Periods During Pregnancy The diet during pregnancy, breastfeeding and early years of life has a great influence on the health of mother and child and laying the foundation for the growth and development of the latter. These essential life stages and the target group that represents the mother and child are therefore a priority theme of the Swiss Food Strategy 2013 – 2016. The updated OSAv Swiss official guidance on the diet during pregnancy and breastfeeding then recorded them in collaboration with various organizations specialized in the new version of the brochure “Nutrition during pregnancy and lactation.”
The brochure explains how to apply the recommendations for a healthy and balanced diet every day. The reader learns what particularly important nutrients during pregnancy and breastfeeding and when supplements are useful or necessary. In addition to the chapters dedicated to allergies and food intolerances as well as vegetarianism, the document provides guidance on the practice of adapted physical activity. The report of the Federal Commission for Food (COFA) “Nutrition during the first 1,000 days of life – from conception to 3rd birthday,” just published, formed the basis for drafting the document. Inspired by this report, OSAv adapt the recommendations for infant feeding and to develop further the infant’s diet. These will be published in various brochures or leaflets in collaboration with various specialist organizations.
The brochure “Nutrition during pregnancy and lactation” can be downloaded in PDF format on the website or be ordered free of Confederation.
An abridged version of the brochure in the form of a leaflet, available in several languages, is being developed.
Study on infant feeding and health during the first year of life
The Swiss study Infant Feeding Study (SWIFS) concerns infant feeding and health during the first year of life. It is conducted every ten years since 1994. The most recent results show that in Switzerland, mothers closely follow national recommendations on breastfeeding and infant feeding. Thus, in 2014, the majority of infants were fed exclusively with breast milk during the first four months. The introduction of more solid food is usually made between the 5th and 7th months. The study also showed that women were more likely to take folic acid before pregnancy, the latter playing a key role in fetal development. Similarly, they largely followed the recommendation to administer to their child vitamin D supplements
Anna Leake is a health blogger that focuses on topics related to nutrition, fitness, and mental health. She was born in New York City but at age 6 moved to the Midwest where she spent her childhood exploring nature with friends and family. Anna graduated from University of Michigan-Ann Arbor with degrees in psychology & human development.
