As a mom who has gone through three pregnancies and with tons of research on the best postnatal vitamins, I am happy to share my recommendations and reviews on the available options for you, especially if you are breastfeeding. Let’s start with the most common question you may have starting out on this topic:
What are postnatal vitamins?
Postnatal vitamins are vitamin supplements designed to meet the nutritional needs of mothers after delivery. They may share many elements with prenatal vitamins, but some are specially formulated to address issues unique to the postpartum period.
For example, some postnatal vitamins are designed to boost milk production, help moms with recovery, and still, others deal with hormonal changes and mood shifts.
Here are some of the essential nutrients that should be in postnatal vitamins:
- Iron –necessary for transportation of oxygenated blood and your baby’s growth and development
- Vitamin D helps- in the uptake of calcium and phosphates needed to have strong bones, teeth, and muscles.
- Vitamin B12-highly recommended for mothers who follow a vegetarian diet. It helps improve your breast milk nutrient quality and ensures your baby is getting enough. However, low levels of Vitamin B-12 can lead to anemia and nerve and brain damage in babies.
- Iodine –helps with thyroid functioning and your baby’s brain and nervous system development
- Choline –supports your baby’s brain development
- DHA- and Omega 3 polyunsaturated fat that helps with your baby’s brain, eye, and nervous system development
Best Postnatal Vitamins for Breastfeeding Reviews:
1. Actif Organic Postnatal 25+ vitamins
Actif was voted as the most trusted organic Vitamin brand in 2020, so you can go wrong with it. It contains a comprehensive combination of more than 25 organic Vitamins, including Vit A, D, E, B12, and K2, to ensure complete nutrition for breastfeeding moms. It also includes minerals such as iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, and Choline, which promote healthy brain development in babies.
If you are struggling with milk production, these vitamins combined with the manufacturer’s unique herbal blend will help you increase your milk by up to 50%.
A pack contains 90 capsules.
Recommended dosage: 2 capsules daily
Pros
- 100% organic
- Easy to swallow, gentle on the stomach, and no after taste
- Great for increasing milk production
- Supports baby’s brain development
- Non-GMO, gluten, BPA, and corn free
- Vegetarian
Cons
- Some moms have complained of an oversupply of breast milk
2. MegaFood Prenatal & Postnatal Vitamins
If you are looking for vitamins to take throughout your pregnancy and after delivery, look no further. MegaFood Vitamins are designed to nourish you and your baby through all stages of pregnancy and after delivery.
These vitamins are made from extracts from real organic vegetables and fruits such as broccoli, carrots, brown rice, and oranges. They have been tested for herbicides and pesticides to ensure their safety.
MegaFood Baby & Me daily dietary nutritional supplement contains optimal amounts of essential vitamins, iron, folic acid, and Choline to support your health and your baby’s growth and development. Because these formulations are also used during pregnancy, the vitamins do not contain any herbs. Calcium and magnesium are also not included.
Recommended dosage: two tablets daily, any time of the day, even on an empty stomach
Pros
- Uses only natural ingredients
- Ideal for nutritional support for moms during prenatal and postnatal periods
- Non-GMO, gluten, dairy, soy and glyphosate residue-free
- Free of herbs
Cons
- Doesn’t contain calcium; you may need to take calcium supplements at a different time of the day
- Unpleasant taste
3. Mama Bird postnatal Multi+ 100% Natural Vitamins
Designed by a neurologist mom, this postnatal multivitamin will nourish you and your little one. The Mama Bird Postnatal multivitamins blend contains over 25 vitamins, in addition to methylfolate (a natural form of folic acid) and Vit B 12. They also contain probiotic Lactobacillus Acidophilus to help with digestion and absorption of nutrients.
The manufacturer calls these vitamins “neuro-nutritional vitamins” because they promote your brain health, including sleep, mood, energy, focus, and memory. They also support your baby’s immunity and neurodevelopment during breastfeeding.
You should also know that these vitamins are safe for everyone as they are 100% organic and vegetable-based. The vitamins are gluten, soy, fish, dairy, or yeast. Neither do they contain sugar, artificial colors, or preservatives.
Recommended dosage: one tablet daily with or without food
Pros
- 100% natural
- Non-GMO, gluten, soy, dairy, yeast free
- Supports lactation
- Improves mood, sleep, focus and memory
- Vegetarian product
Cons
- Might have a strong earthy smell
4. Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Postnatal Vitamins
If you are looking for postnatal vitamins with omega 3, the Nordic Naturals brand is the best. It is the official postnatal Omega-3 vitamin of the American Pregnancy Association and is also award-winning.
These vitamin supplements are made from fresh, wild-caught, omega-rich fish. They are made using ethical practices and have been strictly tested for purity and freshness to guarantee safety from toxins and heavy metals. They are also made using innovative technologies that ensure optimal absorption in the body.
These supplements are rich in Omega-3 and Vitamin D, which help with mood swings and postpartum depression. Omega-3 also supports your baby’s neurological development, so your baby will be smart!
Even though fish supplements are good for health, most people tend not to like them so much because of the fishy aftertaste. So we are glad that the manufacturers of these Omega 3 supplements added lemon flavor, which makes them pleasant to take.
Recommended Dosage: Two soft gels daily with food
Pros
- Omega-3 rich
- Good for moms with Vitamin D deficiency
- Pleasant lemon flavor
- No fish after taste
- Good for improved mood and postpartum depression
- Supports baby’s brain development
Cons
- Expensive
5. NATURELO Post Natal Multivitamin
Designed specifically to meet the needs of breastfeeding moms, NATURELO PostNatal Multivitamin provides your daily nutritional requirements. The supplement includes essential vitamins A, C, B-Complex, D3, K2, E, and minerals like iodine, selenium, iron, and zinc.
This product is plant-based, vegan friendly, and includes organic herbs such as fenugreek, blessed thistle, stinging nettle, fennel, and alfalfa, which are proven to boost milk supply. In addition, the postnatal vitamins support your health and well-being and give you increased energy.
The manufacturer also states that the supplements are easy on your stomach and easily absorbed by your body.
Recommended dosage: three capsules daily
Pros
- Non-GMO, gluten, soy, gelatin and dairy free
- Vegan friendly formula
- Boost milk production
- Supports mothers well-being and increased energy levels
- Doesn’t alter the taste of breast milk
Cons
- A bit expensive
6. New Chapter Postnatal Vitamins
New Chapter is one of the best postnatal vitamin supplements for new moms. The 3-in-1 formula contains vitamins, minerals, and herbs that are third-party certified as safe and effective.
These postnatal vitamins are uniquely made using fermented formula. The vitamins and minerals are cultured in probiotics and organic yeast during manufacture to make them gentle on your stomach and easily absorbed.
This supplement contains essential nutrients like Vitamin B6, Vitamin D3, and iodine which support lactation. In addition, vitamin B-complex and Iron helps with mood swings and improved energy levels after birth. It also contains fermented oats and chamomile, traditionally used by breastfeeding moms for energy and lactation.
Recommended dosage: three tablets daily
Pros
- Non-GMO, gluten free
- Fermented formula for easy absorption
- Vegetarian friendly
- Supports lactation
- Improves mood and energy levels
Cons
- Some babies have gas and vomiting
7. Pink Stork Total Postnatal + DHA
As a women-owned and operated brand, you can trust Pink Stork’s products to help with your needs after delivery because you know they are made by people who share your challenges and experiences. In addition, doctors support the Total Postnatal to help with postpartum health including, recovery after delivery, immunity, lactation, energy levels, and more.
The formulation is made from natural vegetables and herbs. It contains all essential nutrients, including B- complex vitamins, zinc, iron, and folate. The product also contains vegetarian DHA, sourced from algae, to support your baby’s brain development.
Recommended dosage: two tablets daily
Pros
- Non-GMO, gluten, soy, dairy-free
- Aids in recovery, increase in energy level, and milk supply
- Pleasant vanilla flavor
- No artificial colors or preservatives
- Vegetarian based product
- Easy to swallow and no bad flavor
Cons
- May make you nauseous
8. Pink Stork Recovery Bundle
Next is yet another fantastic product by Pink Stork to help moms with recovery after childbirth. The Recovery bundle comprises three products: a bottle of postnatal vitamins, a postpartum metabolism tea, and a postpartum body tea.
The postnatal vitamins provide all the essential nutrients to support your and your baby’s health, recovery, and milk production.
The strawberry and passion fruit flavored recovery tea, and herbal sweet hibiscus metabolism tea are great at dealing with the crazy hormonal shifts and metabolism to give you a better mood, increased energy, and help with weight management. You can take these delicious teas hot or cold or even together with postnatal vitamins.
This bundle would make a fantastic gift for any new breastfeeding mom. Even new moms who are not breastfeeding would benefit from these teas.
Recommended Dosage: two tablets daily
Pros
- Includes three products
- Non-GMO, gluten, soy, sweetener free
- Vegetarian based
- Supports recovery, mood swings, lactation, and weight management
- Pleasantly flavored products
- Makes for fantastic gift
Cons
- Some moms did not like the taste
9. Milkies Nursing Postnatal Breastfeeding Multivitamin
Milkies Nursing Postnatal breastfeeding multivitamins are one of the best for nursing moms seeing that they are recommended by both lactation experts and the American Pregnancy Association.
The supplement contains all essential vitamins and minerals such as Calcium, Magnesium, iodine, and iron to support immunity and provide you with the energy you need as a breastfeeding mom. In addition, the formulation also contains a 700% daily value of Vitamin D and a 200% daily value of Vitamin B complex and biotin to keep you and your baby healthy.
Because this supplement is rich in Vitamin D and Vitamin B, it is an excellent choice if you are a vegetarian.
Also note, that this formulation does not contain any herb that may help boost milk production, only nutritional support.
Recommended dosage: two capsules daily
Pros
- Non-GMO, gluten, dairy and corn free
- Vegetarian based
- Contains higher amounts of Vitamin D and Vitamin B
- Supports mom’s and baby’s health
- Affordably priced
Cons
- Doesn’t support lactation
- Some moms find the smell offensive
10. Mama’s Select Post-Natal Plus Vitamin
Designed to provide enhanced nutritional needs of breastfeeding moms and babies, Mama’s Select Postnatal plus contains all essential vitamins and minerals.
The Postnatal Plus includes higher levels of Vitamin D and Vitamin B6 to support your health and prevent deficiencies. It also includes iron, Methyl Folate, and Methylated B Vitamins for MTHFR mothers. These essential nutrients help with mood swings, improved energy levels to care for your baby, and support lactation.
We also loved that one bottle contains two months supply at very affordable pricing. And, also because the veggie capsules are gentle on the stomach and easily absorbed.
Recommended dosage: 1 capsule a day
Pros
- Non-GMO, gluten and dairy-free
- Vegetarian friendly
- Supports lactation
- Boosts energy levels
- Helps with mood swings
- Supplement for MTHFR mothers
- Excellent value for money; you get two months supply
Cons
- Some moms complained of the taste and smell
Postnatal gummy vitamins
Pink Stork has some of the best postnatal gummy vitamins. Not only are they tasty but nutritious too. You get all your essential postpartum nutrients, including Vitamin C, B complex vitamins, zinc, and folate. The gummies are also vegetarian and allergens-friendly, so they don’t include GMOs, dairy, gluten, wheat, or soy.
In terms of benefits, these gummies help breastfeeding moms increase their milk supply and energy levels, and general wellness.
Postnatal Vitamins Rainbow Light
Rainbow Light is an excellent choice of postnatal multivitamins designed to provide essential nutrients to support quick recovery, energy and healthy lactation, and a baby’s development.
The supplement contains all essential vitamins derived from fruits and vegetables, including Vitamin C, iron, Choline and Iodine, and important minerals like calcium. It also includes Lutein which is crucial in the first year of life for your baby’s brain and eye development.
This is also one of the few vitamins that contain both prebiotics and probiotics to help with digestion and absorption. It also includes a special herb, moringa, traditionally used by breastfeeding moms to help with lactation and energy-boosting.
The product is Non-GMO and gluten-free and has no artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners.
Postnatal Vitamins NHS Guidance
The NHS recommends that all new mothers should take supplements containing 10mcg of vitamin D daily.
Are postnatal vitamins necessary?
According to health experts, supplementation with prenatal or postnatal vitamins is unnecessary if you are eating a well-balanced and nutritious diet as recommended by the FDA.
However, new mothers are advised to take postnatal vitamins while breastfeeding to supplement and boost any nutritional gaps that might affect their health and the baby.
Since postnatal vitamins vary greatly, it’s important to understand their content and purpose so you choose the one best suited to meet your unique needs as a new mom.
Learn more about postnatal depletion and the correct regimen to follow after delivery. Bridget explains in detail in the video below;
Below are some of Bridget’s recommendations in the video above;
- NORDIC NATURALS DHA: https://amzn.to/3hkQS8q
- MARY RUTH’S LIPOSOMAL DHA: https://amzn.to/33uFoqZ
- VITAMIN D3: https://amzn.to/3vXw0rX
- PHYSICIAN’S CHOICE PROBIOTIC: https://amzn.to/33xkyHp
- VITAL PROTEINS COLLAGEN PEPTIDES: https://amzn.to/33x986t
Are vitamins HSA eligible?
HSA does not cover most vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal preparations because the FDA does not recognize them as medication but rather as food for daily nutrition needs. Therefore, the only way your vitamins would qualify as HSA expenses would be if your health care provider gave you a prescription for these vitamins to treat or prevent a specific health condition.
Postnatal vitamins vs prenatal vitamins
Most people are familiar with prenatal vitamins as they are widely available and are usually the first recommendations that expectant moms are given to ensure they are getting the proper nutrients required to support pregnancy and mom’s health.
Postnatal vitamins are not very different from prenatal vitamins. Like earlier mentioned, postnatal and prenatal vitamins share core elements, so if you don’t want to waste them, you can take your leftover prenatal vitamins.
Both prenatal and postnatal vitamins share core nutrients such as iron, Vit D, and DHA, but postnatal vitamins include higher amounts of Vitamins A, C, D, and K and include minerals such as calcium and magnesium.
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Naomi Lambert is a mother of two and an elementary school teacher leading our product quality review here at Motherhood HQ. Naomi has a degree in Elementary Teaching from the University of Utah. She has also worked as a product tester for Consumer Reports. Naomi enjoys reading and getting immersed in new research, especially on topics related to parenting and pets. When she’s not reading or testing baby gear, Naomi enjoys hiking in the midwest and hanging out with her two dog pets. Naomi is originally from Salt Lake City, Utah.
Naomi work leading baby gear/product testing:
To test new gear before we review here at Motherhood HQ, Naomi goes through a multi-step process that includes reading up on the latest research, conducting her own hands-on testing, and evaluating the results. She also consults with experts in the field, such as pediatricians, to get their input. This comprehensive approach ensures that our reviews are accurate and helpful for our readers.
Testing involves using the gear with her own children, as well as observing other parents using the products. Ms. Lambert looks for safety concerns, ease of use, and whether the product actually lives up to its claims. She also takes into account the price of the product and whether it is a good value for what you get.
After testing a product, Naomi writes up her findings in a review. She includes both the positive and negative aspects of the product, as well as her own personal recommendations. Her reviews are honest and unbiased, and they can help you make informed decisions about which products are right for your family.
Aggregating Other real-user reviews from other moms:
A critical process in our reviews is incorporating feedback from other moms who have used the products we are testing. To get this information, we talk to parents in our networks and consult with product-specific experts.These experts must have published work in the field of early childhood development, have worked extensively with the product in question, or have significant experience in the manufacturing or design of the product.
We also read online reviews from other parents, but we take these with a grain of salt. We recognize that many online reviewers are not objective and that some may be biased because they were given the product for free or paid to write a review. For this reason, we only consider online reviews after they have been vetted by our team of experts.
If you are a parent who has used a product that we are interested in reviewing, we would love to hear from you! You can contact us at naomi.lam@motherhood