Assessment of meal plans for breastfeeding women in maternity wards in Cracow

Breastfeeding is the gold standard for infant nutrition. Although milk production occurs independently of the mother's nutritional status, it can deplete her energy reserves and micronutrient stores. The first days after childbirth are a particularly sensitive nutritional period for both the mother and child, making it crucial to focus on nutritional needs in maternity wards.

The aim of the study was to conduct a qualitative and quantitative assessment of meal plans intended for breastfeeding women in maternity wards.

The study included four hospitals with active maternity wards in Cracow. The quantitative assessment was conducted by calculating the energy content and levels of individual dietary components for each full-day meal plan within the Kcalmar dietary program. The qualitative assessment of the menus was carried out using the point-based evaluation method by Starzyńska and the Bielińska test modified by Kulesza et al. Results: Quantitative assessment revealed inaccurate intake of protein, saturated fatty acids, vitamin A, C, B2, iron and iodine in all hospitals as well as caloric content, vitamin B1, calcium, zinc and water depending on the institution. In the Starzyńska scoring method, the menus from hospitals A, B, C, and D scored 17, 25, 20, and 20 points, respectively. The Bielińska test, as modified by Kulesza et al., indicated that most main dishes were nutritionally rational.

Hospital diets in maternity wards should be properly balanced, ensuring that meals are well-composed in terms of quality. Eliminating dietary errors in meal plans offered to breastfeeding women is crucial.