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Proteins: increased needs during pregnancy, breastfeeding and the postpartum period

proteines
A nutritional cornerstone of pregnancy and support for maternal mass

Protein requirements increase throughout pregnancy, reaching approximately 28 additional grams per day in the third trimester according to EFSA. Proteins, rich in amino acids, support the growth of maternal tissues and the development of the unborn child.

Supporting breastfeeding, postpartum recovery and energy

during breastfeeding, protein requirements increase by around 19 grams per day during the first six months. Rich in protein, certain foods and supplements support energy, satiety and the recovery of the maternal body.

Complementary animal and vegan plant sources

between marine collagen, pea, rice, hemp, soy, oat and oilseed proteins, varying the sources helps achieve a complete essential amino acid profile. Several Jolly Mama products, including a vegan plant-based protein powder, help meet daily protein needs.

Origin and description

Proteins are essential macronutrients for the body's functioning, made up of amino acids, 9 of which are classed as essential as they cannot be synthesised by the body.

They are involved in the structure of tissues (muscle mass, skin, bones, hair, nails), in the formation of enzymes and hormones, in the production of antibodies and in the transport of many molecules. Protein requirements increase significantly during pregnancy, breastfeeding and the postpartum period — phases during which they support growth, recovery, energy and lactation. The form and quality of protein largely determine its benefits: a complete essential amino acid profile, digestibility, traceability and the quality of the raw material.

In natural form, Proteins are found in a wide variety of foods. Animal sources (meat, fish, eggs, dairy products) provide complete protein containing all essential amino acids. Plant-based and vegan sources (pulses, wholegrains, nuts and seeds, soya, quinoa, buckwheat, algae) often have an incomplete profile but become complete when combined together, such as pulses with wholegrains. To make the most of the benefits of protein and sustain energy throughout the day, it is essential to consume varied sources at each meal. Bioavailability depends on cooking method, the food matrix and the combination of foods.

As a food supplement and functional snack, proteins come in several forms: plant-based and vegan powders (pea, rice, hemp), hydrolysed marine collagen, protein bars, enriched cereal blends. Choosing organic sources where possible, with a complete amino acid profile and free from additives, ensures a quality intake every day. This is the approach taken by Jolly Mama with Purple Power, a vegan plant-based protein powder designed for maternity made from pea, rice and hemp, and Mamaload, a hydrolysed marine collagen combined with cacao and vitamin C, incorporated into the Jolly Mama collagen range. Vanifique, Croquantissime and Jolly Bread complete the range with plant-based proteins from oats, seeds and nuts. The amount of protein, the energy provided and the nutritional quality are all essential selection criteria.

Porridge Forever Jolly Mama – recette bio vanille, index glycémique bas, source de magnésium et fer

Products containing it

  • Banana glow visuel snack collagène grignoté en coin
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    3g of collagen and 7g of protein per snack

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  • Choconut power Choconut power
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    Chocolate plant-based protein powder

    5g of protein per serving (30 servings)

    Formula with no added sugars, no additives, sweeteners or preservatives

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  • Jolly Bread Jolly Bread Jolly Mama – préparation pour pain nordique sans gluten, riche en magnésium et protéines
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    Enrichi en magnésium et source de protéines

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  • Mama beef Mama beef
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  • Mama cider Mama cider
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    Peanut Mama

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  • Porridge Forever Porridge Forever
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Why are proteins your maternity allies?

  • Growth of maternal tissues and muscle mass

    They support the formation of the placenta, uterus and breasts, and the maintenance of stable muscle mass during pregnancy.

  • Supporting breastfeeding and maternal energy

    During breastfeeding, protein requirements increase to support milk production and daily maternal energy.

  • Postnatal muscle recovery

    They contribute to tissue repair, physical recovery and support of body tissues after childbirth.

  • Satiety and sustained energy throughout the day

    Rich in amino acids, they help prolong satiety between meals and support the body's energy nutrition throughout the day.

  • Supporting skin, hair and nails

    Amino acids are the building blocks of skin, hair and nails, which are put under considerable strain in the postpartum period.

How does it work? (The science bit)

Proteins are made up of chains of amino acids. During digestion, enzymes in the digestive tract break them down into small fragments and then into free amino acids, which are absorbed in the intestine. Once in the bloodstream, these amino acids are used by the body to synthesise its own proteins, according to current needs: growth of maternal tissues and muscle mass during pregnancy, formation of breast milk during breastfeeding, tissue repair and support of gradual weight loss after birth, or support for skin, hair and nails.

Protein requirements and the amount needed increase significantly during maternity. According to the EFSA, recommended intakes rise by approximately 1 gram per day in the first trimester, 9 grams in the second and 28 grams in the third, on top of usual intakes. During breastfeeding, requirements increase by a further 19 grams per day for the first six months. To meet these intakes and sustain daily energy levels, variety of sources is key: each source provides a distinct essential amino acid profile.

Distinctive amino acids:

Marine collagen (Mamaload) : glycine and proline (skin, joints)

Pea protein (Purple Power): abundant lysine

Rice protein (Purple Power): methionine

Hemp protein (Purple Power): balanced profile

Eggs: complete profile

Fish, poultry : complete profiles, and omega-3 for fish

Combining complete animal protein, plant-based sources combined together and powdered supplements offers support tailored to each stage of a woman's life.

Key takeaway: Protein requirements increase by up to +28 g/day in the 3rd trimester and +19 g/day during the first 6 months of breastfeeding. Aim for 20 to 30 g per meal rather than one large dose, and vary animal, plant-based and powdered supplements for a complete essential amino acid profile.

EFSA NDA Panel - Scientific Opinion on Dietary Reference Values for protein, EFSA Journal (2012)

Stephens TV. et al. - Protein and Amino Acid Requirements during Pregnancy, Advances in Nutrition (2016)

ANSES - Recommended Nutritional Intakes for protein, AFSSA (2007)

Your questions, our answers.

According to the EFSA, protein intake should increase by 1 gram per day in the first trimester, by 9 grams in the second, and by 28 grams in the third, on top of the intake of a non-pregnant woman. To visualise what 30 grams of protein looks like, here are some indicative equivalents:

Quantity needed to reach 30 g of protein

  • Roasted chicken breast: approximately 100 g
  • Cooked salmon: approximately 120 g
  • Cooked lentils: approximately 330 g
  • Whole eggs: 4 to 5 eggs
  • Quark 3% fat: approximately 430 g
  • A tasty combination: 1 serving of Purple Power + 2 eggs + 1 large bowl of quark

The aim is to spread intake evenly between meals and throughout the day.

Yes, provided you vary your sources: plant-based / vegan proteins from a single food source are rarely complete in essential amino acids, but combining them delivers a profile equivalent to animal proteins. The pea-rice-hemp blend in Purple Power is, for example, a complete profile, perfectly suited to pregnancy, breastfeeding and the postpartum period, with no compromise on protein quantity.

Yes, protein powders, whether plant-based, vegan or animal-derived, are generally very well tolerated. Plant-based and vegan proteins are sometimes better digested than whey protein by those with sensitivities. A gradual introduction allows the digestive system to adjust. Water, plant-based milk or a smoothie are all excellent ways to incorporate a daily serving.

Dietary proteins are safe for everyday consumption. In cases of kidney or liver disease, personalised advice is needed to adjust intake. Speak to a healthcare professional if in doubt, or if taking very high amounts via supplements. Also check the allergens listed on products, particularly soy proteins, tree nuts, and fish in the case of marine collagen.

Hydrolysed marine collagen is an animal protein particularly rich in glycine and proline, beneficial for the skin, joints, and connective tissues. It fits into the breastfeeding routine or postpartum routine, as in Mamaload by Jolly Mama, which combines marine collagen and vitamin C to optimise its use by the body and support the skin.

In the post-partum period, the ideal is to spread your intake throughout the day rather than concentrating a large amount in one meal. The body absorbs 20 to 30 grams of protein per serving far better than a single very high dose. Include a portion at each meal and snack: eggs, pulses, fish, poultry, dairy products, nuts and seeds, or functional snacks such as Banana glow. For a targeted boost to energy and recovery, a tablespoon of Purple Power in a smoothie can be incorporated into a post-partum support routine.

Our other ingredients

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isolat de proteines de riz

Rice Protein Isolate

Rice protein isolate is obtained by extraction from the rice grain, offering a particularly concentrated protein content. Naturally gluten-free, it is a well-tolerated plant-based protein source suited to a wide range of dietary needs.
fre pm Proteine de pois BIO matiere premiere 20 kg 1 84834 1

Pea protein isolate

Pea protein isolate has a complete amino acid profile, close to that of animal proteins. It is recognised for its digestibility and its richness in essential amino acids, particularly lysine.
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