During pregnancy, it is recommended to take special care of nutrition for the health of both the mother and the baby. However, the need doesn’t go away with delivery; there remains a requirement to take the necessary vitamins to ensure the mother’s health and the baby’s proper growth and development. In this article, you can find some of the best postnatal vitamins to benefit from in 2024.
What are postnatal vitamins?
Postnatal refers to the period after giving birth. The postpartum period starts with the delivery and lasts for six to eight weeks until the mother regains her pre-pregnancy state. If we talk specifically, postnatal is often used for issues concerning the baby, whereas postpartum is for those of the mother.
Nutrition is the key to staying fit and healthy. Giving birth is considered one of the most painful things a person can experience, and your body relies completely on the nutrients you have gained. According to research, the percentage of women suffering from some degree of postnatal depletion is over 50% and the demand for nutrition increases in the postpartum period.
Several postnatal vitamins are suggested for the replenishment of the mother and also help boost the development of the baby’s brain, visual activity, and processing skills. We have mentioned the 10 best postnatal multivitamin products below in this article.
The Balanced Bites Top Picks: Top 10 Postnatal Vitamins
The need for nutritional support does not end with delivery. You need to take care of both your and your baby’s health and development, whether you are breastfeeding or not, by keeping track of the demands of essential vitamins. A few of the best postnatal vitamins are mentioned as follows:
SmartyPants Prenatal and Postnatal Multi Gummy
SmartyPants has come up with a pack of multivitamins that are not only suitable for postnatal periods but for prenatal periods as well. It contains vitamins E, B3, C, choline, and sodium, which maintain both your fitness and your baby’s proper growth and development. You can take it with or without a meal, making the conditions easy for you.
Pros
- cGMP certified
- Third-party tested
- Non-GMO
- Free of allergens (wheat, soy, peanut, dairy, egg, sesame, tree- nuts, shellfish)
Cons
- Lacks omega-3 fatty acids
| Dosage | 2 gummies |
| Price per dosage | $0.47 |
| Servings per container | 30 |
MegaFood Baby & Me 2 Postnatal Multivitamin
This multivitamin is particularly prepared for supporting breastfeeding mothers in ideal postnatal nutrition, lactation, and recovery of nutrients. It is packed with key nutrients, including choline, methylated folate, vitamin B12, chromium, vitamin C & vitamin D3, and iodine, to fulfill the nutritional requirements during the period of breastfeeding. Another key nutrient that is present exclusively in MegaFood Baby & Me 2 Postnatal Multivitamin is moringa leaf, which is known to be helpful in promoting milk production, and real fruits and vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, and oranges, making it a good vegan-friendly product.
Pros
- Free of glyphosate residue
- More than 125 substances tested, including herbicides and pesticides
- Vegan
- Non-GMO
- Can be taken on an empty stomach
- Gluten-free
Cons
- Choline content is 36% of the need
- Purity and potency not tested by third-party
- Lacks magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids
| Dosage | 2 tablets |
| Price per dosage | $1.23 |
| Servings per container | 30 |
Nordic Naturals Postnatal Omega-3 Softgels
Nordic Naturals Postnatal Omega-3 Softgels is not a multivitamin pack but softgels rich in omega-3 and vitamin D content. Its dominant feature is that it provides 1000 IU of vitamin D, which is even more than the required daily value. As it contains omega-3, it is a good option to combine it with any multivitamin, as most of them lack this ingredient, to fulfill the vitamin D demands as well as those of DHA and EPA fatty acids needed for breastfeeding.
Pros
- Purity and potency tested by third-party
- Non-GMO
- No artificial preservatives or colors
- Offers 1000 IU of vitamin D
- Dairy and gluten-free
Cons
- It may be expensive for some
- Not a vegan
- It needs to be combined with any multivitamin
| Dosage | 2 soft gels |
| Price per dosage | $1.23 |
| Servings per container | 30 |
Perelel Mom Multi Support Pack
Perelel Mom Multi Support Pack is designed to not only provide postnatal but overall support to the mother and the baby. This pack contains four types of blends;
- Beauty blend for better hair, nail, and skin health.
- Postnatal multivitamins for immune support and optimal nutrition
- Stress support blend for antioxidants and emotional balance maintenance
- Omega DHA + EPA supports brain and heart health and improves mood.
It contains vitamin D and L-5 methylfolate for the better development of the baby’s immune system and provides proper nutrition. The results of this supplement are clinically proven for mood improvement, shining hair, improved skin health, and giving a radiant and brighter skin look.
Pros
- No synthetic fillers or colors
- Free of dairy and soy
- Non-GMO
- Third-party tested
- Gluten-free
Cons
- Expensive
- Large dosage
- The stress support blend contains 150 mg of Ashwagandha, which may be unsuitable for breastfeeding
| Dosage | 4 capsules and 1 softgel |
| Price per dosage | $1.94 |
| Servings per container | 30 |
Ritual Postnatal Multivitamin
Ritual Postnatal Multivitamin contains essential vitamins, such as vitamins D3, A, and C, and minerals, including zinc, to help support the function of a baby’s immune system. It also plays a role in supporting the content of fatty acids in lactating women for breastfeeding their newborns. The aim is to serve the mothers by assisting them to recover quickly and contribute to lactation.
Pros
- Non-GMO
- 15 traceable ingredients
- Gluten-free
- Purity and potency tested by third-party
- Vegan
Cons
- The choline content is only 10% of the total required DV
- Contains low magnesium content
| Dosage | 2 capsules |
| Price per dosage | $1.03 |
| Servings per container | 30 |
Pink Stork Total Postnatal +DHA
The main ingredients are vitamins B6, B9, and B12, along with DHA omega-3 fatty acids, iron, and zinc. It provides energy, helps improve mood, and promotes the recovery of the mother in the postnatal or postpartum period. Folate is important for a baby’s growth and development, whereas DHA supports the cognitive function of both mother and baby as well as the baby’s brain health. This also supports breastmilk production and, hence, helps lactation, making it one of the best postnatal vitamins for breastfeeding women.
Pros
- Contain 20 OBGYN-recommended postnatal nutrients and vitamins
- Free of gluten, soy, and dairy
- Third-party tested
- Non-GMO
Cons
- The taste may be intense and irritating for some
| Dosage | 2 capsules |
| Price per dosage | $1.16 |
| Servings per container | 30 |
One A Day Postnatal Complete Multivitamin
This multivitamin not only promotes healthy metabolism and brain activity but also takes care of hair, skin, and nail health. With a balanced content of folic acid, biotin, vitamin B12, niacin, omega-3 DHA, and vitamin D3, it helps fill the nutritional gaps of mothers. Overall, this pack of One A Day postnatal vitamins is a good choice in the post-pregnancy period for supporting immune health, breastfeeding, physical fitness, and brain functions.
Pros
- Egg and dairy-free
- Free of gluten or wheat allergens
- No artificial color
- Does not contain high fructose corn syrup
Cons
- Lacks choline
| Dosage | 1 soft gel |
| Price per dosage | $0.39 |
| Servings per container | 60 |
Nature Made Postnatal Multi + DHA Softgels
The brand Nature Made never sits back when it comes to providing supplements, including multivitamins, for improving health conditions. Surprisingly, Nature Made Postnatal Multi + DHA Softgels contain vitamins D3, A, E, C, K, and all 8 B-complex vitamins. The minerals present in this pack include calcium, zinc, iodine, magnesium, iron, and DHA, making it one of the best postnatal vitamins while breastfeeding and playing a significant role in the baby’s development, lactation, and the mother’s replenishment.
Pros
- Contains 20 key nutrients
- No artificial flavor
- Low dosage
- Budget-friendly
- USP-verified
Cons
- Strong fishy taste
- Does not contain choline
| Dosage | 1 soft gel |
| Price per dosage | $0.49 |
| Servings per container | 60 |
New Chapter Perfect Postnatal Multivitamin
The New Chapter Perfect Postnatal Multivitamin is prepared to cope with the changing needs of nursing or new mothers in the postpartum period. It is designed with a unique formula for enhanced absorption that is also gentle on an empty stomach as compared to other brands. This multivitamin pack features a bunch of vitamins and minerals to support energy, mood, and lactation.
Pros
- Organic herbs and vegetables
- Suitable on an empty stomach
- NSF-certified
- Non-GMO
- Certified Kosher
Cons
- Large dosage
| Dosage | 3 tablets |
| Price per dosage | $1.09 |
| Servings per container | 96 |
Majka Plant-Based Nourishing Lactation Powder
For those who run away from capsules or tablets and also do not find chewing gummies comfortable, a powder supplement is a win-win. This Majka PLant-Based Nourishing Lactation Powder is packed with bioavailable vitamins and minerals. Its plant-based protein formula makes it suitable for vegans and contains multivitamins, including active forms of vitamin B for lactation support.
Pros
- Vegan-friendly
- Non-GMO
- Free of soy and fenugreek
- Gluten-free
Cons
- Really expensive compared to others
| Dosage | 2 scoops of powder |
| Price per dosage | $3.86 |
| Servings per container | 15 |
Conclusion
The pregnancy period is full of ups and downs and requires proper nutritional and physical care. We have offered you details on the 10 best postnatal vitamins for breastfeeding and non-lactating mothers. You can read through the pros, cons, and serving information of these to get a line of nutritional support for both your and your baby’s health.
