In the US, we have done a less than excellent job of focusing on and supporting maternal health. While this is a complete statement, it is especially true in time postpartum period. So women often give birth and quickly (immediately) lose the importance of continuing to take care of themselves. It doesn’t matter if we live in a toxic return culture, paid maternity leave is a rare privilege that depends on your employer’s benevolence. And while finding the best postpartum vitamin won’t solve these problems, it can aid your recovery and growth journey after giving birth.
Featured image of Teal Thomsen.
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Between the lack of sleep, the incessant cries, and the newness of it all, it’s easy to throw all of yourself at your child and forget. The importance of self-care. But fortunately, society’s views and expectations of new mothers are changing for the better. More and more women are sharing their pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum experiences, and social media and social media are paying attention to maternal health in general. The tide seems to be turning in the right direction!
While we can’t blame an exhausted, sleep-deprived, milking mom for forgetting to take the space and time to nourish and fill her cup, let this serve as a reminder: It is important to continue to regulate your health! Below, I share how to find the best postpartum vitamins that can aid your recovery journey and help you thrive.
How vitamins work after giving birth
In an ideal world, we would all eat a balanced diet to meet each and all nutritional requirements for ourselves and our little one. Of course, that’s hard to do, (moms barely have time to shower!). So daily vitamins helps us balance nutrient intake to maintain stable levels of support nutrients, vitamins and minerals, especially during the judging season of our lives.
Postnatal vitamins differ from prenatal vitamins in several ways. They are specially designed to nourish the body after birth and their little ones by:
- Assists in increasing the overall nutritional needs of nursing or lactating mothers.
- Contains targeted vitamins (like choline, DHEAand Iron) supports infant brain and eye development.
- Helps a woman’s body recover from postpartum stress naturally by recovering vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin C and magnesium levels.
- Promote vitamin D levels to prevent osteoporosis later in life.
- Provides energy support by increasing the base level of B group vitamins to help convert food into energy more easily.
The best vitamins after giving birth: Things to consider
Price and quality
These two criteria often go hand in hand. However, that doesn’t mean you need to find the most expensive vitamins to get excellent quality. If you’re on a budget, there are still plenty of great options out there.
Absorption
In general, our bodies absorb nutrients from food better than any processed version of the nutrient. In your search for the best postpartum vitamins, look for vitamins and minerals from real food sources! It’s always a good idea to do your research on what makes vitamins and minerals more bioavailable. Trust me, it is education that will serve you for life!
How would you like to take it?
Some people are just Not pills, but don’t worry — the market is shifting in your favor. Personally, I find that if a vitamin tastes like marshmallows, I’m more motivated to remember to take it every day. Think about what works best for you and narrow down your options. Postnatal vitamins are available as capsules, tablets, gum or a chewable formula.
Prenatal Vs. Vitamins after giving birth
What’s the difference? The truth is that oftentimes, nutritional needs are not that different for pre- and postnatal and there aren’t many postpartum vitamins on the market. The main benefit of postpartum vitamins is that some contain herbs and supplements to support breastfeeding or mental health while most prenatal vitamins do not.
The best posts on the market
Best All-rounder: Perelel Mom Multi-Purpose Support Package
- Formula of the Doctor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Fetal Medicine
- Evidence-based ingredient selection
- Contains DHA & EPA to help support the mood of babies and babies and mothers
- Contains collagen and biotin to support postpartum skin, hair and nails
- Contains l-theanine and ashwagandha to support calm mood and mental health
- This is a more expensive option, but it meets the needs of three separate supplements: postpartum, beauty and mental health, all in one package.
- Contains 2000 IU Vitamin D3
- B vitamins for energy support
Best Food Vitamins: MegaFood Baby & Me 2 Postnatal Multi
- Made from food for optimal absorption
- Formulated by Renowned Women’s Health Doctor, Tieraona Low Dog, MD
- Includes choline for baby’s brain development
- Contains moringa leaves, a supplement to help increase milk supply
- Can drink on an empty stomach
- Contains all the essential nutrients and vitamins a postpartum woman must have
Best Absorbent: Thorne Basic Prenatal
- No additives
- Contains high quality ingredients for increased absorption like 5-MTHF
- Contains biotin that can support hair, skin and nail health during pregnancy and postpartum
- Free of dairy, gluten and soy
- Contains choline for infant brain health (if breastfeeding or pumping)
Taste the best: Smarty Pants Prenatal Formula
- Contains DHA/EPA (fish oil) for babies’ brain health
- Natural flavors made from vegetables and fruits
- Delicious taste
- Contains inositol to help balance blood sugar
- Contains lots of B vitamins to provide energy
- 1,200 IU Vitamin D3 for bone health and immunity
Best Subscription: Essential Multivitamins for Postpartum Women
- Subscription option so you never miss a day
- Slow-release formula for an easy vitamin routine for the tummy
- Refreshing, mint flavor
- Only two capsules per day
- Contains immune-supporting vitamins like vitamins A, D3 and zinc
- Contains a blend of infant brain health nutrients: Choline, DHA, B12
- Omegas support fatty acid content in breast milk
- Provides traceable ingredients so you can feel good about what you’re putting into your body
The Best Support for Energy, Mood and Lactation: New Chapter The Perfect Postpartum Multivitamin
- Made with real vegetables and herbs and naturally fermented for easy absorption
- Gentle on the belly
- 100% vegan with no artificial colors or flavors
- Support mood with calming herbs like shiso, chamomile, lavender and cardamom
- Contains turmeric and oats to support lactation
- Contains B vitamins for energy support
Best price: Nature Made Postnatal Multivitamin + DHA
- Best price for quality in the market
- Just one pill a day
- Made with DHA for infant brain health and fatty acid support in breast milk
- Derived from high quality ingredients
- No artificial flavors
- Gluten-free
- Includes B vitamins for energy support
Best Liquid Choices: Prenatal and Postpartum Liquid Vitamins by Mary Ruth
- The berry flavor is created from actual berries
- Fat-free, sugar-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, vegan, non-GMO
- Contains hesperidin to help treat postpartum hemorrhoids
- Contains ginger root extract to heal postpartum and support breast milk production
Best Complete Vitamin: Pink Stork Total Postnatal + DHA
- Good price
- Gluten-free, wheat-free, dairy-free, sugar-free, soy-free, non-GMO
- Third party checked
- Vitamin D for bone health and mood
- Iron for blood loss
- Vitamin B12 to support energy and mood
- Folate and DHA for infant brain health
Best Probiotic: Rainbow Light Prenatal One Multivitamin
- One capsule per day for ease
- Contains probiotics
- Made with real, high-quality superfoods
- B vitamins, vitamin C and zinc for immune support and energy
- Brain support in babies with folate and choline
- Great price for a high quality vitamin
Best Chewable Vitamins: Seeking Optimal Prenatal Health.
- Recipe of a naturopathic doctor
- Bioavailable nutrients for efficient absorption
- Contains antioxidants
- Contains Vanadium to control blood sugar
- Great taste and no sugar
- Methylation of folate to increase absorption
- Vitamin B group gives mom energy
- Biotin for hair and nails
- Immune support with zinc and vitamin C
- COQ10 for cellular energy
Best Supplemental Postnatal DHEA Support: Nordic Naturals Postnatal Omegas
- High quality fish oil made from wild caught fish
- Lemon mask has an unpleasant fish smell
- High dose of omegas in one capsule
- Includes 1000 IU of vitamin D3
Best liquid vitamins: Carlson Labs Super Daily D3
- Contains 6,000 IU of vitamin D3 (optimal dosage for nursing mothers)
- Just one drop daily
- Produced by a long-established, high-quality laboratory
- Vegetarian
