Despite the numerous proven benefits of breastfeeding, more than 40% of infants worldwide are not breastfed. Between 2015 and 2021, fewer than 50% of newborns received breast milk within the first hour of life, well below the global target of 70%. This shortfall is significantly influenced by how healthcare providers promote breastfeeding during pregnancy, postpartum, and early childhood.

If you’re newly pregnant — or planning to be — chances are you’ve started looking into all the right nutrients to support a healthy pregnancy. One vitamin that often flies under the radar? Vitamin B12. But new research is giving us even more reason to pay attention to this powerhouse nutrient, especially in early pregnancy.

When it comes to nutrition during pregnancy, postpartum, and breastfeeding, there’s one nutrient that often flies under the radar—vitamin A. It doesn’t get the same buzz as folate or iron, but it plays a vital role in maternal and infant health, especially when it comes to breast development, lactation, and milk quality.

Iron plays a vital role during pregnancy. As your body works to support your growing baby, your need for this essential mineral increases. Understanding how iron works, where to find it, and how to absorb it more effectively can help you feel more energized, support your baby's development, and reduce the risk of complications.