What vitamins to take while breastfeeding?

Essential Vitamins for Breastfeeding Mothers
Breastfeeding is a crucial period for both mothers and infants, and ensuring that mothers receive adequate nutrition is vital for their health and the health of their babies. While a balanced diet is the best way to obtain necessary nutrients, many healthcare professionals recommend specific vitamins and supplements to support breastfeeding mothers.
Vitamin D: A Key Supplement
One of the most important vitamins for breastfeeding mothers is vitamin D. The NHS advises that breastfeeding women should consider taking a daily supplement of 10 micrograms of vitamin D to prevent deficiency. This is particularly important because breast milk may not provide sufficient vitamin D, which is essential for bone health and immune function. Additionally, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that breastfed infants receive 400 IU of vitamin D daily starting in the first few days of life.
Vitamin C: For Tissue Repair and Iron Absorption
Another critical vitamin is vitamin C, which plays a significant role in tissue repair and enhances iron absorption. Breastfeeding mothers are advised to aim for 120 mg of vitamin C daily. This can typically be achieved through a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, such as oranges and cooked greens, which are excellent sources of this vitamin.
B Vitamins: Supporting Energy and Metabolism
The B vitamins, including B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B6 (pyridoxine), B12 (cobalamin), and choline, are also essential during breastfeeding. These vitamins support energy metabolism and are crucial for the development of the infant’s nervous system. For mothers following a vegetarian or vegan diet, it is particularly important to monitor B12 levels, as this vitamin is primarily found in animal products.
Iron: Monitoring Levels
While many women are advised to continue taking prenatal vitamins that often contain higher doses of iron, it is important to note that breastfeeding mothers typically require less iron than during pregnancy. Therefore, while iron is still important, mothers should consult with their healthcare provider to determine the appropriate dosage based on their individual needs.
Continuing Prenatal Vitamins
Many healthcare providers recommend that breastfeeding mothers continue taking their prenatal vitamins. These vitamins are designed to support the nutritional needs of both the mother and the baby during this critical time. However, mothers should be mindful of the iron content and adjust their intake accordingly.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding mothers should focus on a balanced diet while considering specific supplements to ensure they meet their nutritional needs. Key vitamins to include are vitamin D, vitamin C, and various B vitamins, along with careful monitoring of iron intake. Consulting with a healthcare provider can help tailor vitamin supplementation to individual health needs, ensuring both mother and baby thrive during this important stage of life.

What vitamins are not safe while breastfeeding?

AVOID dose of vitamin A above 700-800 mcg/day and vitamin B6 above 20-50 mg/day. Iodine can concentrate in breastmilk so do not take levels in excess of 100% RDA. There are no studies on the safety of high dose intra-venous (IV) vitamin drips in breastfeeding mothers.

What is the difference between prenatal vitamins and postpartum vitamins?

The difference between prenatal and postnatal vitamins is actually pretty simple. In short, prenatals are designed to be taken prior to and during pregnancy, while postnatals should be taken for 6 months after birth (or longer if you are breastfeeding).

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.

Is emergen C safe to take while breastfeeding?

Yes, you can take Emergen-C while breastfeeding, but it’s important to not exceed the recommended dosage. Emergen-C is a supplement rich in vitamin C, often used for boosting immune health. However, while vitamin C is crucial for both you and your baby, consuming it in large amounts can cause digestive upset.

Should you take prenatals while breastfeeding?

Your prenatal vitamin is a postnatal vitamin, too
“After delivery, continue to take your prenatal vitamin, which contains the extra vitamins you need,” says Dr. Mathes. How long can you keep taking the prenatal vitamins? “I’d say to continue taking your prenatal vitamin at least while you’re breastfeeding,” advises Dr.

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.

What vitamins do I need during breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding: Diet, Vitamins, and Minerals

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

Which vitamin is most deficient in breast milk?

While breast milk is highly nutritive, containing important immunological and growth factors, scientific investigation reveals a few short-falls. Overall, human breast milk has been found to be low in certain nutrients in developed countries: vitamin D, iodine, iron, and vitamin K.

Which vitamins increase breast milk?

Maternal supplementation during lactation rapidly increases the concentrations of thiamin, riboflavin, and vitamin B-6 in milk, but increases in vitamin B-12 were small even when high doses were given to the mother for 2 mo.

What foods decrease milk supply?

Top 5 food / drinks to avoid if you have a low milk supply:

• Carbonated beverages.
• Caffeine – coffee, black tea, green tea, etc.
• Excess Vitamin C & Vitamin B –supplements or drinks with excessive vitamin C Or B (Vitamin Water, Powerade, oranges/orange juice and citrus fruits/juice.)