Remember those blissful moments after your bundle of joy arrived? Amidst all the love and cuddles, we also embark on a journey of recovery, don't we? That's where postnatal vitamins step in - our unseen superheroes.
They're not just about us, but our little ones too! Imagine, a simple daily habit, packing a powerhouse of nutrition, helping you bounce back faster, and ensuring your baby thrives.
How We Choose The Best Postnatal Vitamins
Postnatal vitamins are crucial for new moms. These supplements replenish essential nutrients, supporting postpartum health. The World Health Organization encourages moms to continue to take these vitamins even after childbirth.
Here's how we choose. We prioritize vitamins rich in nutrients you need like Iron, Calcium, Vitamin D, B Vitamins, and Iodine. These key nutrients boost energy, support bone health, and help with mood swings.
We also consider the form of the vitamin - pills, chewables, or liquid - as it's important to pick something you're comfortable with. Lastly, we look for vitamins from reputable brands, ensuring safety and quality.
As a fellow mom, I understand the importance of postpartum care and am here to help you choose a postnatal vitamin to support your health.
Our Top Picks
Best Postnatal Omega-3 Supplement
Nordic Naturals Postnatal Omega-3
Best For Breastfeeding
New Chapter Postnatal Multivitamin
Best For Healthy Digestion
Mama Bird Postnatal Vitamins
Best For Total Body Health
Mommy's Bliss Postnatal Support Energy & Recovery Gummies
Best Chewable
Pink Stork Total Postnatal Vitamin Gummies
Best Prenatal Vitamin Alternative With Iron
Zahler Prenatal Vitamin with DHA & Folate
Best Vegan
NATURELO Postnatal Multivitamin
Best Liquid
MaryRuth’s Prenatal & Postnatal Multivitamin for Women
Best Overall
MegaFood Baby & Me 2 Postnatal Multi-Vitamins
Most Budget-friendly
Nature Made Postnatal Multivitamin + DHA
Best Lactation Protein Powder
MAJKA Organic Lactation Protein Powder
Nordic Naturals Postnatal Omega-3
What We Love About It
The Nordic Naturals' Postnatal Omega-3 DHA & EPA supplement offers 456 mg of brain-nourishing DHA, which helps to support neurological development. It also has 586 mg of EPA, which research shows can help promote a positive mood and healthy metabolism in mothers.
The fish oil concentrate is in the triglyceride molecular form, which means it's easy to absorb - plus there are no fishy burps afterward! Not to mention, the lemon taste makes it enjoyable to take every day.
Key Points To Keep In Mind
Nordic Naturals is also committed to providing only non-GMO, gluten- and dairy-free ingredients with no artificial colors or preservatives. They practice ethical innovation, so you know that they're taking sustainable practices seriously while still delivering safe and effective nutrients for optimal wellness.
New Chapter Postnatal Multivitamin
What We Love About It
This expertly formulated product is designed specifically to support lactation, energy, and mood in new moms. With its gentle stomach formula plus fermented probiotics, it's easy on the digestive system.
The three-in-one complete formula includes a multivitamin (including vitamin C, vitamin D3 and all B vitamins), a multimineral and multiherbal blend that are all made from clean, pure, whole food ingredients. Organic Superfoods like turmeric, oats, and kelp are also included to make sure you get the best nutrition possible.
Key Points To Keep In Mind
It's even Non-GMO Project Verified, vegetarian certified, Kosher certified, gluten-free, and contains no synthetic fillers or animal gelatin.
Mama Bird Postnatal Vitamins
What We Love About It
Mama Bird Postnatal Multivitamin is an exceptional product for postnatal moms! It's brain-boosting, science-backed nutrition that helps support healthy immunity and neuro-development for babies during breastfeeding.
Plus, it contains the active methylated forms found naturally in our bodies (methyl folate, methylcobalamin, and pyridoxal-5-phosphate) to aid with memory and brain processing speed.
It's easy to swallow and ultra-gentle on the stomach while being made from high-quality whole-food ingredients including probiotics and digestive enzymes.
Key Points To Keep In Mind
This supplement is free of soy, yeast, fish/shellfish, sugar, preservatives, artificial colors and flavors, nuts, GMOs, gluten, and dairy/lactose. Natural whole food-based means you can trust that you're getting clean nutrition that fits your dietary needs while still giving your baby great nutrition! Plus it is proudly made in the U.S.A., vegan certified, and does not use single-use plastic seals either!
Mommy's Bliss Postnatal Support Energy & Recovery Gummies
Best For Total Body Health
Mommy's Bliss Postnatal Support Energy & Recovery Gummies
What We Love About It
After giving birth, recovering can be one of the toughest challenges that new mothers face. Mommy’s Bliss Postnatal Support Energy + Recovery Gummies are crafted to help ease this process and make it a more manageable experience for new moms.
These gummies are made with biotin and collagen to help rebuild and charge your energy levels. They also provide postpartum healing benefits, such as supporting joint health. Plus, the special blend of antioxidant key vitamins and zinc will give you the immune system boost you need to take care of both you and your baby.
Key Points To Keep In Mind
Mommy’s Bliss Energy + Recovery gummies give you key vitamins to keep fighting fatigue too! Not only do they taste delicious (natural lemon flavor!), but they are gel-free, free from artificial flavors and colors, dairy, gluten, or soy. Each package contains 60 gummies to ensure you have enough energy for days ahead!
For new moms looking to recharge their engines after giving birth, Mommy’s Bliss Postnatal Support Energy + Recovery Gummies are an excellent option as they provide essential nutrients that mother and baby need in an easy-to-swallow form.
Pink Stork Total Postnatal Vitamin Gummies
What We Love About It
After giving birth, new moms need to focus on themselves as much as they focus on taking care of their new baby. Pink Stork Total Postnatal Vitamin Gummies provide essential postpartum nutrients to fill the nutritional gaps and help women feel their best.
These doctor-formulated gummies are made with vitamin C, folic acid, B-complex vitamins (vitamin B3, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12), biotin, and more to fully support your enhanced postnatal needs.
Total Postnatal Gummies can help promote postpartum recovery and mood support, balance energy levels, digestion, and constipation relief support immune health, and ease postpartum hair loss. Plus if you’re a breastfeeding mom these vitamins pass through breast milk to your baby as well – increasing breast milk production while promoting brain health and cognitive function for little ones.
Key Points To Keep In Mind
Women owe it to themselves after childbirth to take care of their own well-being too! These Vitamin Gummies make that easier with an effective blend of nutrients for mommy and baby alike. They don’t contain any GMOs, gluten, soy, or dairy, and are always third-party tested for satisfaction.
Created by a female team of experts who have gone through this process themselves - it's no wonder over 80% of its employees are women! Take 2 gummies daily for a 30-day supply - you won't regret it!
Zahler Prenatal Vitamin with DHA & Folate
Best Prenatal Vitamin Alternative With Iron
Zahler Prenatal Vitamin with DHA & Folate
What We Love About It
Zahler Prenatal Vitamin with DHA & Folate is an excellent choice for expecting mothers. This powerful prenatal supplement is designed to support the growth and health of both mother and child, with optimal proportions of essential vitamins and minerals.
The formula contains 300mg of DHA, which supports healthy brain development in infants, as well as 25 additional vitamins and nutrients such as iron, biotin and choline (important during postpartum recovery) and folate. Methylfolate is included in the new and improved formula of Zahler prenatal vitamins, eliminating any risk of unmetabolized folic acid.
Plus, the soft gel form makes them easier to swallow during pregnancy compared to gummies that often have a strong taste or texture.
Key Points To Keep In Mind
Zahler takes great care in ensuring their products are crafted with premium ingredients that are non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free, and free from artificial colors or preservatives. This commitment to purity makes Zahler an ideal choice for pregnant women who value safety and quality over all else.
To sum up, Zahler Prenatal Vitamin is a comprehensive prenatal vitamin specifically formulated to provide full nutrition for mother and child. It includes 300mg of DHA plus 25 other key vitamins and minerals that can help support healthy development and well-being during pregnancy. With rigorous safety checks and high-quality ingredients, this prenatal vitamin offers peace of mind at an affordable price point.
NATURELO Postnatal Multivitamin
What We Love About It
Nursing moms need extra nutrition and that is why we were so impressed with NATURELO Postnatal Multivitamin. This supplement contains all the essential vitamins, minerals, and herbs to support breastfeeding mothers and their babies.
The formula is made with premium plant-based ingredients that are gentle on the stomach and easy to digest and absorb, including plant-based Vitamin D from lichen, vitamin E from sunflower, vitamin C from acerola cherry, calcium & magnesium from marine algae, and iodine from kelp. It also includes premium chelated minerals like iron, zinc, and selenium.
Our overall opinion of NATURELO is very positive - we feel like the product packs a powerful nutritional punch with ingredients that are safe and easy for moms to take during this special time in their life.
Key Points To Keep In Mind
We are also pleased that these vitamins are free of GMOs, soy, gluten, yeast, gelatin, dairy, sugar, and animal by-products. Plus NATURELO Postnatal is produced in a GMP Compliant facility for quality assurance.
This postnatal lactation supplement has amazing milk-boosting herbs such as Fenugreek, Blessed Thistle, Fennel Stinging Nettle, and Alfalfa to ensure healthy production of milk for the baby's needs. It is also vegetarian/vegan friendly. Plus with no preservatives or artificial colors or flavors it meets all the criteria of clean-label products that we all should strive to look out for!
MaryRuth’s Prenatal & Postnatal Multivitamin for Women
What We Love About It
MaryRuth’s Prenatal & Postnatal Multivitamin for Women is an all-in-one solution for your pre-conception, pregnancy, and postnatal needs. Formulated specifically to provide the essential vitamins and minerals needed during these stages of life, it contains Vegan Vitamin D3 for calcium absorption and Vitamin A for baby's healthy development.
And since your body experiences numerous physical and hormonal changes during pregnancy, additional nutrients can be obtained through supplementation from this multivitamin. This pre- and postnatal liquid vitamin is formulated specifically for pregnant women trying to conceive, as well as those who are nursing.
The multivitamin includes Vitamin A as Beta Carotene which helps with fetal development; Choline Bitartrate which is important for cell membrane formation; Potassium Iodide which promotes healthy thyroid function; and Vegan Vitamin D3 which aids calcium absorption. This combination of ingredients helps prepare the body while pregnant and supports postnatal health afterward.
Key Points To Keep In Mind
The liquid formulation makes it easy to take – simply take the recommended dose (1 fl oz = 2 tbsp) once daily either by itself or added to a smoothie or other drink. It can be taken easily on an empty stomach, with food or liquid, or after a hearty meal – making it perfectly suitable for any lifestyle. The mild berry flavor makes it easy to swallow during pregnancy and continue taking after also!
This multivitamin is Non-GMO, vegan, dairy-free, nut-free, gluten & wheat-free, soy-free, corn free, nightshade-free, and sugar-free – making it bariatric-friendly, celiac friendly, and keto-friendly. Plus it is made in a GMP facility so you know that you’re getting high-quality ingredients that are safe and effective.
MegaFood Baby & Me 2 Postnatal Multi-Vitamins
What We Love About It
MegaFood Baby & Me 2 Postnatal Multi is an excellent postnatal supplement for breastfeeding moms. It provides key nutrients such as folate, vitamins C, D3, and E, and iodine which are essential for postnatal nutrition. This multivitamin also contains an excellent source of Choline, as well as Moringa leaf which helps support milk supply.
Overall MegaFood Baby & Me 2 Postnatal Multi for Breastfeeding Moms offers a comprehensive supplement formulated especially for women after giving birth to provide the essential nutrients their body requires. With its combination of real food ingredients plus lactation support from Moringa leaf – this vegetarian postnatal vitamin can help nursing moms feel confident they’re getting the nourishment they need throughout their postpartum journey.
Key Points To Keep In Mind
The vitamins and minerals in this supplement are derived from real food like oranges and broccoli – because health starts with nature. Plus the iron used in this product is fermented which helps to meet your increased needs during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
Finally, it is Non-GMO Project Verified, vegetarian, and made without milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish, and sesame – so you can rest assured it’s safe for everyone!
Nature Made Postnatal Multivitamin + DHA
What We Love About It
Nature Made Postnatal Multivitamin + DHA 200 mg, 60 Softgels is a specially formulated supplement to provide nutritional support for nursing mothers and their babies during the breastfeeding period. The postnatal formula contains an increased amount of vitamins A, C, D, and E compared to Nature Made's Prenatal Multi + DHA. It also includes important omega-3 fatty acid DHA to help with fetal brain and eye development.
Overall we highly recommend this supplement to nursing mothers looking for a quick and efficient way to get important nutrients into their diets during this special time of life. Just keep an eye on the package because exposure to heat or sunlight may lead to melting/damage to this product.
Key Points To Keep In Mind
With one softgel per day containing all 8 B vitamins, DHA, iron, calcium, iodine, magnesium, and zinc, this supplement provides 20 key nutrients for baby and mom in one convenient form.
To ensure the highest quality product possible Nature Made uses carefully selected ingredients from around the world that are produced under strict manufacturing processes. Plus they guarantee it meets their high standards without any artificial flavors or sweeteners and is gluten-free as well.
MAJKA Organic Lactation Protein Powder
What We Love About It
Majka Organic Lactation Protein Powder for Nursing Moms is an organic, plant-based protein powder designed to boost milk supply and support energy levels for nursing mothers. This comprehensive nutritional supplement provides 15 grams of protein (per serving) from organic sources, along with active forms of B vitamins, organic galactagogue (breast milk boosting) herbs, fruits and vegetables, probiotics, and enzymes - essentially 6 supplements in one!
Overall we recommend this protein powder for lactating women to meet their heightened nutrient needs during recovery and breastfeeding. With just two scoops added to your favorite smoothie or plant-based milk, you'll have everything you need for a breast milk supply boost that tastes great too!
Key Points To Keep In Mind
Majka Lactation Supplement for Breastfeeding is free from any artificial sweeteners or additives in its formulation - it's Non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, sugar-free, and fenugreek free. Plus it's one of the only postnatal proteins that also serves as a complete bioavailable postnatal supplement.
And since it includes digestive enzymes and probiotics in its mix to improve nutrient absorption, it's also great at restoring and replenishing your body after giving birth.
Postnatal Vitamins We Skipped
We considered these vitamins. But they ultimately didn’t meet our nutrient baseline, so we didn’t review them. Still, depending on your needs, they could work for you.
Seeking Health Optimal Prenatal Chewables
Best Postnatal Vitamins Frequently Asked Questions
What should I look for in postnatal vitamins?
When looking for postnatal vitamins, you should make sure that they contain the correct nutrients to support your health and wellness during this time. Firstly, make sure it contains vitamin D and calcium which are important for helping to form and maintain strong bones.
Folate is also necessary for women who are breastfeeding, as it helps in cell division leading to the healthy growth of your baby's cells. Additionally, vital minerals such as iron play an important role in helping to reduce tiredness or fatigue.
Also, look out for other vitamins like vitamin B6 which helps with energy production, immune system function, and hormonal balance; zinc which supports reproductive health; magnesium which assists with sleep quality; selenium which can improve mental well-being; and omega-3 fatty acids which supports eye development in infants.
Finally, it's important to check the ingredients list carefully to ensure that the product is made from only high-quality sources of vitamins and minerals.
What is the purpose of postnatal vitamins?
The primary purpose of postnatal vitamins is to restore the levels of nutrients that tend to be depleted during pregnancy. Postnatal vitamins can also provide moms with energy-boosting benefits, enabling them to manage their post-birth recovery. These include iron and folate, as well as other critical vitamins and minerals like calcium, magnesium, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin D.
Taking these vitamins helps support the physical and emotional changes that occur after delivering a baby while helping maintain overall health daily. Additionally, taking postnatal vitamins can also be beneficial for improving mood swings and fatigue due to the increased levels of hormones during this period.
What are postnatal nutritional requirements?
Postnatal nutritional requirements are determined by a variety of factors including the mom’s overall health and wellness during the postpartum period, as well as her pre-pregnancy state. Generally speaking, women should consume additional servings of fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy, proteins like fish and eggs, whole grains, and iron-rich foods like dark leafy greens, legumes, and nuts/seeds.
It’s also important to get adequate amounts of essential vitamins and minerals, especially iron, folate, Vitamin B6, and calcium. Postnatal vitamins can help supplement these important nutrients if dietary intake is inadequate or if a woman is unable to consume a balanced diet due to other demands on her time.
In any case, consulting with your healthcare provider is recommended to ensure that your individual nutritional needs are met.
Do postnatal vitamins help with postpartum hair loss?
Many women experience some degree of postpartum hair loss, and postnatal vitamins may be an effective way to help reduce this common side effect. These vitamins are usually packed with essential nutrients like iron, folate, and Vitamin B6, as well as other minerals that can help support strong and healthy hair growth.
In particular, the iron content in postnatal vitamins is thought to increase the amount of oxygen-rich red blood cells in the circulation system, which can improve scalp health and reduce shedding. In addition, omega-3 fatty acids may also help with maintaining healthy strands of hair. Additionally, many postnatal vitamin supplements include key vitamins like biotin that helps strengthen hair follicles and encourage new growth.
It's important to note that postpartum hair loss is a natural phenomenon associated with hormonal changes in the body following childbirth. While postnatal supplements cannot single-handedly cure or prevent postpartum hair loss, these nourishing nutrients may contribute to a healthier scalp environment over time.
It’s recommended that you speak with your healthcare provider about what vitamins may be most beneficial for you during the postpartum period.
What vitamins are deficient after childbirth?
After childbirth, many women often experience deficiencies in important vitamins and minerals. Poor dietary intake, inadequate rest, and increased stress can all make it difficult for a woman to get the nutrients her body needs to recover from the challenges of pregnancy and delivery. The three most common vitamins that tend to become low during the postpartum period are folate, Vitamin B6, and iron.
Folate plays an important role in cell growth and development during pregnancy as well as in protecting against birth defects. Vitamin B6 is essential for healthy neurotransmitter function and helps regulate moods, which can be particularly helpful for stressed-out new mothers.
Finally, iron is important for producing hemoglobin which helps supply the cells with oxygen-rich red blood cells - this can be especially beneficial if a mother has experienced any significant amount of blood loss during delivery. It's always best to check with your healthcare provider before supplementing with vitamins or taking any other type of medication after childbirth.
When is the best time to take postnatal vitamins?
It is generally recommended that women begin taking postnatal vitamins as soon as possible after giving birth. Taking the right vitamins and minerals after childbirth is essential for replenishing nutrients that may have been depleted during pregnancy, as well as providing your body with an additional boost during the postpartum period.
It's best to take postnatal vitamins in two doses: one in the morning and one at night. This helps ensure that you are getting all of the essential vitamins and minerals throughout the day.
What’s the difference between prenatal and postnatal vitamins?
Prenatal and postnatal vitamins both play an important role in the health of mothers and babies. Prenatal vitamins are typically taken during pregnancy to help meet the increased nutritional needs during this time. Postnatal vitamins, on the other hand, are usually taken after childbirth to replenish nutrients that may have been depleted during pregnancy- as well as provide an additional boost of nutrition specifically tailored to a woman's postpartum body.
Prenatal vitamins tend to include higher amounts of iron, folic acid, and DHA than those found in postnatal formulas. It's also worth noting that some prenatal formulas may include larger doses of certain B vitamins such as vitamin B12, whereas postnatal vitamins are more likely to contain less but still adequate levels for everyday use.
Do postnatal vitamins have any side effects?
Generally speaking, postnatal vitamins are very well tolerated and are unlikely to cause any serious side effects. However, some people may experience mild gastrointestinal upset or nausea due to the iron content found in many postnatal formulas.
Additionally, it's important to bear in mind that some postnatal vitamins may need to be taken with food so it's worth double-checking before taking them.
How long should I take postnatal vitamins after giving birth?
Generally speaking, postnatal vitamins should be taken for at least three to six months after giving birth. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) your doctor might tell you to continue your vitamins even after your baby is born.
Postnatal vitamins are designed to replenish nutrients depleted during pregnancy as well as provide an additional boost of nutrition specifically tailored to a woman's postpartum body.
Additionally, postnatal vitamins should be taken for as long as you are breastfeeding - which can range anywhere from 6-12 months.
Final Thoughts
All in all, there are many postnatal vitamins on the market to suit the individual needs of each new mother. After careful consideration, it's clear that MegaFood Baby & Me 2 Postnatal Multi-Vitamins is one of the best solutions for new mothers out there. Not only does it replenish nutrients lost during pregnancy, but its unique formula is also tailored to meet the needs of a postpartum body. This gentle multivitamin can help provide additional nourishment and ensure that both mom and baby have an adequate nutrient intake during this special time.
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