Prenatal vitamins are equally important for mothers in their lactation period, as is in their pregnancy days. These supplements ensure the mother is healthy, and also support baby’s growth and development.
Now the question is, if prenatal vitamins are healthy option for mothers while breastfeeding.
Yes, a very common question any pregnant women ask is whether they should stop taking prenatal vitamins after baby’s birth. Or, is it okay to continue prenatal vitamins post pregnancy, especially while breastfeeding.
Why taking prenatals while breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding is the healthiest way to feed a baby. Not only does breastfeeding provide essential vitamins and minerals, but it also protects the newborn against infections.
Mother’s health is crucial for baby’s health and not just during pregnancy, but even after the baby is born. That is why it is vital to adopt healthy lifestyle choices, and a well balanced diet is one of them.
Instead of junk food and sugar laden foods, post pregnancy one should strive to healthy meals, more fruits, vegetables and eggs. A healthy diet is vital for every person, even more so when you are taking care of your little one.
If you find it difficult to have heavy meals, holding baby with one hand or when they expect most of your attention, healthy snacks in regular interval can help while you breastfeed.
However, sometimes young mothers still can not obtain required amount of nutrients through diet alone. That is why prenatal vitamins are prescribed or the supplements step in for healthy lactation period.
Should I take prenatal vitamins while breastfeeding?
You must have taken prenatal vitamins during pregnancy to support the growth and development of the fetus, and you should continue to do so postnatal, even while breastfeeding.
Your diet may not provide you with the required amount of much needed nutrients such as iron, folic acid, vitamin c, and calcium, all of which your baby must obtain from your breast milk, to grow properly.
As you breastfeed, you will be able to deliver those essential nutrients to your baby, thanks to prenatal vitamins. Breastfeeding mothers need to take some sort of daily multivitamin so even “regular” multivitamins can help.
Many doctors recommend that women should continue taking prenatal vitamins or multivitamins while they are breastfeeding their baby.
That is the best way to support baby’s health and make sure they do get important vitamins and minerals that will help them to stay strong and healthy.
Study
According to the American Pregnancy Association, “regular” vitamin may not be sufficient for nursing women. It may be more useful to opt for prenatal vitamins that are specifically created for breastfeeding mothers.
These vitamins supply your body with vitamin D and contain ingredients that promote the production and quality of milk.
Instead of winging it, the best thing to do is to consult your doctor about the ideal supplement to use for breast milk quality, quantity and nutrients as you plan to breastfeed your baby.
If nothing you should continue with your prescribed prenatal vitamins.
Can I take multivitamin and prenatal vitamin both?
Regular multivitamins are created to supply the body with various nutrients, but they are not specifically made for pregnant women and new mothers.
That is the main difference between multivitamin and prenatal vitamins. But if you are not taking prenatal vitamin, multivitamin still can help you out.
However, avoid taking both regular multivitamin and prenatal vitamin at the same time to be safe from overdose and side effects.
Conclusion
Breastfeeding mothers need to take at least some sort of multivitamins when breastfeeding their baby.
Multivitamins, prenatal vitamins, or postnatal vitamins specifically created for nursing are some options you have. Consult your doctor if you are not sure what to take to support milk supply and make sure the baby gets enough nutrients.
