Lactating mothers constitute the most vulnerable segment of  population from nutritional view point. The women in all stages of their life, seems to be the most neglected group in our country, under the influence of prevailing customs and traditions. The various studies have shown that the nutritional status of newborn is maximum affected by mothers nutritional status and her dietary intake.

Lactation is one of the periods of considerable physiological stress, which calls for additional nutrient requirements. Generally the diet of lactating mother is supplemented with some special foods. Special attention is given to the diet of mothers during lactation with nutritious supplements. In lactation period there is a tremendous need for production of mothers milk and also for recovery from stress during lactation. The usual routine diets of majority of women in rural India have been found nutritionally inadequate in terms of quantity and quality.