Home » Blog » Breastfeeding » What are the best vitamins to take while breastfeeding?

What are the best vitamins to take while breastfeeding?

The Importance of Vitamins While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a crucial period for both mother and child, and ensuring adequate nutrition is essential for the health of both. While a balanced diet is the foundation of good nutrition during this time, certain vitamins and supplements can play a significant role in supporting the health of breastfeeding mothers and their infants.
Key Vitamins for Breastfeeding Mothers
Vitamin D is one of the most critical vitamins for breastfeeding mothers. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that breastfeeding mothers take a daily supplement of 10 micrograms (400 IU) of vitamin D, especially during the autumn and winter months when sunlight exposure is limited. This vitamin is vital for bone health and immune function, and it helps in the absorption of calcium, which is crucial for both the mother and the developing baby.
Vitamin C is another essential nutrient that breastfeeding mothers should focus on. It plays a significant role in tissue repair and enhances iron absorption, which is particularly important for women who may have experienced blood loss during childbirth. The recommended daily intake for breastfeeding mothers is 120 milligrams, which can typically be met through a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, such as oranges and cooked broccoli.
Vitamin B12 is also crucial, especially for mothers who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet. This vitamin is important for the development of the baby’s nervous system and is stored in the infant’s body for the first several months of life. If the mother is not deficient in vitamin B12, her breast milk will provide sufficient amounts for her baby.
Multivitamins and Supplementation
Many healthcare professionals recommend that breastfeeding mothers take a daily multivitamin to ensure they receive adequate amounts of essential nutrients. A multivitamin can help fill any gaps in the diet, particularly for vitamins that may be harder to obtain through food alone. It’s important to choose a multivitamin that contains 100% of the recommended daily values for key nutrients.
Conclusion
In summary, while a well-rounded diet is the best source of nutrition for breastfeeding mothers, certain vitamins like D, C, and B12 are particularly important during this time. Supplements can help ensure that both mother and baby receive the necessary nutrients for optimal health. As always, it’s advisable for mothers to consult with healthcare providers before starting any new supplements to tailor their nutritional needs effectively.

What vitamins should breastfed babies take?

However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and AAP all recommended that breastfed babies should be supplemented with iron and vitamin D.

What is the best multivitamin for a breastfeeding mother?

Pregnacare Breast-feeding has been specially formulated by experts to provide sensible, balanced levels of vitamins and minerals. All ingredients have been included on the basis of scientific research with ideal amounts for breast-feeding.

What to drink to increase breast milk?

Drinks to increase nutrients in breast milk

  • Water. Plain water tops the list because not getting enough of it can directly reduce your milk supply.
  • Cow’s milk. Cow’s milk is on the list because of its nutrient density.
  • Herbal tea with fenugreek.
  • Fruit smoothie with chia seeds.
  • Coconut water.
  • Juice.

Why avoid strawberries while breastfeeding?

A quart or more of orange juice or a diet heavy in seasonal fruits such as strawberries, melons or cherries have been associated with diarrhea and colicky symptoms in some infants. Foods containing many preservatives, additives or dyes have been associated with signs of discomfort in some babies.

What can I drink to lose belly fat while breastfeeding?

1) Drink At Least 8 Cups Of Water Every Day
And it’s especially important for breastfeeding moms. Water helps your body naturally shed unwanted pounds because water: Contributes to regular body functions, like circulation, digestion, regulation of body temperature, transportation of nutrients, and milk production.

What are the best vitamins to take postpartum?

One study indicates that continuing to take a pre or postnatal vitamin with folate, DHA, Vitamin D and iodine can help baby’s brain development, processing skills and visual acuity.

What vitamins should I take while breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding: Diet, Vitamins, and Minerals

  • Maternal Diet.
  • Iodine.
  • Iron.
  • Vitamin B12.
  • Vitamin D.

What vitamins are most important postpartum?

One study indicates that continuing to take a pre or postnatal vitamin with folate, DHA, Vitamin D and iodine can help baby’s brain development, processing skills and visual acuity. Sufficient vitamin D isn’t just important for moms, but their little ones too! Breast milk alone doesn’t give babies enough vitamin D.

Which fruit is not good for feeding a mother?

Strawberries. Kiwifruit. Pineapple. The gassy veggies like onion, cabbage, garlic, cauliflower, broccoli, cucumbers, and peppers.

Which vitamin is not good for breastfeeding?

PIP: Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride) is contained in most prenatal and multivitamin preparations. Available research states that pyridoxine blocks lactation and inhibits the secretion of breast milk in nursing mothers by suppressing the normally elevated prolactin hormone levels encountered during puerperium.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

Leave a Comment