by maipham

December 22, 2021

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After nine months of preparation for your child's arrival, the time has finally come to meet your baby. Every part of you tells you how much energy and effort you spend to bring a child into the world.

Your body has done a fantastic job throughout the physical changes of pregnancy and childbirth. But, it drew heavily on your vitamin and mineral reserves to do so. Part of your postpartum self-care plan should include replenishing and adding to the nutrient stores you need to thrive.

Not only can a healthy diet and taking supplements guarantee that your body is nutritionally replenished, properly supported and ready for the months ahead of caring for yourself and your baby, but high-quality postnatal vitamins are another good way to look after your body after giving birth.

If you don't have enough of these vitamins, consider taking one of these best multivitamins for breastfeeding mothers to stay healthy and increase your milk supply for the baby.

What are postnatal vitamins?

best multivitamin for breastfeeding mothers

Postnatal vitamins are multivitamin supplements that contain nutrients that assist breastfeeding mothers in producing enough milk for their babies.

Postnatal vitamins are essential for breastfeeding mothers because they can boost their moods, give them more energy, and improve overall mental wellness and recovery. Many multivitamin vitamins contain more iron because the mother requires it to build up her blood levels to breastfeed her baby.

Even if you are not breastfeeding, taking your vitamins regularly is essential. Your body is recovering from pregnancy and childbirth, all while you're probably sleeping poorly, skipping meals, and feeling exhausted. According to a representative from New Chapter, a vitamin company, proper nutrition from foods and an excellent postnatal vitamin can play an essential role in supporting you as your body rebalances.

How to choose a postnatal vitamin?

When selecting the best postnatal vitamins for breastfeeding moms, ensure it is a multivitamin rather than a single nutrient. It is critical to get all the nutrients your body requires to recover after giving birth and continue producing breast milk for your baby.

Look for one with folic acid, iron (anemia is common in new mothers), vitamin D, and calcium. Some postnatal vitamins also include botanicals like moringa and fenugreek, which have been shown to aid in milk production.

Besides postnatal vitamins, some women choose to supplement with fish oil, especially if they aren't getting enough "good fats" from foods like salmon and avocado. This is important both during and after pregnancy. Some clinical trials have shown that children born to mothers who took fish oil supplements while nursing had higher IQs than children born to mothers who received a placebo.

Best multivitamin for breastfeeding mothers

We selected the best vitamins for nursing mothers listed below based on user popularity and affordability. While we recommend the following products, that does not mean they are superior to similar products that are not on this list. Consult your doctor to determine which vitamins are best for you.

Pregnacare Vitabiotics Breast-Feeding

This product is a specially formulated supplement to help new mothers meet their nutritional needs during the postnatal period and while breastfeeding.

Pregnacare Breast-feeding by Vitabiotics is a two-pack of multivitamin tablets containing calcium, vitamins, and minerals and capsules containing omega-3 fatty acids required for lactation to prevent calcium loss from the mother's bones and its transfer to the infant via breast milk for proper skeleton development. Vitamins and minerals ensure that all necessary nutrients are available for mother and baby and contribute to nutritional support and the avoidance of shortages.

Pregnacare Vitabiotics Breast-Feeding capsules contain 600mg of high purity fish oil, a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, and provide 300mg DHA and 60mg EPA. According to scientific research, DHA contributes to the healthy development of the infant's eyes and brain, while EPA aids in the maintenance of optimal brain function and nervous system. Omega-3 fatty acids benefit both the mother and the baby by improving cardiovascular health and lowering the risk of postpartum depression.

What we like

  • It contains the proper amount of calcium, along with vitamins and minerals.
  • Capsules contain highly purified fish oil

  • It is friendly to the stomach

What we don't like

  • N/A

Nature Made Postnatal Multivitamin + DHA 200 mg

Nature Made Postnatal Multivitamin + DHA supports nursing moms' increased nutritional needs while supporting baby's development while breastfeeding.

Lactation increases energy requirements, and the body requires certain nutrients in adequate amounts to meet those increased energy demands. Nature Made® Postnatal Multivitamin + 200 mg DHA softgels are specially formulated to provide essential vitamins and minerals to help nursing moms and their babies meet nutritional needs in one easy-to-swallow softgel.

Compared to Prenatal Multi + DHA, this postnatal multivitamin contains more Vitamins A, C, D3, and E to support mom's nutritional needs while breastfeeding. B vitamins can also help with cellular energy production and meet increased energy demands.

It also contains 200 mg of DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid that may aid fetal brain and eye development when consumed at the recommended levels for nutritional support while nursing your baby.

What we like

  • Support breastfeeding efforts and baby’s health
  • Help produce more milk
  • Postpartum recovery
  • Prevent hair loss

What we don't like

  • The fish oil smells
  • It's a giant pill, some moms difficult to swallow

PREMAMA Postnatal Vitamin Capsules

This postnatal vitamin contains Saffserene, a patented, clinically proven ingredient that improves mood and eases symptoms of postpartum depression; PQQ (pyrroloquinoline quinone) to combat 'baby brain' and improve focus, memory, and alertness; and all the premium essential nutrients to replenish and support a woman's body both after giving birth and while breastfeeding. It contains a potent blend of vitamins and nutrients to help mom feel her best and recuperate from the strains of pregnancy and childbirth. 

With this postnatal vitamin that's packed with good stuff, you can take care of yourself while also taking care of your baby. These vitamins improve energy and cognition and ensure your breast milk is fortified with essential nutrients. They will be a necessary part of your new mama routine throughout the fourth trimester and for up to a year following childbirth. You're doing fantastic. This will assist you in performing better.

What we like

  • Nails and hair have felt/looked so much healthier
  • Mint flavor for easy swallowing
  • Help the positive changes to mood, focus, and energy

What we don't like

  • Some moms get heartburn 

Elevit Breastfeeding Multivitamin

Elevit Breastfeeding Multivitamin Capsules have been specially designed to help meet your body's increased nutritional requirements to provide the nutritional support required for your baby's healthy development during the breastfeeding period. It also improves the energy and vitality of breastfeeding mothers and the quality and supply of breast milk.

Each Elevit Breastfeeding capsule contains lutein, betacarotene, iodine, omega-3, B group vitamins, and iron, all of which are important for your baby's overall health during this breastfeeding period. These help with essential things like the brain, eyesight, energy, and immunity.

Begin taking Elevit Breastfeeding as soon as possible after birth to help your baby's immunity, brain and eye development, and boost your energy levels.

What we like

  • Best for milk supply
  • Help with hair loss
  • Boost immune system
  • Good price

What we don't like

  • Some moms feel it is not enough vitamins
  • This product contains selenium

Benefits of taking multivitamin for breastfeeding mothers

There are many benefits to taking multivitamins for breastfeeding mothers, including:

Improved milk production and supply

can you mix colostrum with formula

Postnatal vitamins assist your body in keeping up with the demands of breastfeeding, allowing you to feed your baby. It can also help you avoid anemia when your body does not receive enough iron.

Besides essential vitamins and minerals, many postnatal vitamins contain galactagogues such as fenugreek, oats, and fennel seed. These supplements, according to anecdotal evidence, help increase your milk supply. Although there isn't much scientific evidence about that, many mothers swear by them.

Water-soluble vitamin supplements taken by the mother can be passed on to the baby through breast milk, making it more nutritious for your child.

Better moods

Postnatal vitamins can help you feel better. Postpartum depression and anxiety are genuine and can affect anyone. Your baby feels more secure when you are in a good mental state.

Reduced stress

Taking postnatal vitamins can help you feel less stressed about what's happening around you, such as when your baby cries.

Restful sleep

Postnatal vitamins can also help you get a good night's sleep, so you wake up feeling refreshed. It will also give you more energy to care for things like breastfeeding, which takes your baby's energy and dedication.

Increased energy levels

When you're caring for a baby, your diet likely takes a back seat to your baby's needs. Taking postnatal supplements ensures that you have enough energy to get through your day. This will help you avoid feeling exhausted.

Improved digestion

Your digestive system can put you under a lot of strain during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Taking postnatal vitamins will help improve the way food travels through your digestive tract, preventing fatigue and exhaustion.

Better skin

safe skin care products during breastfeeding

The vitamins will help you feel better about your postpartum recovery by improving your complexion and making you look healthier overall.

Healthier hair and nails

Taking postnatal vitamins can also improve the appearance of your hair and nails, giving you a better overall physique.

FAQ Multivitamin Vitamins 

best multivitamin for breastfeeding mothers

Multivitamin for breastfeeding mothers: how long should you take it?

The time you'll need to take multivitamin vitamins depends on how long you'll be breastfeeding. If you're only a few weeks in, supplements can be beneficial because they provide energy and nutrients that aid in milk production. When your child reaches the age of a year, consult your doctor about whether you should continue taking the vitamin.

Women who do not choose to breastfeed should continue to take prenatal vitamins for at least six months after giving birth to replenish their nutrient stores.

Is there any risk to taking multivitamin for breastfeeding mothers?

Most women have no adverse effects from taking multivitamin vitamins unless their bodies do not require the vitamin they are taking. Nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, blurred vision, headaches, and upset stomach, or migraines are some of the most common side effects caused by excessive vitamin doses.

These side effects usually go away once you stop taking the vitamins, but you can seek medical attention if they persist. If these symptoms are severe and don't go away, see your doctor.

Multivitamin for breastfeeding mothers: who should take it?

  • Mothers who consume 2200 calories or fewer per day may need extra calcium, zinc, magnesium, thiamine, Vitamin B, Vitamin E, and folic acid.
  • Mothers who are vegetarians or vegans or at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency should take a B12 supplement.
  • Mothers who don't get enough vitamin D from sunlight should take a vitamin D supplement.
  • Mothers who smoke may enjoy the supplement's more iodine.
best multivitamin for breastfeeding mothers

The bottom line

You'll be tired and busy as a new mother who is breastfeeding. Give yourself a boost with postnatal vitamins to ensure that you and your baby get the nutrients you need.

Postnatal vitamins are not required, but they can help replenish some of the essential nutrients that breastfeeding mothers frequently lose when giving birth. They can aid postpartum women in milk production, improve their mood, and prevent some common health issues that breastfeeding women face. I hope you've found the best multivitamin for breastfeeding mothers I recommended above!

About the author 

Mai Pham

Mai Pham discovered her passion for writing a few years ago and she never stop thinking about it ever since. She finally took the leap and created Live a Worthy Life to brag about her smart ass (mainly just for fun). Enjoyed the fun writing brings, now with her new interest in everything-baby-related, she created Mommy Instinct, to tell mamas that it's ok that they mess up, that they don't know what the hell they are doing, and that it's okay to sit back and relax for a while.

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