Top 5 Postnatal Supplements for Healing and Lactation Support
In the whirlwind of welcoming a new baby into the world, it's easy to overlook one crucial aspect of postpartum care: postnatal vitamins. These supplements are designed to meet the unique nutritional needs of new mothers during recovery and lactation, and they play a vital role in ensuring both the mother's and baby's health.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that new mothers visit a healthcare professional within the first 3 weeks postpartum. During this visit, healthcare professionals often advise parents to start taking postnatal vitamins. However, it's essential to discuss any new supplements with a healthcare professional before starting them.
Nordic Naturals Postnatal Omega-3 Softgels, Anya Postnatal Omega Vitamins, MegaFood Baby & Me 2 Postnatal Multivitamin, Ritual Essential Postnatal Multivitamin, and Mary Ruth's Postnatal Liquid are some of the highly-regarded postnatal vitamins on the market. For those following a vegetarian or vegan diet, Ritual Essential Postnatal Multivitamin and Mary Ruth's Postnatal Liquid are suitable options. For those seeking an affordable choice, Nature Made Postnatal Multi + DHA Softgels is a popular pick.
Postnatal vitamins typically contain a variety of vitamins and minerals to support postpartum recovery and lactation. These include fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K), B vitamins (particularly B1, B2, B6, B12, biotin, folate, riboflavin, niacin), choline, iron, calcium, iodine, magnesium, selenium, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA).
Vitamin A (1300 mcg/day) and D (often supplemented with D3 + K2 for synergy in bone and hormone support) are critical for postpartum care. B vitamins support energy metabolism and mood regulation. Vitamins B6 (2 mg), B12 (120 mcg), biotin (35 mcg), and folate (500 mcg) are emphasized. Choline (about 550 mg/day) is important for brain health, mood, and breast milk quality.
Iron supports replenishing maternal stores lost during childbirth and supports milk production. Calcium (1300 mg), iodine (290 mcg), magnesium (310-320 mg), selenium (70 mcg), and zinc (12 mg) maintain mineral balance and support breastfeeding demands. Omega-3s (DHA + EPA) help mental clarity and infant brain development.
In addition to postnatal vitamins, a balanced diet is crucial. Adequate hydration (around 3.8 liters/day), consuming a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats (nuts, seeds, avocado, olive oil), and low-mercury seafood like salmon or cod are recommended. Postnatal vitamins are often designed to complement this diet and should be considered for 6–12 months postpartum, particularly if breastfeeding.
People with chronic medical conditions such as hypertensive disorders, obesity, diabetes, thyroid disorders, renal disease, and mood disorders should pay special attention to postpartum care. If a person is feeling physically or emotionally unwell or experiencing complications, they should make an appointment with a healthcare professional. Regular visits should then follow as needed.
In summary, supplementation or dietary intake should cover these vitamins and minerals with emphasis on recovery, mood, and milk quality, often needing adjusted or additional intake compared to prenatal vitamins. Postnatal vitamins are a vital part of postpartum care, and new parents are encouraged to discuss their options with a healthcare professional.
[1] World Health Organization (WHO). (2016). Postnatal care for mothers. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/postnatal-care-for-mothers
[3] Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. (2016). Postpartum dietary guidelines. Retrieved from https://www.eatright.org/health/pregnancy-and-breastfeeding/postpartum-nutrition/postpartum-dietary-guidelines
[5] American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). (2020). Postpartum care. Retrieved from https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/postpartum-care
- In the whirlwind of family health, new mothers must prioritize the importance of postnatal vitamins to meet their unique nutritional needs during recovery and lactation.
- The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends starting postnatal vitamins within the first 3 weeks postpartum post discussion with a healthcare professional.
- Psoriasis, bipolar, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn's disease complications may require special consideration for postpartum care, making it especially important to consult a healthcare professional.
- Postnatal vitamins are essential for breastfeeding mothers, containing a range of vitamins like A, D, B, E, K, choline, iron, calcium, iodine, magnesium, selenium, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA).
- Vitamin A and D play a fundamental role in bone and hormone support during postpartum care, while B vitamins aid in energy metabolism and mood regulation.
- People on vegetarian or vegan diet should opt for suitable postnatal vitamin options like Ritual Essential Postnatal Multivitamin or Mary Ruth's Postnatal Liquid.
- Breastfeeding is easier with adequate nutrition, water intake, a balanced diet, and supplements like Ritual Essential Postnatal Multivitamin or Mary Ruth's Postnatal Liquid.
- Women's health experts recommend consuming a variety of colorful fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats (nuts, seeds, avocado, olive oil), and low-mercury seafood like salmon or cod during postpartum days.
- Science-based research from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics highlights the importance of postnatal vitamin intake during recovery, mood, and milk quality.
- Parents who deal with chronic medical conditions such as hypertensive disorders, obesity, diabetes, thyroid disorders, renal disease, or mood disorders should turn to fitness-and-exercise, health-and-wellness websites, or their healthcare professionals for personalized postpartum guidance.
