5 Best Postnatal Vitamins Of 2024

Prenatal care has been given extensive importance due to its nutritional benefits to the mother and child. The truth is that postnatal care is equally important to meet the needs of postpartum. Your postpartum self-care strategy should include supporting your body through a nutritious diet and restoring lost nutrients. Postnatal vitamins can help new mothers, and their babies avoid nutritional deficits. In this blog, let's discuss the various postnatal vitamins you should include in your diet for the healthy functioning of your body.

What is a postnatal vitamin?

Postnatal vitamins are multivitamin supplements intended to address the health needs of new mothers. They are designed specifically for postpartum and breastfeeding women. They share many key ingredients with prenatal vitamins, but some versions also address postpartum issues. They are tailored to increase supply while breastfeeding and passing on critical nutrients to their children. Breastfeeding supplements or Postnatal vitamins also aid mothers' recovery after birth by addressing hormone changes and variations in sleep-wake rhythms.

Why are postnatal vitamins important?

As a result of pregnancy, the body gets depleted of various nutrients, like iron, folate, vitamin D, fatty acids, selenium, and calcium. Even after birth, proper nutrition is critical. This is because you are breastfeeding your baby. Therefore, your daily recommended quantity of nutrients increases much more than it was throughout your pregnancy. 

• When you're lactating, your dietary intake of vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, and D, as well as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), choline, and iodine, contributes to the production of milk. 
• Breastfeeding women are at a higher risk of having nutritional deficiencies due to the increased nutrient demand. It is critical to maintain an appropriate nutrient intake to feel your best and has the stamina to care for yourself and your baby. 
• Your optimal diet will help promote the development of your baby's body and brain. 
• Your healthcare practitioner may advise you to take supplements after delivery to ensure your nutrient stores are appropriately replaced.

Also, Read 8 Supplements & Vitamins for Stress Relief

How are postnatal vitamins different from prenatal vitamins?

Generally, postnatal supplements are not the same as prenatal supplements. While prenatal vitamins are designed to meet the nutritional demands of your growing baby, breastfeeding supplements help with recovery after birth. Other than maintaining your circadian rhythm and building stamina, breastfeeding mothers require much more nutrition than they did throughout pregnancy. 

What are the types of postnatal vitamins?

Here are some vitamins you should include in your supplement to replace those lost after delivery:

1. Zinc - Zinc, along with Vitamin C, aids in the development of your immune system.
2. Calcium - It promotes bone and muscular growth.
3. Magnesium - It promotes the overall healthy growth of the mother and child.
4. Iron - Iron deficiency in breastfeeding women causes anemia. Getting about 10 milligrams of iron daily will help boost energy levels and make it easier to keep up with a new infant. Iron facilitates oxygen transport to your baby's brain via the red blood cells. Unfortunately, babies do not acquire enough iron from breast milk. That is why they store iron for up to 6 months before requiring iron from their diet.
5. B vitamins - Vitamin B supplementation during pregnancy helps to avoid various birth abnormalities and promotes the proper growth of your growing baby. Vitamins B1, B2, B6, and B12 are essential for breast milk production. Vitamin B6 aids in the treatment of postnatal depression and maintains sufficient blood supply to the nipple, promoting milk flow. Vitamin B12 is a popular postnatal vitamin, particularly among vegetarians and vegans, because it is only found in animal sources. Vitamin B12 is essential to produce energy and properly function the central nervous system. It is a critical nutrient for both the mother and the newborn. 
6. Vitamin D - Vitamin D is necessary to develop your baby's bones. Vitamin D deficiency in children causes rickets. Vitamin D is also necessary for your baby to absorb calcium and phosphorus.
7. Vitamin A - It is essential for breastfeeding mothers and their children's growth. Vitamin A promotes good vision, tissue growth, and immune support in both mother and baby.
8. Vitamin C - It aids in your body's healing from birth while also enhancing your immune system to fight off potential ailments.
9. Choline - Choline is an essential element for new mothers. It is essential for breastfeeding women to provide enough choline concentrations in breast milk, support the baby's growth, and preserve maternal immunological function and intestinal health. It also aids in developing your baby's brain and neurological system. Lactating mothers should consume 550 mg of choline daily for a year after giving birth.
10. Iodide - Iodide is necessary for thyroid health. It also aids in developing your baby's brain and neurological system. Lactating mothers should consume 290 mcg of iodine daily for a year after giving birth.
11. Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) - Docosahexaenoic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid, promotes a healthy nervous system, eye, and brain development in your newborn. Human bodies do not produce omega-3 fatty acids, so they must be obtained through diet.

Also, Read What are the 14 signs of vitamin D Deficiency?

How to choose postnatal vitamins?

Generally, the Best postnatal multivitamins should be selected using the following criteria:

• Nutritional content
• High-Quality Ingredients 
• Price
• Form
• Purpose
• Customer reviews

5 Best Postnatal Vitamins of 2022 According to a Dietitian - 

FullWell Prenatal Multivitamin - 

FullWell Prenatal Multivitamin is used as a postnatal supplement to deal with postpartum and breastfeeding. This specialized medication was created by a dietitian and fertility nutrition experts and is tested for hazardous pollutants, like heavy metals. The capsule meets 55% of choline needs during breastfeeding and gives 4,000 IU of vitamin D in each dose, substantially more than comparable pre- and postnatal supplements on the market.Dosage: 8 capsules a dayPros

• Rich in choline, zinc, folate, and vitamin D 
• Utilizes chelated minerals for best absorption 
• Third-party tested for accuracy and purity

Cons

• Does not contain iron
• Necessitates a daily dose of 8 capsules 
• Expensive

Perelel Mom Multi Support Pack -

Perelel Mom Multi Support Pack contains four nutrients (DHA, EPA, zinc, and vitamin B12) that promote whole-body health after pregnancy. An omega-3 DHA and EPA supplement promotes your baby's growth and mental health, in addition to zinc and vitamin B12 that cover your nutritional needs. It contains biotin and collagen to aid hair, skin, and nail growth. It also acts as a stress support mix to deal with episodes of stress and anxiety. It delivers 22% of choline and 8% of magnesium needed during nursing. It is also free from artificial additives. If breastfeeding, you may need to consume more of these nutrients through food to maintain appropriate levels.Dosage: 1 packet in a day with mealsPros

• Third-party tested
• Contains DHA and EPA

Cons

• Low in choline and magnesium
• Little pricey

Also, Read The Best Multivitamin Tablets in the Market (2022).

Majka Green Vanilla Nourishing Lactation Protein Powder -

Majka Green Vanilla Nourishing Lactation Protein Powder is a fantastic alternative for new moms, especially breastfeeding moms. It is also available in chocolate flavor. According to new research, the protein requirements of exclusively breastfeeding women are substantially higher than previously anticipated. Breastfeeding women should aim for 1.7-1.9 g per kg of body weight daily. This product offers 15 grams of protein per serving, as well as choline, vitamin D, zinc, calcium, iron, and a probiotic blend to support the requirements of new mothers.Dosage: 2 scoops (31.9 grams) a dayPros

• Contains protein, key vitamins, and minerals
• Third-party tested for contaminants 
• Vegan-friendly
• Soy- and gluten-free
• Easy to use

Cons

• Doesn't contain omega-3s
• Expensive

Nature Made Postnatal Multi + DHA -

This soft gel contains important vitamins and minerals to help you and your baby by providing nutritional assistance. It is free from gluten and artificial fillers. Furthermore, choline is not included in this formula. Dosage: 1 Softgel per dayPros

• Contains DHA and EPA
• Affordable
• USP-verified
• Gluten-free

Cons

• Lacks choline
• Strong fishy flavor, according to some users
• Contains less quantity of zinc oxide and magnesium oxide

Root'd Prenatal Multivitamin Fizzy Drink Mix -

Rooted Prenatal Multivitamin Fizzy Drink Mix should be blended with water, juice, or a smoothie to help maintain hydration demands during the postpartum period. Each Root'd Prenatal Multivitamin Fizzy Drink Mix packet contains 25 vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, selenium, vitamin A, and choline, vital for postpartum recovery and nursing. Despite its delicious taste, this drink is flavored with stevia and contains no added sugars. The product has been tested by a third party and does not include artificial flavors or fillers. Dosage: 1 packet (5 grams) a dayPros

• Third-party tested
• No added sugars

Cons

• Low in choline and vitamin D
• Some users dislike the aftertaste of stevia

What are the side effects of postnatal vitamins?

The most prevalent side effect of postnatal supplements is stomach upset. You may experience slight cramping, nausea, or stomach trouble. To alleviate symptoms, take your multivitamin with food. If that does not work, consult your doctor about other options. Seek emergency medical treatment if you experience an allergic reaction such as hives, swelling, rash, or difficulty breathing. Iron supplements can cause constipation, so drink lots of water, add fiber to your diet, and incorporate modest exercise into your daily routine.Also, Read What are the best eye vitamins for blurry vision?

Conclusion -

The body's requirements after the delivery of your baby change. It is entirely your decision whether to utilize postnatal multivitamins or not after giving birth. To increase your breast milk production, Breastfeeding or postnatal vitamins are an excellent choice. Ensure that your postnatal vitamin has a variety of vitamins, minerals, and other essential elements, such as DHA, choline, iron, magnesium, zinc, folate, and vitamins A, B6, B12, C, and D.