When is the best time to drink maternity milk?
Learn how it supports a healthy pregnancy — from nutrients, benefits, and the right milk that expectant moms should choose.
Why Nutrition Is Important During Pregnancy
‘Eating for two’ really:
When you’re pregnant, your body needs twice as many nutrients as vitamins, minerals, protein, and calories. You’re not just feeding yourself — you’re nurturing a little life inside you.
Maternity milk helps fill nutritional gaps, especially if you have morning sickness or dietary restrictions.
Role of Prenatal Vitamins and Supplements:
In addition to food, prenatal vitamins are still necessary. Most of them contain folic acid, iron, calcium, and DHA — all important for baby’s brain development and the prevention of birth defects.
They are more effective when combined with maternity milk, which is easy to digest and delicious to drink if taken at the right time.
Milk in the Pregnancy Diet: When is the Best Time to Drink It?
Why milk is important:
Milk is packed with calcium, protein, vitamin D, and other minerals that pregnant women need. It helps build the baby’s bones, brain, and nervous system — while also strengthening mommy’s immune system and muscles.
Maternity milk is further enriched with folic acid, iron, and iodine to better meet the needs of pregnant women.
Misconceptions:
There is a myth that milk makes you fat or causes stomach upset. But if you choose maternity milk and drink it in the right amount, it is safe and beneficial. Just avoid full-cream and sweetened milks — choose those formulated for pregnant women.
When is the Best Time to Drink Maternity Milk?
Morning:
It is best to drink it after waking up to immediately absorb nutrients like calcium and iron. In the morning, the body is hungry so the absorption of nutrients is better.
Midday or afternoon:
When energy levels are low and cravings are starting to set in, you can drink some maternity milk as a snack. This will help with metabolism, mood, and blood sugar stability.
Night before bed:
It’s also a good idea to drink at night — especially if you’re having trouble sleeping. Milk contains tryptophan and magnesium, which help with relaxation. Bonus: calcium absorption is higher at night, so it’s perfect for baby’s bone health.
Timing matters:
Nutrient absorption is time-dependent. For example, calcium is better absorbed when taken in small amounts. So spaced-out intake in the morning, afternoon, and evening helps the body use nutrients more effectively.
Essential Nutrients in Maternity Milk
Protein:
Helps with baby’s muscle and organ development, as well as mommy’s energy.
Iron, Zinc, Iodine:
Important for the baby’s brain and nervous system. Also helps mommy’s blood.
Folic Acid:
Prevents birth defects like spina bifida. So it can’t be missed.
Different Types of Milk for Pregnant Women
Cow’s Milk:
High in calcium and protein. Traditional and reliable.
Goat’s Milk:
Easier to digest, high in vitamin B2.
Soy Milk:
Perfect for lactose intolerant and vegan moms. Contains protein and is often fortified with calcium and vitamin D.
Almond Milk:
Plant-based, low in calories but contains folic acid, calcium, and vitamin E.
Maternity Milk Formula (like Enfamama A+):
Specially formulated for pregnant women — with choline, DHA, iron, calcium, zinc, folic acid. Complete with the ingredients mommy and baby need.
Reminder: Side Effects and Precautions
Lactose Intolerance:
Choose lactose-free milk, soy milk, or almond milk.
Food Allergies:
Consult your OB first if you have a history of allergies.
Before changing milk or brand:
Always consult your OB-GYN to make sure it is safe and suitable for your pregnancy.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Should a pregnant woman drink milk every day?
Yes, especially if she drinks maternity milk — it is safe and beneficial.
2. When is the best time to drink?
Morning, afternoon, and evening — the benefits are different at each time.
3. Can it be mixed with other foods?
Yes! It can be mixed with smoothies, oatmeal, or soup.
4. Can I still drink after giving birth?
Yes. It is also good during breastfeeding.
5. What maternity milk brand should you choose?
Look for one that has iron, calcium, DHA, folic acid, and choline. Read the label and consult your doctor.
Take Care of Yourself and Baby
Pregnancy is a unique stage where every nutrient is important. When you know the right time and the right type of milk to drink, you are providing a stronger foundation for a healthy pregnancy and a great start in life for your baby.
Morning for energy, afternoon to ward off fatigue, and night for a good night’s sleep — maternity milk can be your best friend on your journey as a soon-to-be mommy.
Republished with permission from theAsianParent Philippines
