Postpartum nutrition: Guidance for general practitioners to support high-quality care

General practitioners (GPs) are well placed to support new mothers with evidence-based nutrition care to eat well, live well and care for their new babies. Women who have recently given birth are highly motivated to eat well and seek information and support from GPs.

The aim of this article is to review current recommendations on dietary intake for women after birth and how GPs can use this information to inform high-quality ongoing care.

The principles of healthy eating remain the same for all adults, and it is important that GPs support women to consume a wide variety of unprocessed, nutritious foods. Breastfeeding mothers require additional energy and nutrients such as protein, iodine, vitamin B12 and vitamin D, which are important in supporting healthy function and infant growth through breastmilk. GPs must take a person-centred approach to consultations, use respectful language and consider practical recommendations to support women in this exciting yet challenging time.