Need for Supplements With Breastfeeding

Although breastfed babies get the best possible nutrition, they sometimes require certain vitamin or nutritional supplements to maintain or improve their health. Children younger than 1 year of age may benefit from a vitamin D supplement. Talk with your doctor about how much and what sources of vitamin D are right for your child. Rickets is a rare condition that can develop when too little vitamin D is absorbed.

After 4 months of age, your baby will probably not get enough iron from breast milk alone. Your doctor may prescribe a liquid iron supplement until your baby gets enough iron from iron-fortified formulas or foods high in iron. Breastfed babies born prematurely may be prescribed a liquid iron supplement by 1 month of age.

In rare situations, babies breastfed by mothers who are strict vegans (vegetarians who do not eat eggs, cheese, or milk) may need a vitamin B12 supplement.