Feeding Different Groups

of People

By:- Abdusamed M. (BSc Mw, MSc Mw)

Lecturer, Department of Midwifery
Harar Health Sciences College
 Learning Objectives
After the end of this session, the students will be able to:
Differentiate the nutritional requirements of pregnant and
lactating women
Describe the nutritional requirement for infants and
children
Describe the nutritional requirements of adolescents and
the elderly

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 Factors that influences the nutrient demand of the
body
Physical activity
Age and sex
Body size and composition
Climate
Physiological states (pregnancy and lactation)
 Nutritional requirements in population can be
classified into four groups:
Pregnancy and lactation
Infancy and childhood
Adolescence and adulthood
The elderly / old age/

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 Average yield of calorie per meal for common
Ethiopian food
One Enjera with shiro wot is 770Kcal
Ranges 700 – 850 Kcal

 Feeding of pregnant women
Occurrence of physiologic change
To grow properly, the fetus needs a healthy and well-nourished
mother
A mother needs additional diet to nourish her unborn child
Extra-nutrients demanded in pregnancy include
 Energy, protein, and essential fatty acids
 Vitamin A, vitamin C,
 Vitamins B groups (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, and folate)
4  Calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, copper and iodine02/09/2022
 Feeding of lactating mothers:
Exclusive breast milk (breast milk only) for the first 6 months
of age
Then followed by complementary feeding (breast milk plus
weaning food)
A mother has to feed her breast milk at least for two years
To produce enough breast milk, a lactating mother has to get
additional / extra meal
A lactating woman needs at least two extra meals (550 Kcal)
The average daily recommended calorie allowance for
lactating mother is 2600 Kcal
A lactating mother also needs:
 Iodized salt in her diet
 At least one liter of
water per day
 Vitamin A rich foods
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 Child feeding

The period between birth and puberty (birth-10 years)

Is a critical time for the growth of children

The first 6 months - maternal breast milk

At 6 months of age initiate complementary feeding

Starting from a toddler- slow weaning of solid foods

The average daily recommended calorie requirement for
children is 1600 Kcal
 Which is in the range of 1250 – 1800 Kcal

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 Global and National Recommendations for Child
Feeding During the First 24 Months
Initiate breast feeding within one hour of birth

Breast feed the child frequently day and night

Exclusive breast feeding for the first 6 months of age

Continue breast feeding more frequently even when the
child is sick
Position and attach infant correctly at the breast

Offer the second breast after the infant releases the first

The mother should eat more than usual

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 Adolescent & Adult feeding
Adolescent = 10 – 19 year
Is a period of rapid growth and high physiologic changes
The increased requirements of nutrients include: energy,
protein, and minerals
The recommended daily requirement of energy is 2800 Kcal
(for boys ) and 2100 Kcal (for girls)

Adults (19 - 50 years) are almost accomplished their growth

 Feeding the Elderly

This group needs some more meals per day as they may not
eat much / sufficient amount

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 Summary of the number of meal required by age category
and physiologic state
Person Age category / status Number of meal /day

Babies < 6 months Only breast milk 8 – 10 times

Babies 6 - 12months - Breast milk 8 – 10 times or more
Children - Small meal 3 – 5 times
Children 1-5 years - Breast milk 8 times till 2 years of age
- At least 3 mixed meals plus two snacks
School age children 3 mixed meals plus 2 snacks
Adolescent 10 – 19 years 3mixed meals plus some snacks
Pregnant 3 mixed meals plus some snacks
Women
Lactating 3 mixed meals plus some snacks
Elderly 3 or more meals / fewer calories/

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 Note- “Eat for your age”

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