5 Best Postnatal Vitamins For Breastfeeding Moms [+ How To Choose The Perfect One For You]
The weeks after birth are filled with bonding, breastfeeding thoughts, and sleepless nights. The bodies of new mothers are put to the test! Having proper nutrition and a balanced diet during this time is very important but can be difficult to do, which is why all new mothers should consider taking postnatal vitamins to ensure they receive the nutrients they need. and their babies. Below we’ll discuss the 5 best postnatal vitamins for breastfeeding moms (and all moms really!).
Do I Need Them?
According to WebMD, postnatal vitamins are supplements designed to help meet the health needs of women who have given birth. They share many key elements with prenatal vitamins, but some versions also take into account concerns unique to the postpartum period. For example, postnatal vitamins may be designed to boost supply during breastfeeding or to help mothers recover from childbirth. Many also respond to hormonal changes or sleep-wake rhythm shifts.
While the decision to take postnatal vitamins is entirely up to you, there are some benefits to them. Pregnancy depletes your body of nutrients and breastfeeding increases the need for nutrients. You already know how important your prenatal vitamins are in delivering extra nutrients to your growing baby; a postnatal vitamin does the same but also helps increase your milk supply.
Postnatal vitamins can help level out your hormones as your estrogen and progesterone levels drop, which can cause mood swings, anxiety, and even postpartum depression. Taking a postnatal vitamin can help you maintain optimal nutrient levels so you feel your best. A mama at her best is what’s best for your baby!
How to Choose a Postnatal Vitamin
You should choose a postnatal vitamin that is well-rounded and trusted by health care professionals. A good postnatal vitamin contains a variety of vitamins with high levels of DHA, choline, and iron. However, you may be looking for additional support during one part of your postpartum journey and may want to consider vitamins that specifically meet that need.
The list we’ve curated below is especially full of the best postnatal vitamins for breastfeeding moms. However, we recommend talking to your care provider about what would be best for you.
When Should I Start Taking Postnatal Vitamins?
You can start taking postnatal vitamins as soon as you give birth. You should continue to take them as long as you are breastfeeding your baby.
5 Best Postnatal Vitamins for Breastfeeding Moms
Ritual Essential Postnatal Multivitamin
Ritual’s Essential Postnatal Multivitamin is formulated for mothers up to six months postpartum and throughout breastfeeding. We love that this multivitamin is designed to be easily absorbed and contains 15 nutrients to support the needs of breastfeeding, including iron, iodine, folate, vitamin D, and DHA. The capsules are delayed-release capsules designed to be taken with or without food.
Things to Know: This multivitamin does not contain calcium.
Price: $35
Nature Made Postnatal + DHA
Nature Made Postnatal Multi + 200 mg DHA is specially formulated with higher amounts of vitamins A, B, C, D, and E, it helps moms meet higher energy needs while they travel in sleepless nights. We love that it contains 200 mg of DHA, which helps support brain and eye development while you nurse your baby.
Things to Know: Some reviews have commented that there is a strong fishy smell and taste.
Price: $24
Mama Bird Postnatal
Mama Bird Postnatal Multi+ supports healthy immunity and neuro-development for babies during breastfeeding. This vitamin also promotes energy production and improves memory and brain processing speed because. We love this unique postnatal vitamin formula of probiotics, digestive enzymes, and superfoods designed to support you and your baby’s growing needs.
Things to Know: Some reports that these vitamins can cause a Niacin flush response (a red, itchy, tingling rash on the face and joints that is harmless and may last 1-2 hours).
Price: $38
MegaFood Baby & Me 2 Postnatal Multivitamin
MegaFood Baby & Me 2 Postnatal Multivitamin is a doctor-formulated postnatal vitamin that supports optimal postnatal nutrition for new and nursing mothers and babies. We love it because it includes choline and moringa leaf, which help support milk production. It can also be taken at any time and on an empty stomach.
Things to Know: It does not contain any DHA.
Price: $37
Perelel Mom Multi Support Pack
The Perelel Mom Multi Support Pack actually includes four supplements designed to support your total body health. Developed by a panel of obstetricians and maternal-fetal medicine doctors these daily packs support you throughout motherhood. Each pack contains:
- a well-rounded multivitamin that covers your needs for nutrients like folate, B12, and zinc,
- an omega-3 DHA and EPA supplement to support your baby’s development and your mental health
- a biotin and collagen supplement to support your hair, skin, and nails, and
- a stress support blend, formulated to help manage occasional bouts of stress and anxiety.
Things to Know: It is quite expensive and you have to take four pills instead of one.
Price: $50
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best vitamins for breastfeeding moms?
The best vitamin for nursing mothers is Ritual’s Essential Postnatal Multivitamin. It is developed for mothers up to six months after childbirth and throughout breastfeeding. I love that this multivitamin is designed to be easily absorbed and contains 15 nutrients to support the needs of breastfeeding.
Can I take postnatal vitamins while breastfeeding?
It’s usually a good idea to take postnatal vitamins while breastfeeding to make sure you’re getting all the nutrients you need. You should talk to your care providers about what postnatal vitamins are best for you.
What is the difference between postnatal and prenatal vitamins?
Postnatal vitamins share many key elements with prenatal vitamins, but some versions also address concerns unique to the postpartum period. For example, postnatal vitamins may be designed to boost supply during breastfeeding or to help mothers recover from childbirth. Many also respond to hormonal changes or sleep-wake rhythm shifts.
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