Kendra M. Bolden, Dietetic Intern
University of Maryland, College Park

MyPyramid for Pregnancy and Breastfeeding an interactive resource designed to help pregnant and breastfeeding mothers meet their nutritional needs. This Web site is a branch of MyPyramid which is a tool geared towards the general public. Both were developed by the Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture.

MyPyramid for Pregnancy and Breastfeeding offers a plethora of information. There are a number of topics addressed including MyPyramid for Moms, nutritional needs and weight gain during pregnancy, dietary supplements, special health needs, nutritional needs and weight loss for breastfeeding mothers, food safety, and other resources for more information. MyPyramid for Moms offers personalized information on the type and amounts of food a pregnant or breastfeeding mother would need. MyPyramid Menu Planner for Moms is also available which allows users to compare their food choices to what is recommended. Additionally, the pregnancy weight gain calculator determines how much total weight should be gained throughout the pregnancy based on an individual’s height and pre-pregnancy weight. Additional sources of information are available including links to The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program and different centers within the Department of Health and Human Services.

MyPyramid for Pregnancy and Breastfeeding would be of interest to health professionals, including primary care physicians, obstetrician/gynecologists, dietitians, and lactation consultants who can refer pregnant and breastfeeding mothers to this site for credible information designed specifically to meet their nutritional needs. Additionally, health professionals could use this site as a reference to stay up-to-date with the government’s current recommendations.