In this guide…
Prenatal vs Postnatal Vitamins
Many people are familiar with the benefits of supplements throughout the process of bringing a new person into the world. Healthcare and support providers often recommend prenatal vitamins to their patients to keep them healthy throughout their pregnancies. Postnatal vitamins serve a similar purpose; however, they’re specifically formulated to supply necessary nutrients to birthing people after they've given birth.
With essential nutrients including iron, calcium, zinc, vitamin D, vitamin K, DHA, and more, postnatal vitamins can be extremely helpful to new parents after going through the process of pregnancy and childbirth, which is one of the highest metabolic activities a person can undergo in their lifetime. For those who choose to breastfeed/bodyfeed, your baby will also benefit from postnatal vitamins.
Postnatal vitamin can aid birthing people by:
Promoting abundant and nutrient-dense milk supply
Assisting the recovery process after labor
Balancing hormonal changes
Addressing sleep disturbances
Improving overall health
What are the best postnatal vitamins in 2022?
Not all postnatal vitamins are created equal. While there are many supplements that are designed to cover the general nutritional needs of new parents after labor, you can also find a number of vitamins formulated to address specific issues or concerns.
New parents and their babies all have unique needs depending on their health, preferences, and lifestyles. Keep reading to learn more about how postnatal supplements can help you and your baby stay healthy during recovery and discover some of the best postnatal vitamins in 2022.
Best Postnatal Vitamins for Breastfeeding
Many new parents find that breastfeeding is a bit more complicated than they anticipated. From ensuring a good latch to producing enough milk to ensuring that your baby is getting all the vitamins and minerals they need to grow healthy and strong, it can be a bit intimidating.
Fortunately, there are many postnatal vitamins formulated specifically to increase milk supply and produce fuel for your baby that is rich in all the nutrients they need. Products such as Milkies’ Nursing Postnatal Vitamin and Ritual’s Essential for Women Postnatal Multivitamin are packed with minerals such as vitamins B, D, C, and E, iodine, choline, biotin, and more, helping you produce super nutritious and healthy breast milk for your baby.
Best Postnatal Vitamins if You’re Not Breastfeeding
While many postnatal multivitamins are formulated to promote lactation, people who have given birth but aren’t breastfeeding can also benefit from supplements. Carrying and delivering a baby can take a toll on the body in a number of ways, such as depleting essential nutrients during your pregnancy and labor. In fact, vitamin deficiency is an increasingly common problem for birthing people.
If you're not breastfeeding, you’ll want to choose a postnatal vitamin that is rich in nutrients such as calcium, vitamin B6, folate, iron, and vitamin D. The MamaBird Postnatal Vitamin by Best Nest Wellness uses probiotics and digestive enzymes to aid in recovery. It’s also formulated with key vitamins needed for serotonin production for new parents struggling with postpartum mood changes.
Best Postnatal Gummy Vitamins
Whether you struggle with swallowing pills or you just want your daily vitamin to feel like a sweet treat, you can also get vital nutrients for you and your baby in a chewable gummy. These Total Postnatal Vitamins from Pink Stork are delicious and doctor-formulated for postnatal recovery and breastfeeding, and they’re also vegan and gluten-free.
You can also try these lemon-flavored Postnatal Support & Energy gummies, which are filled with essential nutrients like biotin and collagen and are specifically designed to boost your metabolism and help you regain your energy.
Best Vitamins for Postpartum Hair Loss
If you’re one of the many people who struggle with postpartum hair loss (also known as postpartum alopecia), you’re not alone. In fact, it’s estimated that as many as 90% of people experience some degree of hair loss due to the extreme hormonal changes that occur after giving birth.
If you’ve noticed more hairs in your brush or you’re seeing noticeable thinning, postnatal vitamins can help. Supplements such as the Baby Blues Hair Vitamins help increase hair growth by providing you with several essential nutrients including biotin, zinc, folate, and more.
How long should I take postnatal vitamins?
For most people, it’s recommended that they take postnatal supplements for around six months after giving birth. This gives enough time for your nutrient stores to replenish and your hormones to balance out. However, this is somewhat dependent on your needs and advice from your healthcare provider. For example, if you're breastfeeding, many doctors and midwives will suggest lactation supplements until you stop breastfeeding. Many people will also take postnatal supplements to address a specific issue and switch to a standard multivitamin once that issue has improved.
Taking postnatal vitamins isa fantastic way to help you recover after a difficult and life-changing experience and it’s a good idea to consult with your provider so that you can consider your unique situation and needs when choosing the right one for you.
If you have more questions about postnatal vitamins, don’t hesitate to reach out!
Wildwood Birth Collective is a Portland-based doula service provider. We’re here to give expectant and new parents the support they need to navigate the amazing journey of pregnancy, birth, and recovery. Contact us today to learn about our services, read our reviews of the best online birth courses for 2023, and ask any questions you may have!
These statements have not been reviewed by a medical professional. Please consult with your healthcare provider prior to adding any supplements to your diet.