The Best Postnatal Vitamins for Breastfeeding Moms
Just because you’ve already given birth doesn’t mean you should stop your daily vitamin intake. While prenatal vitamins were crucial during pregnancy, postnatal vitamins are a must have after birth, especially if you’re breastfeeding. Vitamins are a postpartum essential that you don’t want to skip.
What’s the Difference Between Prenatal and Postnatal Vitamins?
The main difference between prenatal vitamins and postnatal vitamins is the focus of the vitamin. Prenatal vitamins are created with a focus on fetal health and development. While they still support the health of the mother, prenatal vitamins contain folic acid and vitamin D which support baby’s brain and bone development. Postnatal vitamins are created with a focus on the mother and her nutrient needs for recovery and lactation. Postnatal vitamins also support a new mother’s energy levels, mood, and overall health.
Why are Postnatal Vitamins Helpful for Breastfeeding Moms?
When you’re caring for a new baby, it can be hard to make sure you’re getting all the necessary vitamins and nutrients from your diet. Postnatal vitamins are an easy way to stay healthy and recover after birth. Postnatal vitamins can also help provide the nutrients needed to keep a healthy milk supply. They can also help improve your mood and energy levels which is crucial when caring for a newborn. It is so important to continue to prioritize your health and wellbeing after your pregnancy has ended.
Related: 10 Breastfeeding Hacks for New Moms
What to Look for in a Postnatal Vitamin
If you’re looking for a postnatal vitamin for breastfeeding moms, it’s important to look at what’s in your vitamin. Lactation increases the demand for many micronutrients including vitamin C, vitamin E, folate, Biotin, and Iodine. In addition to increased needs for certain micronutrients, studies show that most lactating women don’t get the proper amount of nutrients from diet alone.
Our Picks for Best Postnatal Vitamin
Best Overall – Ritual
Ritual Postnatal vitamins are made with 15 traceable ingredients. They’re packed with essential nutrients for breastfeeding moms. Ritual make life easier by offering a subscription service and delivering your vitamins straight to your door, making it one less thing you have to worry about in new motherhood. Their smart capsules are delayed-release and infused with mint, making them extremely easy to take.
Best for Lactation Support – Milkies Postnatal
Milkies Postnatal vitamins provide key vitamins and minerals that support a healthy milk supply, immune support, and energy levels. Milkies are all natural with no artificial dyes, flavors, or preservatives. These postnatal vitamins were created by moms for moms. Milkies postnatal vitamins are an excellent option for breastfeeding and pumping moms.
Best for Hair Loss – Hairtamin Mom
Hairtamin Mom vitamins are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support the health needs of women before, during, and after pregnancy. These vitamins are specifically formulated to help with hair health and growth. Many women struggle with postpartum hair loss, but Hairtamin Mom vitamins can help. These pre and postnatal vitamins are all natural, vegan, and gluten free.
Best for Mood – Pink Stork
Pink Stork postnatal vitamins are made with vital nutrients for postpartum health and lactation. They support energy levels, immunity, milk production, and postpartum wellness. Pink Stork postnatal vitamins are gluten, diary, soy, GMO, and sugar free. These postnatals are an excellent source of nutrients for breastfeeding moms.
Best Gummy – Mommy’s Bliss Postnatal Support Energy and Recovery
Mommy’s Bliss postnatal support gummies are made with a special blend of antioxidant vitamins and zinc to support postpartum healing. These gummies support your energy levels, joint health, hair, skin, nails, and more. These lemon flavored gummies are dairy, soy, and gluten free. Pair these postnatal gummies with Mommy’s Bliss Postnatal Lactation Support for a postnatal power duo for breastfeeding moms.
Best Budget Friendly – Nature Made
Nature Made postnatal vitamins are a budget friendly option that still gives you tons of nutrient support. These postnatal vitamins support mom and baby throughout the breastfeeding journey. Created with 20 key nutrients, these postnatal vitamins were specifically designed for nursing mothers.
When Should you take a Postnatal Vitamin
New mothers should consider the switch from prenatal vitamin to postnatal vitamin directly after the birth of their baby. Postnatal vitamins support the change in nutrient needs from pregnancy to postpartum. Postnatal vitamins should be taken with a meal to avoid upset stomach and ensure optimal absorption.
How Long Should you Take a Postnatal Vitamin?
If you’re a breastfeeding mom, it is recommended that you take a postnatal vitamin for the entirety of your breastfeeding journey. Lactation requires higher nutrient needs and postnatal vitamins are an easy way to meet those needs. Should you stop breastfeeding, a postnatal vitamin is still recommended for the first six months after birth.
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