Prenatal Vitamins and Breastfeeding
As a busy mom, running your household and taking care of the baby, it can be hard to have a minute to breathe–let alone eat! But as a breastfeeding mother, you are providing your child with sustenance, and the healthier your diet is, the healthier your breastmilk will be.
One way to ensure you get the nutrients that you and your baby need is through supplements. One question we often hear mothers ask is which vitamins are best suited for different stages in their journey. So in this article, we will shed light on the difference between prenatal and postnatal vitamins, as well as the role they play at different stages of birth.
What are Prenatal and Postnatal Vitamins?
Prenatal vitamins are a mix of nutrients that are most essential during the stages of pregnancy because they support infant development at an early stage, as well as the health of the mother during this sensitive period.
Postnatal vitamins, on the other hand, are nutrients that support the mother’s health after birth—especially during recovery and breastfeeding. As dietician Alexandra Paetow told What to Expect “After pregnancy and childbirth, a mother’s nutrient reserve can be depleted.” As such, postnatals can help mom get her levels back up and assist with the further development and health of the baby. Postnatal vitamins may come in a variety of supplements depending on the postnatal needs of the mother. There are supplements to help moms support a variety of postnatal concerns.
5 Essential Nutrients to look for in Prenatal or Postnatal Supplements
When picking a supplement for the prenatal and postnatal stages, here are 5 key vitamins and nutrients that you should look for:
1. Omega 3s DHA and EPA
Omega 3s are essential during both the prenatal and postnatal period because they support the fetus’s brain development before birth along with the cognitive function and mental health of the mother during both periods. According to The National Institute of Health, the average daily intake of DHA should be 200-300mg per day and many prenatal vitamins contain this amount.
2. Vitamin D
This vitamin helps strengthen the immune system and is linked to decreased risk of postpartum depression during both the prenatal and postnatal stage. It also helps with keeping bones strong and easing inflammation.
James B Adams et al in Maternal Health, Neonatology and Perinatology highlights the importance of Vitamin D during the prenatal phase :
”Therefore, we recommend at least 2000–4000 IU/day, measuring blood levels of vitamin D (as 25(OH)D) and aiming for a level of at least 30 ng/ml, and preferably 40 ng/ml. Women with darker skin (Hispanic and especially Black) are at highest risk and likely to need more vitamin D”(Adams et al., 2022). WebMD also suggests 600 International Units (IU) per day of Vitamin D during the postnatal stage. However, Vitamin D is not passed on through breastfeeding so you may need a supplement for the baby until they start eating solids.
3. Choline
According to WEBMD, The National Academy of Medicine recommends 550 mg of Choline per day while breastfeeding. This nutrient also helps with brain development in the baby, as well as mom’s immune system, making it an essential ingredient during both the prenatal and postnatal stages.
4. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that also plays a critical role during pregnancy and postpartum. Per James B Adams et al in Maternal Health, Neonatology and Perinatology: “For US women, we recommend that prenatal supplements contain approximately 200 mg of vitamin C. This recommendation appears likely to reduce the risk of premature rupture of membranes and may reduce the risk of anemia, preeclampsia, urinary tract infections, and orofacial clefts, and may improve pulmonary function in infants (Adams et al., 2022)
5. Iron
Iron plays a crucial role in the baby’s brain development during the prenatal stage. In the postnatal stage, it helps replenish the iron lost during delivery and supports the mother’s recovery, immune system, and energy levels.
So if they’re the same, can I just keep taking my prenatal supplements?
While prenatal and postnatal supplements can be similar, they aren’t the same. The difference between the two often comes down to the combination and recommended quantity of each vitamin in the supplement which depends on the stage of pregnancy or birth which you are in. Your prenatal or postnatal supplements are carefully optimized to support these different stages of pregnancy and birth, as well as the concerns that come with these stages.
For example, prenatal supplements may not always be suited for the postnatal period because they tend to have higher levels of iron than required for breastfeeding, which may cause constipation in some women according to University of California San Francisco Health. On the other hand, according to Heathline, Vitamin A may be beneficial for the postnatal period but too much Vitamin A before birth can be harmful for the baby, causing issues like a softening of the skull or trouble gaining weight. You may also consider other postnatal vitamins to prevent issues like poor sleep or low milk supply.
Many women wonder whether they should continue taking prenatal vitamins after giving birth — especially if they’re breastfeeding. The short answer is usually “yes.” But before deciding on what supplement to take in your postpartum journey, take a moment to speak to your doctor to determine what option is best for you and your baby. After 6 months, you can usually switch to a regular multivitamin unless your doctor recommends you continue your current supplement.
Final Thoughts
The best way to maintain optimal health for both you and your baby is to start with a healthy diet filled with fresh, green, leafy vegetables, along with fresh fruit, lean protein (like fish with Omega 3s) and complex carbohydrates like whole grains. Supplements should be an enhancement to your already healthy diet. But before starting any new supplement, always be sure to seek personalized medical advice from your doctor. If you enjoyed this article then please remember to share! You may also be interested in reading The 8 Best Foods for Breastfeeding Mom – Breastfeeding Perspectives
References
Levinstein, L(2024).What’s the Difference Between Prenatal and Postnatal Vitamins? What to Expect. What’s the Difference Between Prenatal and Postnatal Vitamins?
Nutrition Tips for Breastfeeding Mothers | UCSF Health
Postnatal Vitamins While Breastfeeding | American Pregnancy Association
What to Know About Postnatal Vitamins. (2024) Grow by WEBMD. What Do Postnatal Vitamins Include? How They Differ from Prenatal Vitamins
Adams, J.B., Kirby, J.K., Sorensen, J.C. et al. Evidence based recommendations for an optimal prenatal supplement for women in the US: vitamins and related nutrients. matern health, neonatol and perinatol 8, 4 (2022). Evidence based recommendations for an optimal prenatal supplement for women in the US: vitamins and related nutrients | Maternal Health, Neonatology and Perinatology | Full Text
