Isn’t it amazing how your body can create new life? You now have your little bundle of joy in your arms. But that doesn’t mean care for your body stops. Hence, this is where breastfeeding supplements come into play and can greatly help you recover from pregnancy and childbirth.
According to experts, several nutrients in your body are depleted during pregnancy and breastfeeding, such as folate, calcium and vitamin B6. And if you’re a breastfeeding mother, you’ll need to take sufficient vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, D, DHA, choline, and iodine. By doing that, you can produce quality milk that ensures optimal development for your baby.
Why take breastfeeding supplements?
Experts recommend that on top of a well-balanced diet, nursing mothers should consume breastfeeding supplements. It should be for as long as they are breastfeeding.And even if a new mother is not breastfeeding, doctors recommend the intake of breastfeeding supplements. Duration should be for at least six months postpartum.
Why six months? This is because breastfeeding supplements nourish your body with a unique range of nutritional needs that your breastfeeding supplements may not necessarily provide. Hence, it is important to consider which brand of postnatal supplements is best suited for your body.
Drinking breastfeeding supplements
Postnatal supplements and vitamins are typically taken by new mothers to help support their nutritional needs after giving birth. Here is a general guide for how to take postnatal supplements and vitamins:
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Read the label: Before taking any supplement or vitamin, it’s important to read the label and instructions carefully to ensure you are taking the right dosage and following any other recommendations or precautions.
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Check with your healthcare provider: Generally, it’s always a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement or vitamin regimen, especially if you are breastfeeding or have any underlying health conditions.
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Take the supplement or vitamin as directed: At any rate, follow the instructions on the label or as directed by your healthcare provider. This may involve taking the supplement or vitamin at a specific time of day, with or without food, or in combination with other supplements or medications.
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Store the supplement or vitamin properly: Basically, store your supplements and vitamins according to the instructions on the label. Some supplements and vitamins may need to be kept in a cool, dry place, while others may need to be refrigerated.
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Keep track of your supplements and vitamins: Moreover, it’s important to keep track of which supplements and vitamins you are taking and when you take them. This can help you remember to take them consistently and can also be helpful for your healthcare provider to know.
Additionally, it’s important to note that postnatal supplements and vitamins are not a substitute for a balanced diet and should not be used to replace food.
Hence, be sure to speak with your healthcare provider about your specific nutritional needs after giving birth and follow their recommendations.
What do babies get from breastfeeding supplements?
Generally, postnatal supplements are nutritional products that are designed to help support the nutritional needs of new mothers after giving birth. Basically, they may contain a variety of nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and other compounds. Basically, anything that is important for the health and well-being of new mothers.
Additionally, babies do not typically take postnatal supplements directly. However, if a mother is breastfeeding, the nutrients in the supplements she takes may be passed on to the baby through her breast milk.
Moreover, some postnatal supplements may also contain ingredients that are believed to support the production and quality of breast milk. With that, it can indirectly benefit the baby.
Hence, it’s important to note that postnatal supplements are not a substitute for a balanced diet and should not be used to replace food.
At any rate, be sure to speak with your healthcare provider about your specific nutritional needs after giving birth and follow their recommendations.
12 best breastfeeding supplements for mums
With a lot on your plate as a new mum, choosing the right breastfeeding supplements may not be on top of your list. But you don’t have to worry because we’ve rounded up the best breastfeeding supplements that you can choose from.
If you are struggling with your milk supply, give the Actif Organic Postnatal 25+ Vitamins a try. Not only do these breastfeeding supplements contain all the essential nutrients to support healthy brain development in babies, it also helps in boosting your energy level and mood as well. Breastfeeding mothers can expect an increase in milk supply by up to 50%, and there is also feedback about an oversupply!
Price: $82.00
Where to Buy: Amazon
If you want to avoid the hassle of switching breastfeeding supplements throughout your journey of pregnancy and breastfeeding, MegaFood Prenatal & Postnatal Vitamins are the breastfeeding supplements for you.Made from organic fruits and vegetable extracts, these postnatal supplements are tested and free from more than 125 herbicides and pesticides. Since you’re already consuming these postnatal supplements from pregnancy, you don’t have to worry about any digestive issues it may cause your newborn.
Price: $86.46
Where to Buy: iHerb
Nothing is more convenient than the all-in-one Mama Bird Postnatal Multi + 100% Natural Vitamins, which contains more than 25 vitamins in addition to folic acid and B12. Just one capsule from these postnatal vitamins contains enough nutrients to sustain you for a day, as well as boost your energy and increase your milk flow.A neuro-nutritional postnatal supplement and postnatal vitamins that support your brain health, this postnatal vitamins is truly an all-in-one!
Price: $145.47
Where to Buy: Amazon
This is the official postnatal vitamins of the American Pregnancy Association, so the Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Postnatal Vitamins is the ideal supplement to take if you are experiencing postpartum depression and mood swings, two common struggles after giving birth.It gives not only your mood a huge boost but your skin too! This postnatal supplement is lemon flavoured and has no aftertaste. It is also rich in Omega-3, which supports your baby’s neurological development.
Price: $52.61
Where to Buy: iHerb
If you’re vegan, look no further than the Naturelo Postnatal Multivitamin! The ingredients are all plant-based and contain all the essential vitamins and minerals. This supplement has also been proven to boost milk supply in breastfeeding mothers. In addition, it provides nourishment for your baby’s brain, heart, and bone development.
Price: $62.75
Where to Buy: Amazon
Pink Stork True Milk is a lactation supplement designed to naturally enhance milk production for breastfeeding mothers. Made with a blend of organic herbs like Fenugreek, Milk Thistle, and Blessed Thistle, this product supports both milk supply and overall lactation health. Each capsule is vegetarian-friendly, making it a safe and natural choice for new mums. Simply take two capsules daily to help enrich your breastfeeding experience. Pink Stork True Milk is formulated to be gentle yet effective, providing nourishment for both mum and baby.
Price: $38.11
Where to Buy: Amazon
What sets Mama’s Select Post-Natal Plus Vitamins apart from other postnatal supplement brands is that it contains MethylFolate and Methylated B vitamins.These nutrients in this postnatal supplement are ideal for mothers with mutated MTHFR (Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) gene, which can cause higher risk for miscarriages, preeclampsia, or a baby born with birth defects, such as spina bifida. The postnatal supplement formula helps you relieve the stress of caring for a newborn while boosting your mood and energy level, and is sufficient in providing nutrients to support you in breastfeeding your baby.
Price: $39.99
Where to Buy: Amazon
The Nature Made Postnatal Multivitamin + DHA 200 mg is a dietary supplement designed to support nursing mothers and their babies during breastfeeding. Each softgel contains essential vitamins and minerals, including 200 mg of DHA, to promote the health and development of both mother and child. This product is formulated to replenish nutrients depleted during pregnancy and childbirth, aiding in postpartum recovery and lactation. The softgel form ensures easy consumption, and the product is free from artificial flavors and gluten. Manufactured in the USA, it adheres to strict quality standards.
Price: $29.49
Where to Buy: Nature Made Website
Blackmores Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Advanced is a supplement specifically formulated for pregnant and breastfeeding women. The Blackmores Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Advanced contain a range of nutrients that may be beneficial for both the mother and the developing baby. Additionally, the Blackmores Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Advanced have a bioavailable iron form with little constipation and nausea.
Price: $69.25
Where to Buy: Watsons
Motherlove More Milk Plus Capsules are a lactation supplement formulated to support breastfeeding mothers in enhancing milk production. Each capsule contains a blend of organic herbs, including Fenugreek, Blessed Thistle, Nettle Leaf, and Fennel Seed, known for their traditional use in promoting lactation. The capsules are vegan, non-GMO, and free from gluten, ensuring a safe choice for new mothers. Manufactured in the USA, Motherlove is a Certified B Corporation committed to sustainable and ethical practices.
Price: $85.00
Where to Buy: Lazada
Nature’s Way Fenugreek Seed Capsules are a dietary supplement formulated to support healthy lactation in breastfeeding mothers and promote digestive health. Each serving (2 capsules) provides 1,130 mg of fenugreek seed. These capsules are vegan, non-GMO, and free from gluten, artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Manufactured in the USA, Nature’s Way is a Certified B Corporation committed to sustainable and ethical practices.
Price: $15.90
Where to Buy: Lazada
Earth Mama Organic Milkmaid Tea is a herbal tea blend designed to support breastfeeding mums by promoting healthy milk production. It contains organic ingredients like fennel, fenugreek, and anise, known for their lactogenic properties. The tea is caffeine-free, making it a soothing and safe option for mums to enjoy throughout the day. Packed with natural herbs, it provides gentle support without any harsh additives. Earth Mama Organic Milkmaid Tea is a great choice for mums looking to boost their milk supply naturally.
Price: $11.50
Where to Buy: Pupsik
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