Why Vitamin D Still Deserves a Spotlight During Breastfeeding By: Taylor Hussey

Your nutrition doesn’t just support your own health it directly nourishes your baby through breast milk. One nutrient that often doesn’t get enough attention is Vitamin D. This quiet powerhouse plays a role in immune function, bone strength, and overall well-being for both you and your little one.

What the Research Shows

Researchers continue to highlight how closely maternal vitamin D levels shape the vitamin D content of breast milk. When moms are deficient, their milk usually is, too. This can leave infants at risk for weak bones, rickets, and lower immune support. Supplementation during breastfeeding has been shown to safely boost milk vitamin D levels and provide babies with what they need even without separate infant drops (Heo et al., 2022).

The takeaway? Supporting yourself with adequate vitamin D isn’t just about your health, it's also one of the simplest ways to protect your baby.

What Clinicians Are Saying

A recent study looked at how doctors, midwives, and other providers actually approach vitamin D. The findings? There’s still no single standard. Some recommend maternal supplementation at higher doses so breast milk is rich in vitamin D. Others still prefer to give infants their own vitamin D drops for added assurance (Aul et al., 2022).

This variation can feel confusing as a parent. But here’s the key: both strategies can work. The most important step is to have a plan and stick with it. If you’re unsure, ask your provider what approach makes the most sense for your family.

Why Vitamin D Matters (for Two)

Breastfeeding is an incredible act of nourishment, but it also increases your nutrient needs. Vitamin D plays a critical role in bone strength, mood regulation, and immune protection for you, while also setting the stage for your baby’s long-term growth and development. Research shows that inadequate maternal intake doesn’t just affect today, it can have lasting effects into childhood (Durá-Travé & Gallinas-Victoriano, 2023).

That’s why vitamin D deserves a spotlight. It’s not a trendy nutrient; it’s a foundational one that helps both you and your baby thrive.

The Bottom Line

Vitamin D may not be flashy, but it’s powerful. Supporting your levels through food and sunlight or supplementation can make a lasting difference for both you and your baby. Talk with your healthcare provider about the best option for your family, and know that small steps like maintaining vitamin D add up to big wins for your health and your baby’s future.

Sources

Heo, J. S., Ahn, Y. M., Kim, A.-R. E., & Shin, S. M. (2022). Breastfeeding and vitamin D. Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics, 65(9), 418–429. https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2021.00444  PubMed

Aul, A. J., Fischer, P. R., Benson, M. R., Oberhelman-Eaton, S. S., Mara, K. C., & Thacher, T. D. (2022). Infant and maternal vitamin D supplementation: Clinician perspectives and practices. The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, 36(1), 95–104. https://doi.org/10.3122/jabfm.2022.220244r1  PubMed

Durá-Travé, T., & Gallinas-Victoriano, F. (2023). Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and Vitamin D. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24(15), 11881. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241511881  PubMed