To help keep moms and babies healthy , nutritional guidelines for pregnant women and those planning a pregnancy include a daily postpartum dietary supplement. But what about after birth? Although there are no specific dietary supplement recommendations for postpartum mothers and very few studies have been conducted on this topic, many prenatal vitamins and other nutrients remain essential postpartum. 'childbirth. As with pregnancy, a healthy diet may not be enough to meet all the nutritional needs of breastfeeding mothers and all mothers caring for a newborn.
We hear a lot about the importance of prenatal vitamins before and during pregnancy, but what about after delivery ? Should women take vitamins or supplements after giving birth? Here are 5 things to know about taking vitamins after your baby is born. Most providers recommend taking prenatal or postnatal vitamins after birth. Check with your doctor before your due date to find out what vitamins you should take, if any, after giving birth. Although there is no general recommendation on when to stop taking a prenatal vitamin, many providers suggest continuing for at least one postnatal period. The composition of vitamins marketed as "prenatal" and "postnatal" is generally very similar. However, some postnatal vitamins contain varying levels of nutrients specifically intended for the birthing person's body. For example, some postnatal vitamins contain extra amounts of iron to support postpartum recovery, vitamin D to help the body absorb calcium, and extra B vitamins to ensure that breastfeeding moms and their babies baby consume enough. About it...
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The postpartum food supplement is particularly important for breastfeeding
A balanced diet is probably not enough to provide breastfeeding mothers with the nutrients essential for optimal health for themselves and their babies. The World Health Organization recommends that breastfeeding women continue to take a prenatal and postnatal vitamin for the duration of breastfeeding. A study indicates that continuing to take a prenatal or postnatal vitamin containing folate, DHA, vitamin D and iodine may support baby's brain development, processing skills and visual acuity. A sufficient intake of vitamin D and DHA is not only important for mothers, but also for their little ones! Breast milk alone does not provide babies with enough vitamin D. This is why the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends supplementing breastfed babies' diets with 400 IU of vitamin D per day until they begin eating solid foods.
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The CDC recommends that breastfeeding women who follow a restrictive diet (vegetarian or vegan, for example) take a pre- or postnatal vitamin as long as they are breastfeeding. A lack of animal protein in the diet can lead to B12 deficiency, which can cause symptoms in babies such as loss of appetite, laziness, slow motor development and blood problems.
Postpartum dietary supplement: Iron is important
Another reason to continue taking a prenatal vitamin after delivery? Increased iron. Due to the natural loss of blood that accompanies childbirth, it is especially important to replenish iron stores during the fourth trimester. It may benefit all mothers to continue taking a pre or postnatal vitamin for three months after giving birth to ensure their iron levels are stable, especially for those with a history of anemia. After that, consult your doctor about whether you should continue taking a pre- or postnatal vitamin if you are not breastfeeding.
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Postpartum food supplement: Also focus on nutrition
Even if you take vitamins after your baby arrives, it's important to try to eat well too. Your body has been through a lot, so it's crucial to give it the nutrients it needs to heal and support your new (and tiring) mom lifestyle. Taking care of yourself and eating well can help you feel your best physically and mentally while you care for your little one. Neglecting your own health can lead to feeling (even more) exhausted, weak and mentally drained - and as the saying goes, "you can't pour water from an empty cup!".
While we know the postnatal period is a bit blurry, and it can be difficult to squeeze in meals while caring for baby, do what you can to focus on eating a balanced diet when possible. Try to pay close attention to the following points to make sure you get what you need after giving birth:
- Protein from foods like lean meats, legumes and fish.
- Fiber from fruits and vegetables
- Iron from foods like legumes, red meat and green leafy vegetables.
- Calcium from foods like dairy products, green leafy vegetables, legumes.
- Folate from foods like legumes, leafy vegetables, citrus fruits.
- Omega-3 fatty acids come from many foods such as oily fish, seeds and nuts.
- Talk to your doctor about postpartum vitamins and supplements.
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Before you start taking any new vitamins or supplements (many of which are regulated by the FDA as foods, not drugs), it's important to talk with your doctor. Depending on your medical history, lifestyle, and how you plan to feed your baby, your healthcare provider may have specific recommendations for what to look for in a vitamin or supplement after delivery. There are a large number of dietary supplements available specifically for new mothers, especially those who are breastfeeding and trying to increase their milk supply. Herbs such as fenugreek and fennel seed are present in many of these supplements, and although they are generally considered safe, there is no scientific research to prove this. If you are concerned about your milk supply, it is advisable to make an appointment with a lactation consultant or your healthcare provider. They can help you develop a plan to increase your milk supply and assess whether herbal supplements are safe for you based on your medical history.
Is there a difference between prenatal and postnatal supplements?
Dietary supplements are pills, tablets, softgels, capsules, powder, or other products that you can take by mouth to add (or "supplement") the nutrients you get through food. Nutrients are ingredients, such as vitamins and minerals, that our bodies need to function, survive and grow. Eating healthy foods is the best way to get all these nutrients. However, during and after pregnancy, your body's need for certain nutrients increases. It is therefore often necessary to change your diet and take a supplement. Prenatal supplements (also known as "prenatal vitamins") help provide your body with additional amounts of specific nutrients needed for your and your baby's health before and during pregnancy. Three of these key nutrients are folic acid, iron and calcium. They can allow you to take a cure of Zinc and magnesium because they are very rich elements, particularly in amino acids and trace elements.
Postpartum supplements (also called "postnatal vitamins") help meet women's nutritional needs after giving birth. Prenatal and postnatal supplements may contain different combinations and amounts of nutrients depending on the brand. To compare supplements, it is necessary to look at the nutrient levels in the nutritional values section of the product. Some postpartum supplements are very similar to prenatal supplements, while others are not. Regardless of the type, it is important to first consult a healthcare provider before starting to take any supplement. Your provider can recommend specific doses of nutrients that meet your unique needs based on your diet and health factors. For example, if you're not getting enough foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, it may suggest you take a supplement.
What are the benefits of postpartum supplements for breastfeeding?
Certain nutrients are only available in breast milk if your regular diet contains enough of them. If you are breastfeeding, taking supplements can increase the levels of certain nutrients in your body so that your baby gets the right amounts through breast milk. DHA, choline, vitamin A and vitamin D are examples of essential nutrients for breastfeeding women. DHA and choline supplements support your baby's growth and brain health. Vitamin A supplementation helps reduce the risk of chronic lung problems in premature babies and babies with extremely low birth weight. Finally, studies show that vitamin D supplementation lowers the risk of rickets, a bone disease that can affect your baby.
What are the benefits of postpartum supplements for wellness?
Outside of breastfeeding recommendations , there is little research on the potential benefits of supplements for all postpartum women. However, studies suggest that low amounts of certain nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, may contribute to symptoms of postpartum depression (PPD) in some women. Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of fat found naturally in some fish and other seafood. Although there is no conclusive evidence that omega-3 supplementation can improve PPD, some studies suggest a possible link. Additionally, research shows that low iron levels may contribute to hair loss in women of childbearing age and that iron supplements are a potential treatment.
Are there any risks associated with taking prenatal supplements after birth?
In general, it is best to only take the recommended daily dose of any supplement. However, there isn't much evidence of serious side effects from taking prenatal supplements after birth, even in high doses. For example, studies show that mothers who take high doses of certain vitamins (like thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin B12, and vitamin C) have little or no risk. When side effects occur from taking too much of certain nutrients (like iron and niacin), they are usually mild and short-lived. Additionally, studies suggest that taking iron supplements with food reduces or eliminates the risk of side effects such as nausea and vomiting.
If you experience side effects from the supplements your healthcare provider recommends, tell them so they can help you decide what is safest for you and your baby.
