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It can be overwhelming to discern what postnatal supplements you need after the baby arrives. You know you need the support, extra love, you’re craving nourishing food and you just want to be cocooned in that muslin cloth with your baby.
The simplest and most helpful thing you can do for yourself is to keep taking your prenatal vitamins or move to a postnatal supplement.
It is common post-birth to assume that you don’t need to take supplements anymore, but it’s the complete opposite. The postpartum period is one of the most demanding phases of life both physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Majority of your nutrient stores are lost during delivery; it is natural for new mothers to lack the essential nutrients to support both their own body and their baby’s, especially while breastfeeding. This is where a postnatal supplement will give you that extra support.
You have been on prenatal supplements preparing for conception and during your pregnancy. The primary purpose of these is to support the health of the mother and promote the development of the baby.
If your prenatal supplement states only for prenatal and pregnancy, it is recommended to get a postnatal supplement. Having said that, you can still take your prenatal vitamins to support you postpartum. Most postnatal supplements contain the similar ingredients to prenatal ones, it will often be the differing amounts/dose of certain ingredients, which are more essential in the 4th trimester.
Postnatal supplements can assist with milk supply and post birth recovery. It will often contain iron to replenish stores lost during delivery, vitamin B, D, choline, zinc and magnesium. Magnesium, my favourite mineral, deserves a blog on its own!
Yes, you can!
Yes, to optimise your recovery. You can ask your health practitioner if you should move to a more postnatal specific supplement.
There is no prescribed time frame, but usually for at least 6 months or until you stop breastfeeding.
Beyond your essential postnatal vitamin, I would recommend a few other nourishing supplements and herbs to restore, replenish and prevent postnatal depletion.
Written by postpartum and general health naturopath, Shantini Iyngkaran
Book in with Shantini Iyngkaran for postpartum support and to discuss the best postnatal supplement options for you during your fourth trimester and beyond.
Shantini is currently offering free 10 minute consults to everyone. These sessions give both practitioner and patient to see if the therapeutic relationship is a great fit, as well as to get you started on the path to feeling better.
Book in with Shantini to get started > bookings > Naturopathy – Apothecary General Health > 10 minute Free Naturopathic Introduction