You did it! You brought a beautiful new life into the world. Now it’s time to focus on keeping you and your baby healthy. One way to do that is by ensuring you’re getting all the nutrients you need, including those found in postnatal vitamins.
But how long should you take postnatal vitamins after giving birth?
The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think. Keep reading to learn more about postnatal vitamins and how long you should take them after having a baby.
What are Postnatal Vitamins?
Postnatal vitamins are essentially prenatal vitamins, but for women who are no longer pregnant. These vitamins help new mothers recover from childbirth and provide important nutrients for both mother and child, including iron, calcium, folic acid, and Vitamin D.
The American Pregnancy Association (APA) recommends that mothers take a daily multivitamin that contains at least 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid. Folic acid is important for the prevention of birth defects. The APA also recommends that mothers take a daily vitamin D supplement of 400 IU (international units). Vitamin D is important for the absorption of calcium, which helps to build strong bones.
Many over-the-counter postnatal vitamins also contain other important nutrients such as iron, iodine, and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients are important for the health and development of the baby. Omega-3 fatty acids, for example, have been shown to support cognitive development in infants.
How long should I take postnatal vitamins?
Most obstetricians recommend that women take postnatal vitamins for at least the first six weeks post-birth. This helps replenish any nutrients that were lost during pregnancy and childbirth and provides vital nutrients for both mother and child during this crucial period.
After six weeks, many women choose to continue taking postnatal vitamins if they’re breastfeeding, as they can help promote milk production. Some women choose to continue even after breastfeeding due to these vitamins giving them more energy and the feeling of wellbeing. However, there is no need to take postnatal vitamins if you’re not breastfeeding but it is totally up to you.
What if I’m Vegetarian or Vegan?
If you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, you may want to consider taking a vegan prenatal vitamin supplement as opposed to a standard postnatal vitamin supplement. This is because vegan prenatal vitamin supplements do not contain any animal products or by-products, making them ideal for vegetarians and vegans.
However, please note that not all prenatal vitamin supplements are vegan-friendly, so be sure to check the label before making a purchase.
When it comes to postnatal care, one of the most important things you can do is take a high-quality postnatal vitamin supplement—but how long should you take them for?
While most obstetricians recommend taking them for at least the first six weeks post-birth, many women choose to continue taking them beyond that if they’re breastfeeding.
Ultimately, it’s up to you and your doctor to decide what’s best for your individual situation.
If your in the market for a great postnatal vitamin we have got you covered. We have researched the best postnatal vitamins that will help replenish the nutrients that you lost during pregnancy and childbirth and help your developing new born baby recieve the nutrients they need.
We hope that this information will help make taking care of yourself and your little one a little bit easier.