin D adequacy – maternal vitamin D deficiency is associated subclinical and clinically relevant vitamin D deficiency in infants.

• Vitamin D deficiency is common (overall prevalence ~40%) in the United States 
• Prenatal vitamin D supplementation is associated with increased birth weight and increased levels of maternal and neonatal 25(OH)D concentrations

Discuss

• Breastfeeding, including the following topics:
  • the benefits of breastfeeding (link to Optimizing Nutrition for Newborns and Infants/Breastfeeding/Benefits of Breastfeeding)
  • any concerns about the mother’s ability to breastfeed
    
    •  bariatric surgery
    • breast reduction
  • initiating breastfeeding as soon as possible after birth
  • plans for exclusive breastfeeding for approximately 6 months 
• Issues that affect infant nutrition:
  
  • Dietary preferences, including vegetarianism or veganism
  • Maternal intake of medications, herbs, drugs, alcohol, tobacco
  • If parents are overweight, children are at increased risk of overweight. Begin discussing changes in lifestyle that decrease the risk of obesity, including breastfeeding.
  • If appropriate, inform parents of the availability of supplemental food programs