My WebMD Sign In

Please enter email address

Enter your password

Keep me signed in on this computer

Show more Information

If you select "Keep me signed in on this computer", every time you visit WebMD.com you won't have to type your email address and password. This means that a cookie will stay on your computer even when you exit or close your browser which may reduce your levels of privacy and security. You should never select this option if you're using a publicly accessible computer, or if you're sharing a computer with others. Even if you select this option there are some features of our site that still require you to log in for privacy reasons.

Forget your password? Having trouble signing in?

Why should I
sign up for WebMD?

With a WebMD Account you can:

Track your way to weight loss success
Manage your family's vaccinations
Join the conversation

See more benefits Sign Up

Why WebMD?

My WebMD

Show Menu

Facebook Twitter Pinterest

WebMD Home

Women's Health

Email a Friend

Print Article

Women's Health Trends:

Women's Health

Tools & Resources

Font Size

Need for Supplements With Breast-Feeding

Although breast-fed babies get the best possible nutrition, they sometimes require certain vitamin or nutritional supplements to maintain or improve their health. Children younger than 1 year of age may benefit from a vitamin D supplement. Talk with your doctor about how much and what sources of vitamin D are right for your child. Rickets is a rare condition that can develop when too little vitamin D is absorbed.

After 4 months of age, your baby will probably not get enough iron from breast milk alone. Your doctor may prescribe a liquid iron supplement until your baby gets enough iron from iron-fortified formulas or foods high in iron. Breast-fed babies born prematurely may be prescribed a liquid iron supplement by 1 month of age.

Recommended Related to Women

Always Late? Find Out Why

By Keith Ablow, M.D.It’s high time to figure out what’s making you perpetually behind. Here, strategies to help you get out of the lateness rut. Some years ago when I was chief resident in psychiatry at the New England Medical Center, I decided it was finally time to enter therapy myself. I was dating the woman who would later become my wife and I wanted to explore why I hadn’t yet committed to her. So I booked an appointment with a noted psychiatrist, about 10 miles from my home, and left...

Read the Always Late? Find Out Why article > >

In rare situations, babies breast-fed by mothers who are strict vegans (vegetarians who do not eat eggs, cheese, or milk) may need a vitamin B12 supplement.

Other Works Consulted
American Academy of Pediatrics (2010). Diagnosis and prevention of iron deficiency and iron-deficiency anemia in infants and young children (0-3 years of age). Pediatrics, 126(5): 1040-1050. Available online: http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/126/5/1040.

By	Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer	Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Last Revised	April 14, 2011

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: April 14, 2011

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.