What Is The Best Postnatal Vitamin

Prenatal Vs Postnatal Vitamins

Wondering about the difference between prenatal versus postnatal vitamins?

While theres no harm in just finishing off the bottle of prenatal supplements , postnatal supplements are typically built to include higher amounts of vitamins A, C, D, K and minerals such as calcium and magnesium. The higher levels ensure that theres enough to go around. Both you and your baby get what you need.

Most women can plan to take the same prenatal vitamin, but should ask their obstetrician if theyre at any specific risks for deficiencies based on their medical history, diet, and lifestyle, says Dr. Christie M. Cobb, an OB-GYN in Little Rock, Arkansas.

If you choose to stay with your prenatal supplements, be sure to check that the daily dosage of choline is up to par. The WHO recommends increasing choline intake to 550 milligrams daily during lactation, she says.

Tips For Fighting Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is quite common after giving birth. In fact, it affects roughly 15 percent of all new mothers. Symptoms of postpartum depression include trouble bonding with your baby, severe mood swings, and difficulty thinking or making decisions. For some, these symptoms can become so severe that they interfere with everyday life. In addition to eating a healthy diet and taking a good postnatal multi-vitamin, there are a few other simple things you can do to help lessen or completely eliminate postpartum depression.

You don’t even have to waste your me time exercising when you really just want to catch up on your favorite shows.

One of the most important things for new mothers is to set aside some time for themselves. The responsibility of being a new mother can often feel overwhelming. It may seem as if you are always stuck in a chair breastfeeding or soothing your baby. It can also feel as if the constant supply of dirty diapers is never ending. Scheduling a little bit of me time every week can do wonders for your mental well-being. Don’t try to deal with all of the stress of motherhood on your own. Take up a friend’s or family member’s offer of free babysitting. You can use the alone time to take a much needed nap, watch a movie uninterrupted, do some yoga, or just go for a walk.

Garden Of Life Multivitamin Women Supplement

What We Liked: Made from pure raw whole foods, these post-natal vitamins are an excellent choice for any new mom, including those who follow a vegetarian or gluten-free diet. We like that this option also contains no binders, fillers or GMO ingredients. The only downside is the lack of choline or inositol, which are important for proper body and brain function.

Also Check: What B Vitamin Keeps Mosquitoes Away

Other Essential Nutrients For New Mums

There are lots of essential nutrients that we all need in our diets, including iron, vitamin C, calcium and vitamin B12.

As a new mother you dont have to take supplements for these or eat a special diet, even if youre breastfeeding. Instead, you should continue to eat a healthy, varied and balanced diet that contains the major food groups listed by the NHS Eatwell Guide.

• Five portions of varied fruits and vegetables each day
• Starchy foods like wholemeal bread, and brown rice and pasta
• Foods high in fibre like wholemeal bread, beans, lentils, and fruit & veg
• Healthy sources of protein like chicken, fish, eggs, nuts, and pulses
• Two portions of fish, including oily fish, each week
• Plenty of fluids like water and semi-skimmed milk

If you can eat this kind of diet you should get all the nutrients you need from your food. Supplements containing essential nutrients like iron, vitamin C, calcium and vitamin B12 can help with getting the nutrients you need.

A Regimen To Support Postnatal Recovery And The Bodys Nutritional Needs For Nursing Including Postnatal Supplements Formulated For Energy And Mood Support Plus Nutrients For Your Babys Development*

This post was created in partnership with our friends at New Chapter.

On Oct. 27, 2019, I became a mom. A moment Ill cherish forever. I gave birth to my daughter Adeline Kay, a healthy baby who is now 3 months old. Im happy to share that after a long journey to conceive, I was blessed with a healthy pregnancy and a smooth labor and delivery and am recovering well and feeling good overall.

Today, Im sharing my postnatal plan with you as well as my supplement regimen, including how its impacted my recovery from pregnancy and childbirth and how its supporting breastfeeding. My hope is that this post will be informative for other new moms and moms-to-be.

Prior to Adelines birth, I researched the topic of nutrition and supplements for recovery and breastfeeding and wrote out a plan individualized to my lifestyle and needs. I knew I wanted to give it my all at exclusively breastfeeding my baby and also take the appropriate measures for myself to ensure that I properly recovered from pregnancy and childbirth. So often I think we focus so much on staying and being healthy during pregnancy that we lose sight of the importance of postnatal health and well-being including mental health and physical health. It really is just as important! In addition, a mothers diet and supplementation has an incredible impact on the overall nutrient profile of breast milk. An adequate diet and supplement regimen is essential the babys health and development.

Actions Im currently taking:

Read Also: Do One A Day Vitamins Have Iron

How Much You Can Expect To Spend On A Postnatal Vitamin

A bottle of postnatal vitamins usually costs about $10-$45 on average. The most basic postnatal vitamins cost about $15 or less, but these vitamins are usually not organically certified. Some of these vitamins have quality issues, like a fishy or unpleasant taste. Midrange postnatal vitamins cost about $20-$35, and these vitamins are usually organic. The most high-end postnatal vitamins go for more than $35 per bottle.

Which Postnatal Vitamins Increase Milk Supply

Postnatal vitamins containing herbs such as fenugreek, fennel, blessed thistle, milk thistle, brewers yeast, moringa may help increase your milk supply.

Fenugreek is a widely known galactagogue used to increase milk supply. Few studies show the effectiveness of fenugreek in boosting your milk supply. In one study, the volume of pumped milk from mothers who consumed fenugreek tea doubled compared to that of other mothers that did not take fenugreek tea.

However, you need to be careful including postnatal vitamins containing fenugreek into your diet, because it does pass into breast milk and may cause your breastmilk, urine, and sweat to smell like maple syrup.

Just like medication, herbs can also have side effects, so it is best to talk to your doctor before taking postnatal vitamins containing fenugreek. If you have a medical condition, consult your doctor before taking herbal supplements.

You May Like: Why No Vitamins Before Surgery

Nature Made Prenatal Multi + Dha

Made with key vitamins and minerals to support you and your baby, these soft gels from Nature Made are a good choice. The once-daily formula offers nutritional support without the use of gluten or artificial fillers. However, many reviewers report a strong fishy taste, so keep that in mind if you have a sensitive palate. Additionally, this formula does not include choline.

What Vitamins Should I Take Postpartum

Key vitamins like folate, calcium, and vitamin B6 are vital because they help promote a healthy body. And, if youre breastfeeding, your doctor may recommend taking even higher levels of these vitamins to support your babys continued growth and development.

So, what do you need to look out for with postnatal vitamins? Ideally, youll see a long list of health-boosting vitamins and minerals on the packaging, but these are the main ones you need to know:

• **Iron: Some mamas can be iron-deficient or even anemic immediately after having their baby. Your OB should check your levels and advise if you need to up your iron intake.

• Vitamin C: After giving birth, your body needs to do some serious healing. Vitamin C can help support this, no matter if baby arrived vaginally or via c-section.

• Vitamin D: Your skin naturally produces vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. But babies, with their delicate skin, arent ready for sunbathing just yet. So, if youre breastfeeding, you must get enough vitamin D for both of you.

• Calcium: This vitamin helps strengthen teeth and bones. And its needed for the heart, muscles, and nerves to function properly and for blood to clot, too.

• DHA omega-3 fatty acids: This helps boost your babys brain development.

• Choline: Doctors believe this essential nutrient is important for the nervous system.

• B vitamins : These vitamins help create a stronger immune system and better circulation.

You May Like: Where Can You Buy Usana Vitamins

Other Nutrients In Postnatal Vitamins And Their Functions:

• Vitamin C Expedites healing and can help boost the immune system essential for new moms who may be vulnerable to illness.
• Vitamin D helps to develop strong bones and boosts the immunity of both mom and baby. May also reduce postpartum depression and anxiety.
• B Vitamins a full spectrum of B vitamins can benefit moms and babies increased energy for moms and improved sleep for newborns.
• B12 in particular, is required for proper red blood cell development, energy production, and helping to form our DNA.
• Iron for mom, its crucial to replenish iron lost during childbirth. Breastmilk supplies your baby with iron for their development and thyroid function.
• Calcium moms and babies need calcium for healthy bones and teeth.
• Iodine to support proper infant growth and neurological development.
• DHA this omega-3 fatty acid can also help with your babys neurological development. May help moms with mood issues and postpartum depression.
• Choline similar to folic acid and crucial for the babys brain development.

For a comprehensive list of vitamin and mineral RDAs for lactating mothers, please see the chart below as reprinted from the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University.

RDAs differ very slightly in prenatal versus postnatal vitamins and minerals. If you are a new Mom and are taking a prenatal, you may want to carefully review this chart to determine where you may have deficiencies.

A few definitions may aid you in reviewing the above:

Pink Stork Total Postnatal + Dha

This women-owned and women-run brand is perfect to support your needs even after giving birth to your baby. This product is supported by doctors for nursing women in order to revive their energy after going through delivery.

Pink Stork postnatal Vitamins contains all essential nutrient like B-Vitamins, folate, Iron and contain vegetarian DHA from algae.

The manufacturer offers a satisfaction guarantee. If you are not happy with the product, let them know and they will make things right for you.

Recommended Dose: Two tablets per day

PROS

• Little pricey

Don’t Miss: Can Prenatal Vitamins Cause Constipation

Nutrient Requirements During Pregnancy And Breastfeeding

The nutritional requirements of some key essential nutrients for pregnant and lactating women are outlined below.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is needed for vision, immune function and proper cellular differentiation and signaling.1 The recommended dietary intake of Vitamin A for lactating women ages 19-50 is 1300 mcg, which is substantially higher than the recommended intake for pregnant women which is 770 mcg.2This is to compensate for the relatively high amount of Vitamin A that is secreted into breast milk.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an important antioxidant.3 The recommended dietary allowance for Vitamin E for lactating women ages 14-50 is 19 mg, as compared to 15 mg for pregnant women.2Similar to Vitamin A, this increased requirement is to compensate for the Vitamin E that is secreted into breast milk.

Vitamin D

Vitamin K

Vitamin K is necessary to facilitate proper blood clotting. Similar to Vitamin D, breast milk contains inadequate levels of Vitamin K for infants. Thus, all newborns are given a Vitamin K injection at birth to prevent hemorrhage. Breastfeeding mothers do not require additional supplementation of Vitamin K the recommended dietary amount for both lactating and pregnant women ages 19-50 is 90 mcg.2

Vitamin C

Calcium

Iron

Iodine

Folate

Vitamin B12

Zinc

The recommended dietary allowance of zinc in lactating women is 12 mg, and 11 mg in pregnant women.2 This is to compensate for the zinc that is secreted in breast milk.

Selenium

Omega-3

The Postnatal Depletion Cure

Dr. Oscar Serrallach, a leader in the field of postnatal health and author of The Postnatal Depletion Cure, has prescribed the following 6-week supplement course for mothers who suffer from nutrient deficiencies related to postpartum depletion:

Iron Bisglycinate 15-24 mg daily for 6 weeks can be very useful to help with low iron levels and has a very low rate of digestive upset.

DHA Fish Oil or Algal Oil is a great starting point, and I recommend 1gm DHA for mothers for six weeks or 1.5gm daily if you are breastfeeding.

Choline at 175mg daily for six weeks can be really useful for concentration.

Zinc Picolinate or Citrate at 25mg daily with food for six weeks can help mental function and immune function.

Magnesium or Mum-nesium can be great for sleep and relaxing muscles. I usually use simple forms of Magnesium like Magnesium Citrate or Glycinate at 150mg once or twice per day. Its great before bed.

Medical experts like Dr. Serrallach have spoken up in recent years on the need for a more individualized approach to postnatal nutrition and realize the long-term importance of utilizing vitamins and supplements that best meet each mothers unique health needs.

You May Like: Do Prenatal Vitamins Replace Multivitamins

What Are The Ten Greatest Songs Ever Written

• QUEEN OF RHAPSODY BOHEMIA
• STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN Led Zeppelin Without a doubt one of the best songs ever written.
• Imagine John Lennon. John Lennon wanted to paint a world where everyone wants to live.
• SWEET BOY OMINE Guns n Roses. If you thought the literal meaning of the song made sense, then this one, Axl Rose, decided to send them some purchases.

What Is The Best Prenatal Vitamin Without Iron Side Effects

Classified as the first prenatal chewing gum vitamin, Vitafusion is iron-free and contains 100% daily folic acid, 50 mg of Omega3-DHA and other essential vitamins. They have a natural fruity taste and a dose of two gums per day. Vitafusion claims it contains no high fructose corn syrup, synthetic dyes, gluten, or dairy.

Recommended Reading: What Moisturizer To Use With Vitamin C Serum

Best Multivitamin Powder Replenishing Powder By Majka

Majka is a worldwide leader in lactation supplements and postnatal vitamins and its Replenishing Powder provides new mothers with an easy, on-the-go solution to meeting their nutritional needs.

This 7-in-1 daily nutritional powder supports postnatal healing and provides women with adequate nourishment to help boost their energy levels and immune system.

Replenishing Powders main ingredients include:

• 24 vitamins and minerals

Persona Nutrition offers customized vitamin packs that are designed to solve each individuals unique needs.

Its prenatal vitamin packs are tailored to meet the health needs of women who are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or who are currently breastfeeding.

Women have the option to complete a quick assessment on Personas website in order to determine the best vitamin packs for their prenatal health needs or they may filter vitamins by selecting their specific needs on the product page.

Persona offers the following add-in options that are specific to postnatal health needs:

Personas custom vitamin packs are ideal for women who need additional nutrient support throughout the postpartum period or want to enhance the quality of their breastmilk for their rapidly developing child.

Perfect Postnatal Multivitamin From New Chapter

New Chapter is owned by Procter & Gamble and is a company we trust with our newborns nutrition. Perfect Postnatal meets our standard for certified organic, Non-GMO project verified, vegetarian, kosher, gluten-free, and no synthetic fillers.

The product is scientifically formulated for new moms postnatal vitamins and minerals to support lactation, energy, and mood, with beneficial probiotics.

We wish the product included DHA however, for DHA while nursing, add New Chapter Wholemega for Moms Fish Oil for an additional $16.00 on the company website newchapter.com.

Don’t Miss: What Is A Good Vitamin D

What Are Postnatal Vitamins How Do They Differ From Prenatal Vitamins

Like prenatal vitamins, most postnatal multis contain all the essential vitamins and minerals, focusing on B complexes and folic acid. Several of our Best of picks also incorporate another critical nutrient, omega-3 DHA. The primary difference between pre and post is that postnatal vitamins are geared more toward newborn development, and many have ingredients to promote breast milk production. Also, the dosage of these essential nutrients varies in a postnatal as the RDAs for a lactating mother are different.

Some postnatal vitamins are formulated with fenugreek and brewers yeast to help promote lactation and breast milk supply while others contain herbs and nutrients to support immunity and energy for new moms.

Postnatal Multivitamin From Rainbow Light

The Rainbow Light Postnatal Multivitamins provide comprehensive nutritional support for breastfeeding moms and babys ongoing development. The product includes a Lactation Blend, organic fruits and vegetables, digestive enzymes, and Lutein for babys eyes and brain development. Vegetarian, gluten-free, Non-GMO project verified. Made with purity-tested ingredients and no artificial preservatives, colors, flavors and contains no gluten, wheat, milk, tree nuts, peanuts, eggs, fish or shellfish

You May Like: What Is Vitamin C And Zinc Good For

Seeking Health Optimal Prenatal Chewable

This supplement from Seeking Health is gluten-free, dairy-free, peanut-free, tree-nut-free, egg-free, and vegetarian, so its a great option for people with food allergies. Additionally it offers all the recommended nutrients for pregnant and lactating people, including a unique blend of amino acids. With ginger in the mix, Seeking Health aims to make this supplement easy on the stomach.

Always check with your doctor before beginning any supplement.