According to Gram Research analysis, more than half of breastfeeding mothers in Northwest Ethiopia (52%) aren’t eating enough calories, with 66% not getting adequate carbohydrates and 90% severely lacking healthy fats. A 2026 cross-sectional study of 318 nursing mothers found that those without nutrition education and those with lower incomes were significantly more likely to have inadequate diets, putting both their health and their babies’ development at risk.
A new study from Northwest Ethiopia found that more than half of breastfeeding mothers aren’t getting enough calories and nutrients to stay healthy while feeding their babies. Researchers surveyed 318 nursing mothers and discovered that 52% weren’t eating enough energy, 66% weren’t getting enough carbohydrates, and 90% weren’t eating enough healthy fats. The study also found that mothers without nutrition education and those with less money were more likely to have inadequate diets. These findings highlight why breastfeeding mothers need better nutrition support and education to protect both their own health and their babies’ development.
Key Statistics
A 2026 cross-sectional study of 318 breastfeeding mothers in Ethiopia found that 52% were not consuming enough calories, 66% were not eating enough carbohydrates, and 90% were not getting adequate healthy fats.
According to research reviewed by Gram, breastfeeding mothers without nutrition education were 32% more likely to have inadequate energy intake, and mothers working as daily laborers had a 9 times higher risk of protein intake inadequacy.
The study found that mothers in the middle wealth category were twice as likely to have inadequate energy intake compared to wealthier mothers, highlighting how poverty directly impacts maternal nutrition during breastfeeding.
Research shows that only 10% of breastfeeding mothers’ daily calories came from healthy fats, far below the recommended 20-35%, indicating a critical gap in fat-containing foods in their diets.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether breastfeeding mothers in Ethiopia were eating enough calories, carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats to stay healthy and produce good milk for their babies
- Who participated: 318 breastfeeding mothers living in Bahir Dar City in Northwest Ethiopia, studied between February and March 2021
- Key finding: More than half of the mothers (52%) weren’t eating enough calories, two-thirds (66%) weren’t getting enough carbohydrates, and nearly all of them (90%) weren’t eating enough healthy fats
- What it means for you: If you’re breastfeeding or know someone who is, especially in low-income areas, getting proper nutrition education and eating a variety of foods is critical for both mom’s health and baby’s development. This is particularly important for mothers with limited money or education.
The Research Details
Researchers in Ethiopia conducted a cross-sectional study, which is like taking a snapshot of a group of people at one point in time. They randomly selected 318 breastfeeding mothers from Bahir Dar City and asked them detailed questions about everything they ate over a 24-hour period. This method, called a 24-hour dietary recall, helps researchers understand exactly what people are eating.
The researchers then used special computer programs and food composition tables (which list the nutrients in different foods) to calculate how many calories and nutrients each mother was consuming. They compared these numbers to international guidelines that say how much energy and nutrients breastfeeding mothers should be getting each day.
The study also collected information about each mother’s education level, job, wealth, and whether they had received nutrition education. This allowed researchers to figure out which factors were connected to mothers not eating enough.
This research approach is important because it shows us the real-world nutrition problem among breastfeeding mothers in a specific region. By looking at actual food intake rather than just asking general questions, researchers got accurate information. Understanding which mothers are most at risk—like those without education or with less money—helps health workers target nutrition programs to the people who need them most.
This study has several strengths: it used a large sample of 318 mothers, randomly selected participants to avoid bias, and collected detailed dietary information using a proven method. However, the study only captured one day of eating, which might not represent a mother’s typical diet. The study was conducted in one city in Ethiopia, so results may not apply to all breastfeeding mothers everywhere. The researchers did not measure actual body weight or blood tests to confirm nutritional deficiencies, only estimated intake from food recall.
What the Results Show
The study revealed a serious nutrition problem among breastfeeding mothers in Ethiopia. More than half (52%) of the mothers weren’t eating enough total calories—they were getting an average of 2,417 calories per day when they should be getting more. Even more concerning, 66% weren’t eating enough carbohydrates (the body’s main energy source), and 90% weren’t eating enough healthy fats, which are crucial for brain development in babies.
When researchers looked at where mothers were getting their calories from, they found that 74% came from carbohydrates, 16% from protein, and only 10% from fat. This shows mothers were eating too many carbs and not nearly enough fat. According to international nutrition guidelines, mothers should get about 45-65% from carbs, 10-35% from protein, and 20-35% from fat.
The study also identified which mothers were most at risk. Mothers who hadn’t received any nutrition education were 32% more likely to not eat enough calories. Mothers in the middle wealth group were twice as likely to have inadequate energy intake. Mothers who worked as daily laborers or merchants were much more likely to not get enough protein—daily laborers had a 9 times higher risk.
The research found that a mother’s education level and her husband’s education level affected what she ate. Mothers with only primary school education were 2.5 times more likely to not eat enough carbohydrates. Interestingly, mothers with secondary school education actually had better carbohydrate intake. The husband’s education also mattered for carbohydrate intake, suggesting that family support and knowledge influence nutrition. The mother’s job and her husband’s job both affected protein intake, showing that employment and income stability play important roles in nutrition.
Previous studies in low-income countries have shown that breastfeeding mothers often don’t get enough nutrition, but many of those studies only described what mothers were eating without explaining why. This study goes further by identifying specific factors—like lack of education, lower income, and certain jobs—that put mothers at higher risk. The findings align with global research showing that nutrition problems are worse in areas with poverty and limited health education. The extremely high rate of fat intake inadequacy (90%) is particularly striking and suggests that mothers in this region may not have access to enough fat-containing foods like oils, nuts, and animal products.
This study has important limitations to consider. First, it only looked at one day of eating, which might not represent what mothers eat most days—some days they might eat more or less. Second, the study only included mothers in one city in Ethiopia, so the results might not apply to breastfeeding mothers in other countries or even other parts of Ethiopia. Third, researchers only asked mothers what they ate; they didn’t do blood tests or weigh mothers to confirm they were actually malnourished. Fourth, the study didn’t measure how much milk mothers were producing or how healthy their babies were, so we can’t directly connect poor nutrition to baby health outcomes. Finally, the study was conducted in 2021, so eating patterns may have changed since then.
The Bottom Line
Breastfeeding mothers, especially those with limited income or education, should receive nutrition counseling to eat a more varied diet that includes more healthy fats and protein. Healthcare workers should prioritize nutrition education for mothers who haven’t received it. Communities and governments should work to improve access to affordable, nutritious foods like oils, nuts, eggs, and meat. Mothers should aim to eat foods from all food groups—grains, vegetables, fruits, proteins, and healthy fats—every day. These recommendations are based on strong evidence from this study showing clear nutrition gaps.
Breastfeeding mothers should care about this research, especially if they have limited money or education. Healthcare workers, midwives, and nurses should use these findings to provide better nutrition counseling. Mothers-in-law and family members who influence what mothers eat should also understand the importance of good nutrition during breastfeeding. Government health programs and nonprofits working in low-income areas should prioritize nutrition education for nursing mothers. This research is most relevant to mothers in low- and middle-income countries, but the message about adequate nutrition applies everywhere.
Mothers won’t see dramatic changes overnight, but with better nutrition, they should feel more energetic within 2-4 weeks. Their milk quality and baby’s growth may improve over 2-3 months of consistent, better eating. Long-term benefits—like stronger bones, better immune health, and reduced anemia—develop over months to years of adequate nutrition.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should a breastfeeding mother eat each day?
Breastfeeding mothers need approximately 2,500 calories daily, with 45-65% from carbohydrates, 10-35% from protein, and 20-35% from healthy fats. A 2026 study found most Ethiopian mothers fell short, especially on fat intake, which is critical for baby’s brain development.
What happens if a breastfeeding mom doesn’t eat enough?
Inadequate nutrition can cause mothers to experience muscle loss, weak bones, anemia, and increased infections. It also reduces milk quality and quantity, potentially affecting baby’s growth and development. The study showed 52% of mothers weren’t eating enough calories to support healthy lactation.
Why do poor mothers struggle more with nutrition while breastfeeding?
Low-income mothers often can’t afford diverse, nutrient-rich foods like healthy fats, proteins, and fresh produce. The study found mothers in middle wealth groups were twice as likely to have inadequate energy intake, and those without nutrition education lacked knowledge about balanced eating.
Can nutrition education help breastfeeding mothers eat better?
Yes. The study identified that mothers without nutrition education were significantly more likely to have inadequate diets. Healthcare workers providing counseling on eating diverse foods and including healthy fats at each meal can substantially improve maternal nutrition and milk quality.
What are the best foods for breastfeeding mothers to eat?
Mothers should eat foods from all groups: whole grains, vegetables, fruits, protein sources (eggs, meat, beans, fish), and healthy fats (oils, nuts, seeds, avocados). The study showed 90% of mothers weren’t eating enough fats, making fat-rich foods a priority for better nutrition.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Log daily food intake focusing on tracking grams of fat consumed and total calories. Set a goal of at least 2,500 calories per day with at least 80 grams of fat from sources like oils, nuts, seeds, avocados, and animal products. Use the app’s nutrition breakdown feature to monitor the percentage of calories from carbs (aim for 45-65%), protein (aim for 10-35%), and fat (aim for 20-35%).
- Users can set daily reminders to eat a fat-containing food at each meal—such as adding oil to vegetables, eating nuts as a snack, or including eggs or meat with meals. The app could suggest specific, affordable local foods that are high in fat and protein based on the user’s region. Create a simple checklist: ‘Did I eat a protein source today?’ and ‘Did I eat a healthy fat source today?’
- Track weekly average calorie intake and macronutrient percentages rather than daily fluctuations. Set monthly goals to gradually increase fat and protein intake toward recommended ranges. Monitor energy levels and milk production as real-world indicators of adequate nutrition. If using the app with a healthcare provider, share monthly nutrition reports to get personalized feedback and adjust recommendations based on progress.
This research describes nutrition patterns among breastfeeding mothers in one region of Ethiopia and should not be considered medical advice. Individual nutritional needs vary based on body weight, milk production, activity level, and health conditions. Breastfeeding mothers should consult with their healthcare provider, midwife, or registered dietitian for personalized nutrition guidance. If you experience symptoms of malnutrition such as extreme fatigue, dizziness, or concerns about milk supply, seek medical attention promptly. This article summarizes research findings and is not a substitute for professional medical or nutritional counseling.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.