There is no doubt that breast milk is much more than just food for a baby!
It contains everything that is perfectly suited to meet your baby’s needs.

Did you notice my words “perfectly suited”????
Yes! You got it right!

Breast milk changes every day. Sometimes your baby has a fever, sometimes a cold! Sometimes the baby needs milk with a higher fat content, and sometimes with a lower fat content. In short, Allah has made a mother’s milk both food and medicine for her baby!

But Vitamin D is the one nutrient that is present in breast milk, but in a low amount.

Very often, we doctors see babies who are exclusively breastfed or are receiving both breast milk and formula, but they are not receiving Vitamin D. And even those who are giving Vitamin D often do not know the reason behind giving it.

So, why is Vitamin D so important? Is it only for making bones strong?

If you thought so, know that Vitamin D does much more than that:

- Brain growth and development
- Supporting the immune system
- Muscle strength
- Normal growth and development of the baby

Now the question is: Should we start Vitamin D for every baby?

If your baby is exclusively breastfed, whether the baby is a newborn or anywhere up to two years of age, Vitamin D supplementation is important.

Even if your baby is receiving both breast milk and formula, Vitamin D may still be needed depending on the amount of formula being consumed.

And if your baby is showing signs that may suggest Vitamin D deficiency, appropriate medical assessment is also important.

Now comes the next question:
How much Vitamin D should the baby receive, and how should it be given?

In Pakistan, Vitamin D is commonly available for young children in the form of drops.Usually in a dosage of 400IU / drop. And this is the exact dose you need for your baby.

Since I am guiding you about breastfeeding from birth to two years of age, I will explain it in terms of drops to make it easier for you to understand.

1)Vitamin D 400 IU daily for babies from birth to 1 year.(1 drop daily)

2)For children over 1 to 2 yrs
Give 2drops daily.

(The mother should also make sure she is getting adequate Vitamin D through her diet/supplements while breastfeeding, according to her own medical needs.)

Vitamin D drops are easily available at medical stores.

For more information and guidance, you can book an online consultation.

Contact: 03086804236

Dr. Salma Aziz
MBBS
Certified Breastfeeding Specialist