Hopefully by the end of this article you’ll have no doubts about this subject.
Why Postnatal Vitamins Are Important
Often, lactating women do not meet their recommended intake of calcium, zinc, magnesium, and other critical nutrients. Optimal nutrition helps build your baby’s body and brain. Although a nutrient-dense, well-rounded diet can help you meet your nutrient needs, experts recommend that supplements be taken after delivery to ensure that your nutrient stores are being properly replenished.
Protein Needs
If you are 18 years of age or younger, you should get 10 milligrams of iron per day. For those over 19, the suggested daily intake is 9 milligrams. Good sources of iron include:
Meat
Poultry
Seafood
Dried beans
Dried fruit
Egg yolks
As mentioned above, it is important not to eat shark, swordfish, king mackerel or tilefish because of their high mercury content.
Vitamin C Needs
Nursing mothers need slightly more vitamin C than they did during pregnancy. If you are 18 years of age or younger, you should get 115 milligrams of vitamin C per day. If you are 19 or older, you should get 120 milligrams per day.
Good sources of vitamin C include:
Citrus fruits
Broccoli
Cantaloupe
Potato
Bell pepper
Tomato
Kiwi
Cauliflower
Cabbage
Multivitamins
Breastfeeding mothers need to take some sort of daily multivitamin that contains 100 percent of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA). Water Needs
While breastfeeding you should drink at least 8 cups of water each day. Have a glass of water each time you nurse your baby.
Other Tips
Limit high-caffeine foods and beverages, such as coffee, tea and some sodas. It is a good idea to limit your intake of highly caffeinated foods and drinks to 8 ounces a day.
Coronavirus (Covid-19)
If you’re breastfeeding, you should consider taking a vitamin D supplement (containing 10mcg).
Medical Review Policy
product label and ingredient list while you were pregnant. (Sushi and a glass of wine are now okay!). While certain vitamins may be recommended by your doctor if you aren’t able to meet your nutritional needs through foods, herbal pills and potions generally should be avoided unless your practitioner specifically suggests them.