Omega-3 fatty acids are long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. One of these is docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). This compound is not abundant in Western diets, in fact we deplete our omega 3's because of the high sugar and high saturated fat diets we are consuming.  However, there has been plenty of research to show the number of health benefits associated with its intake of DHA. These include the following: 

•  A 2003 study published in the Journal Pediatrics showed children whose mothers took a DHA supplement during pregnancy scored higher on intelligence tests at four years of age than children of mothers not taking DHA supplements.
• A 2004 study published in Child Development found that babies whose mothers had high blood levels of DHA at delivery had advanced attention spans into their second year of life. During the first six months of life these infants were two months ahead of babies whose mothers had lower DHA levels. 
• Other research studies suggest breastfed babies have IQs of six to 10 points higher than formula-fed babies. Medical and nutritional experts attribute this difference to the DHA infants receive while nursing. 
• In a trial of women receiving DHA supplementation during the third trimester, the average length of gestation increased six days (Obstetrics & Gynecology, 2003).
• Research has found low levels of DHA in mother's milk and in the red blood cells of women with postpartum depression. (Journal of Affective Disorders, 2002). Some scientists believe increasing levels of maternal DHA may reduce the risk of postpartum depression. American women have the lowest levels in the world.
• A 2005 study published in the July issue of American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that infants of mothers who supplemented with DHA during the first four months of breastfeeding had better psychomotor skills at 2 1⁄2 years of age.
• A September 2009 study found fish oil to offer additional support, possibly by promoting immune cell membrane fluidity and healthy cytokine balance. A recent trial investigated supplementing pregnant women from 25 weeks gestation through 3-4 months of breastfeeding with fish oil containing 1.6 grams of EPA and 1.1 grams of DHA. Results indicate that fish oil maintained healthy IgE production (allergies) and provided support for infant skin sensitivity (eczema) and immune health.

DHA for Pregnant and Nursing Moms:

The 3rd trimester of pregnancy is the most crucial for the baby's brain development, peaking at week 30.

Fish oil offers additional support, possibly by promoting immune cell membrane fluidity and healthy cytokine balance. A recent trial investigated supplementing pregnant women from 25 weeks gestation through 3-4 months of breastfeeding with fish oil containing 1.6 grams of EPA and 1.1 grams of DHA. Results indicate that fish oil maintained healthy IgE production and provided support for infant skin sensitivity and immune health. 

Pregnant and nursing moms need 300mg of DHA per day. This makes the milk richer. Even though DHA is naturally found in breastmilk, nursing mothers need to supplement with their own diet. Most prenatals do not have DHA.  

Pregnant moms need DHA because it helps the baby grow to the right size, be born on time and helps keep inflammation down in the body. It also helps recover from labor, delivery, reduces risk for post partum depression and improves postpartum weight loss.

It also helps the cardiovascular system, making it healthy, stronger and more supple. 

Sources of DHA: 

• Raw walnuts
• Chia or Salba seeds
• Flax oil or grounded flax seeds (no more than two Tablespoons per day)
• Hulled hemp seeds
• Fresh water salmon
• Fish or krill oil supplements 
• Be Nice Prenatal Vitamin Packets

Many experts are now saying the best source of DHA are vegan sources as fish is not sustainable.  Fish eat microalgae and that is where all the DHA comes from.  We have to be more conscious of our environment and especially with the damage of the BP oil spill.