Best Postnatal Vitamins | What Every Mama Needs!
Struggling with life after baby? Discover the best postnatal vitamins that’ll help you get your groove back and revive your energy.
You’ve likely heard that you need to take prenatal vitamins even after you’ve given birth, but do you know why?
Postnatal vitamins are a great way to ensure that new moms get the nutrients they need after giving birth. While eating a healthy diet is essential, supplementing with important vitamins and minerals can support breastfeeding and recovery.
I know it can be tough to find the time to cook a balanced meal every day, so I’ve made it easy for you by providing postnatal vitamins in an easy-to-take pill form. Just take one per day and you’re good to go!
How We Picked
After giving birth, you may feel like you're not getting the nutrients that you need. And rightly so, a lack of nutrients can lead to a number of problems, including hormone imbalance, low energy levels, and decreased breast milk supply.
It's hard enough being a new mom without also having to worry about whether you're getting the right nutrients. We already have enough on our plate!
Postnatal vitamins provide all the important nutrients that women need during this time.
By taking them, you'll be able to focus on enjoying your new baby without also worrying about your health.
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Why We Chose
These beautiful pills contain Vitamins A, C, D3, and Zinc to help support your immune function. They also have nature-identical Choline, Omega-3 DHA from microalgae, and methylated Vitamin B12 to help support brain health.
Ritual contains 350mg of Omega-3 DHA per serving to help imitate the fatty acid content of breast milk for lactating women.
As breastfeeding requires higher nutrient consumption, USP-grade Iodine is blended into Ritual with nature-identical Biotin and Choline in order to provide those nutritional needs.
The Rundown
Ritual Essential for Women Postnatal Multivitamin is designed to meet the unique nutritional needs of postpartum and nursing mothers.
This vegan-friendly formula contains 15 key nutrients, as well as 350mg of Omega-3 DHA per serving.
It does not contain any sugar, gluten, dairy, nuts, soy, or artificial colors/flavors/sweeteners - making it safe and healthy for moms everywhere!
Their world-class scientists scoured the globe for high-quality ingredients when formulating this certified Non-GMO Project Verified, a smart capsule that act like a protective barrier to keep fat and water-soluble forms segregated.
For optimal nutrient absorption, the "delayed release" feature ensures they dissolve later in the small intestine.
And for an even more pleasant experience, each bottle is accompanied by a minty freshness tab! As if that wasn't enough - every batch must go through stringent third-party testing to guarantee it's free of heavy metals, allergens, and microorganisms before hitting shelves.
✔ Third-party tested
✔ Designed for easy absorption
✔ Great for sensitive stomachs
✖️ Contains only 10% of recommended choline needs
✖️ Low in magnesium
Why We Chose
Nurture your little one's growth and development with essential nutrients for Baby and Nursing Mom.
This specially formulated supplement contains vital ingredients that aid in the early brain development of infants during breastfeeding, all without artificial flavors or gluten.
Give your baby the best start to life with this nutritious solution!
The Rundown
This postnatal multivitamin is formulated with 20 key nutrients for baby and mom during breastfeeding.
Their special formula meets the increased demands during breastfeeding and contains higher amounts of vitamins A, C, D, and vitamin E compared to their Prenatal Multi + DHA.
This provides extra support for your baby's brain and eye development, and DHA (an important Omega-3 fatty acid) is added.
Get the daily boost you need with just one soft gel. It provides vital nutrients like Vitamins A, C, D3, E, and K as well as all 8 B vitamins plus additional elements including Iron, Calcium, Magnesium, and Zinc.
Plus it comes without any artificial sweeteners or flavors! All this in a pill made right here in the USA using top-of-the-line ingredients from around the world.
✔ Contains DHA and EPA
✔ Affordable
✔ USP-verified, which means the product contains all the ingredients listed on the label and does not include harmful ingredients
✖️ Lacks choline
✖️ Contains less absorbable forms of certain nutrients, including zinc oxide and magnesium oxide
Why We Chose
Keep your little one's brain growing with breast milk, full of the nourishment they need to thrive.
Not only will you provide them with important nutrients, but also postpartum care for yourself - live enzymes and probiotics make sure both of you are getting everything you need!
The Rundown
These are designed to nourish and support a healthy immune system and neuro-development for babies during breastfeeding. It may also increase energy production and improve memory.
Mama Bird Postnatal Multivitamin is a one-of-a-kind supplement specially crafted with probiotics, digestive enzymes, and nutrient-dense superfoods to specifically cater to you and your little ones' increasing needs.
Moreover, it is made up of active methylated forms that are found naturally in our bodies; making Mama Bird essential especially if you possess the MTHFR gene.
Created by a neurologist and mother to help nourish you and your baby for vibrant health.
This postnatal is a vegan-friendly, wholly natural food supplement with no sugar, preservatives, artificial colors/flavors, nuts, or GMOs.
Plus it's free of soy, yeast, fish/shellfish, and gluten-free! It is crafted in the United States with great care so that you can trust that what you're taking is top-notch.
✔ Great for sensitive stomachs
✔ Easy to swallow
✔ Only one capsule a day
✖️ Some moms complained about a strong earthy smell
Why We Chose
Nourish your body and your baby's with a full range of nutrients that are found in nature, gentle on digestion, and enhanced with milk-fortifying herbs.
The Rundown
If you are a breastfeeding mother, then this multivitamin can help you meet your nutritional needs as it contains 100% of the daily requirements for essential vitamins including A, C, D3, E, K2, and B complex.
In addition to these vitamins, it also provides minerals such as zinc Iodine and Selenium that are needed by nursing mothers.
Vegans rejoice! This cutting-edge lactation formula is crafted with the finest plant-based ingredients like lichen, sunflower seeds, acerola cherries, marine algae, and kelp.
The nutrient-rich blend of bioactive components offers easy absorption while being gentle on your stomach.
On top of that, it includes a unique mix of organic herbs such as fenugreek, blessed thistle, and more to ensure adequate milk production for your little one's nourishment.
Not only are their products Non-GMO, Soy-Free, Gluten-Free, and Yeastless - they're also Gelatin Free, Dairy Free, Sugar Freeless, and Vegetarian or Vegan without any animal byproducts.
Furthermore, they guarantee that there will be no preservatives; coloring, or flavoring added to the mixture when creating these amazing goodies in a GMP Compliant facility!
✔ Well-rounded
✔ Third-party tested
✔ High in vitamin D
✖️ Low in choline
✖️ Expensive
Why We Chose
Since 1973, MegaFood has crafted nutrient-rich vitamins to support your body's well-being.
Their specialized formulas feature probiotics and prebiotics, as well as DHA and choline for optimal health benefits.
The Rundown
As stated in the name, this Mega food supplement supports optimal nutrition for breastfeeding moms after birth with key nutrients like folate, vitamin C, D3 & E, and iodine.
They combine Moringa leaf, an outstanding source of Choline, to help nurture milk production.
Nourish your body with the power of real food like oranges and broccoli, along with their essential nutrients. After all, nature is where health begins!
You can strengthen your body during pregnancy with their 100% non-GMO, vegetarian Fermented Iron supplement.
It is free of milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soybeans, and wheat meaning you can feel confident that it is safe to use while pregnant.
Plus they are a Certified B Corp - upholding the highest standards when it comes to socially responsible business practices!
✔ Nutritionally well rounded
✔ Relatively affordable
✔ Certified glyphosate residue-free
✔ Tested for 125+ pesticides and herbicides
✖️ Provides only 36% of choline needs
✖️ Does not contain omega-3s or magnesium
Frequently Asked Questions
After giving birth, many women are left wondering what supplements they should be taking to ensure they're getting the nutrients their body needs.
Most postnatal vitamins on the market are packed with fillers and unnecessary ingredients. And because there's so much conflicting information out there, it can be hard to figure out which ones are best for you.
We've got you covered. This guide will answer all of your questions about postnatal vitamins including which ones you should be taking and how much you need.
What Exactly Are Postnatal Vitamins?
Postnatal vitamins are a supplement that provides nutrients needed during the postpartum period.
During this period, it’s important that women maintain healthy levels of both macro- and micronutrients by eating a healthy, balanced diet.
That being said, I know that life as a Mama can be quite difficult in those first couple weeks, and eating may not be the first priority- though it should!
Vitamins and minerals play an important role in balancing hormones, healthy energy levels, and breast milk supply.
While continuing to take a prenatal in the months after birth is important, some nutrients that are not in prenatal are needed in addition to supporting breastfeeding and the recovery phase. That's where a good postnatal comes in.
How Long Should I Take Postnatal Vitamins After Giving Birth?
To optimize your post-birth health and recovery, it is recommended that you take postnatal vitamins for at least half a year.
- After childbirth, your body needs time to recuperate from the strain and hardships of labor.
- The postnatal period is a crucial six-month window for providing it with all the necessary nutrients to help you restore energy levels and heal any tissue damage.
- Make sure that during this special time frame your body receives what it requires so you can emerge feeling refreshed and energized!
Prenatal vitamins are a must-have for new mamas as they contain vital minerals, essential nutrients, and beneficial probiotics that can aid in strong digestion and healthy gut flora.
Additionally, these supplements bolster your immune system so you’re better suited to fight off colds or the flu during those early months with your baby!
Is It Better To Take Prenatal Or Postnatal Vitamins?
That all depends on what your doctor recommends.
Generally, when it comes to prenatal and postnatal vitamins, doctors recommend that pregnant women take prenatal vitamins and that breastfeeding women take postnatal vitamins.
- Prenatal vitamins typically contain more folic acid and iron than postnatal vitamins.
- Folic acid is important for pregnant women because it helps to prevent birth defects of the brain and spine.
- Iron is important for pregnant women because it helps to prevent anemia. Postnatal vitamins typically contain more calcium than prenatal vitamins.
- Calcium is important for breastfeeding women because it helps to ensure good bone health for themselves and their children.
What Happens If You Don't Take Postnatal Vitamins?
If you don't take postnatal vitamins, you could develop a deficiency in certain nutrients which can cause health problems for both you and your baby.
- A postnatal supplement helps to replenish the nutrients lost during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- It is especially important to continue taking these key vitamins after giving birth until your body has recovered from the pregnancy and childbirth.
- Some of the key nutrients found in postnatal vitamins include iron, folic acid, and vitamin D.
- A deficiency in any of these nutrients can lead to health problems such as anemia, low birth weight, and developmental delays in children.
Not a fan of taking Vitamins? Don't worry, there are postnatal gummy vitamins on the market! Though do be advised that most contain a hefty amount of sugar. So be sure to read the labels.
Before You Go...
Ana Lyn
Alexandrea Richardson
Alexandrea Richardson
