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Best Postnatal Vitamins

Updated December 2021
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Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
New Chapter Perfect Postnatal Multivitamin
New Chapter
Perfect Postnatal Multivitamin
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Energy-Boosting
Bottom Line

A top-rated vitamin, mineral, and probiotic support for new parents.

Pros

Boosts lactation and energy. Fermented probiotic formula doesn't upset stomach. Improves hair and nail growth.

Cons

Contains soy, which is an allergen to some breastfed newborns. Expensive. Though in the minority, some experience decrease in milk supply.

Best Bang for the Buck
Rainbow Bright Vibrance Postnatal Multivitamin
Rainbow Bright
Vibrance Postnatal Multivitamin
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Nutrient-Heavy
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This comprehensive multivitamin designed to be taken from conception through birth up to age two.

Pros

Features 19 nutrients to promote healthy growth of muscles and organs. Vegetarian and free of gluten, soy, milk, and eggs. Includes prebiotics, probiotics, and enzymes. May be taken alone or with food and pills are easy to swallow.

Cons

Recommend to take two-a-day across nearly three years. Not vegan.

Milkies Nursing Postnatal Breastfeeding Multivitamin
Milkies
Nursing Postnatal Breastfeeding Multivitamin
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Best for Breastfeeding
Bottom Line

This vitamin is designed specifically for those breastfeeding.

Pros

Contains a good supply of vitamin D3. Boosts energy. Though not designed to increase breast milk, some customers experience increased supply.

Cons

Includes folic acid instead of “folate” listed in ingredients online. Some strongly averse to smell and taste.

Nordic Naturals Postnatal Omega-3
Nordic Naturals
Postnatal Omega-3
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Packed with Omega-3
Bottom Line

A high-quality omega-3 fish oil supplement formulated specifically for new caregivers.

Pros

Lemon flavored and easy to swallow capsules. No fish oil taste. Contains DHA for baby’s brain development and EPA for postpartum wellbeing. Also contains D3.

Cons

Limited focus on omega-3s, so wise to supplement with another postnatal vitamin.

Actif Organic Postnatal Vitamin
Actif
Organic Postnatal Vitamin
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Comprehensive Formula
Bottom Line

Organic vitamin and herbal supplement that increases breastmilk production by 50 percent.

Pros

Loved by new mothers for increasing energy and milk production. Non-GMO. Gluten, soy, corn, and dairy free.

Cons

Can be acidic because contains citrus. A minority of reviewers noticed no change in energy or milk production.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
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We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Buying guide for best postnatal vitamins

Plenty of women, even if not avid vitamin consumers, begin taking supplements once they find out they’re pregnant. But what about after the baby’s delivery? A woman’s health needs still matter post-pregnancy, especially if she’s breastfeeding. Postnatal vitamins provide necessary nutrients to replenish a mother’s energy and fortify her baby’s breastmilk diet.

Before you buy a postnatal supplement, there are some things to consider. Most important is the type of vitamins the supplement includes, as new mothers and babies have specific nutritional needs. Some postnatal vitamins are designed to increase milk production, while others supplement the mother’s diet. You may also want to take into consideration the taste of the vitamin and how easy it is to swallow.

Not all women feel the need to take postnatal vitamins. Some women continue to take the prenatal vitamins they started in pregnancy, while others feel a strong diet is enough. But a quality postnatal supplement will help your baby grow and keep you energized during the exciting, exhausting stage of early motherhood.

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Talk to your doctor before you begin taking any new dietary supplement.

Key considerations


Milk production

Breastfeeding doesn’t always happen easily. If you’re a new mom who is having trouble with lactation, there are a number of postnatal vitamins you could take to help increase milk production. These supplements typically contain vitamins and/or herbs, such as brewer’s yeast and fenugreek, that promote lactation. Some women may find that the extra nutrients in any postnatal supplement increases milk production regardless of whether the supplement explicitly boosts lactation.

Included vitamins

Postnatal supplements bring together the critical vitamins for mothers and their newborns. Here are some of the key nutrients to look for on a postnatal vitamin bottle.

  • Vitamin C helps expedite healing, an important aspect of the post-pregnancy phase whether you delivered vaginally or via C-section. Having a child can leave the body vulnerable to illness, too. Vitamin C can help perk up your immune system to keep you healthy for your baby.
  • Vitamin D deficiency is common, especially in new mothers. Babies tend to be vitamin D deficient, too, and laying out in the sun just isn’t an option for their tender skin. Vitamin D is crucial for strong bones, and it enhances the absorption of minerals like calcium and magnesium. Vitamin D also improves immunity and fights off sickness. All qualities are necessary for both mother and child. Breastmilk usually lacks a sufficient amount of vitamin D for a growing infant, so it’s vital to consume this nutrient through food and supplements.
  • B complex vitamins assist with milk production and mood for new mothers. Specific vitamins like B6 can help your baby’s sleep cycle, while B12 promotes the growth of new cells, supporting your baby’s brain development. Look for supplements that include a whole suite of B Vitamins.
  • DHA, or docosahexaenoic acid, is an omega-3 fatty acid common in prenatal supplements. DHA has been proven to support the brain and eye development of growing fetuses. Postpartum, DHA continues to promote newborn development. DHA must be obtained through diet and supplements. In mothers, DHA can help combat postpartum depression and other problems attributed to fatty acid deficiency.

Postnatal vitamin features


Organic vs. non-organic

The last things a mother wants is unknown chemicals going into her baby’s body. And vitamins tend to be unregulated by the FDA, making postnatal vitamins seem risky. The good news is, several of the best postnatal supplements are organic certified and Non-GMO Project Verified. These supplements tend to exclude animal gelatin and synthetic fillers.

Taste

Postnatal vitamins, like vitamins in general, aren’t known for being tasty — with the exception of gummy postnatal vitamins, which come in a variety of flavors, and a few brands that are flavored naturally with lemon. It is noteworthy that many organic supplements have no artificial dyes or flavors, and many consumers feel this is for the best, as sugar is not a desirable ingredient.

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Did you know?
Vitamin C has its beauty benefits, too. Your body uses vitamin C to create collagen, which is necessary for hair growth and skin elasticity.
STAFF
BestReviews

Postnatal vitamin prices

The average container of postnatal vitamins costs anywhere from $10 to $45. Supplements that are available for $15 or less aren’t likely to be organically certified. Some may have some quality issues, such as an unpleasant or fishy taste. You can also find some vitamin-infused postnatal teas in this price range.

If you’re looking for a quality postnatal supplement that is organic, $20 to $35 is a good target price. Note that some supplements require you to take two or three pills a day, and most bottles contain 60 pills. Therefore, you could end up spending up to $30 monthly to replenish your vitamins.

Vitamins that cost more than $35 may be manufactured in small quantities, include more pills per bottle, or include additional superfood supplementation.

Tips

  • Be sure to fortify your diet with fish, meat, fruits, vegetables, and nuts to supplement your postnatal vitamins.
  • If you’re breastfeeding, you’re constantly depleting the fluids in your body. Don’t forget to stay hydrated.
  • Iodine is another important nutrient for breastfeeding mothers, as it supports brain development in newborns. If you don’t find iodine in a supplement, try using iodized salt in your food preparation.
"Choline is an often-overlooked but necessary vitamin for development. Pregnant women are at high risk for choline deficiency."
STAFF
BestReviews
Content Image
Postnatal depression is real, and while taking a postnatal vitamin can help with your physical well-being, you should seek the help of a qualified physician if you experience symptoms of depression.

FAQ

Q. What’s the difference between prenatal and postnatal vitamins?
A.
Prenatal and postnatal vitamins are similar in that both include B complex vitamins and folic acid. One significant difference is that postnatal supplements include vitamin D and other vitamins that are crucial to early infant development.

Q. Is it okay to take prenatal vitamins postnatal?
A.
Some doctors may recommend that women continue their prenatal vitamins after delivery, but postnatal vitamins provide added vitamins for breastfeeding.

Q. Can’t I get the nutrients I need from food alone?
A.
While foods do provide the nutrients needed for breastfeeding, it can be difficult for new moms to regulate their diet to ensure they receive enough vitamins. Postnatal supplements take the guesswork out of vitamin intake, so you have more energy to devote to your new baby.