9 Best Postnatal Vitamins of 2023
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- Postnatal vitamins are important for keeping both you and your baby healthy.
- Taking a daily postnatal vitamin can help to ensure that you get all of the nutrients you need every day.
- Mothers who breastfeed or pump will pass vitamins along to their baby through their breast milk.
- Even if you aren’t breastfeeding, the extra nutrients in a postnatal vitamin will help with recovering from pregnancy and delivery.
- Look for vitamins containing iron, calcium, vitamin D, DHA, and folate.
During your pregnancy, you were probably told that it was important to take daily prenatal vitamins. You might not know that it is also important to take postnatal vitamins after you deliver your baby.
Both prenatal and postnatal vitamins are essential for keeping yourself and your baby healthy. Many of the key vitamins you take are transferred to your baby through breast milk, helping you support your baby after giving birth.
Even if you eat a healthy diet, it can be difficult to get all the nutrients you need every day, especially for busy and breastfeeding women. A high quality postnatal vitamin will help you get key nutrients during your postnatal period to support your own health as well as the health of your baby.
Here, we will help you find the 9 best postnatal vitamins of 2023.
Our Choice: Zahler Prenatal Vitamin
- NEW & IMPROVED FORMULA – Methylfolate is body-ready and eliminates the risk of unmetabolized Folic Acid. The natural form of folate found in Zahler prenatal vitamin is required by a large percentage of women.
- PRENATAL VITAMIN WITH DHA – Many women do not have enough DHA for themselves, let alone enough DHA for two. A DHA supplement is vital for women in their child bearing stage. Includes 300mg of DHA plus 25 vitamins and nutrients.
- EASY TO SWALLOW SOFTGELS – Softgels are easier to swallow during pregnancy and unlike prenatal vitamin gummies, have no taste or texture. Zahler prenatal vitamins with DHA provide premium nutrition for mother and child in optimal absorption ratios.
- PURITY GUARANTEED – Zahler is committed to crafting only the best prenatal vitamins. Made in the USA in a state of the art GMP Certified facility. Trustworthy non-GMO, gluten-free, and dairy-free ingredients with no artificial colors or preservatives.
Overall, Zahler prenatal vitamins have the best combination of nutrients, all of which are highly absorbable. These postnatal vitamins contain all of the most common vitamins and minerals, with the addition of DHA and iron. Zahler is an easy to swallow pill that only needs to be taken once a day, and it is not much more expensive than the cheapest options.
Zahler vitamins are the best postnatal vitamins for mothers having problems with fatigue and anemia. Besides containing all of the common vitamins and minerals found in other postnatal vitamins, these vitamins provide 100% of the daily recommendation of iron, but it comes in a more easily absorbable form. This helps prevent side effects of high iron intake like constipation and nausea.
Customer reviews do mention that the pills have a fishy aftertaste that can be hard to get rid of. Taking the pills with a glass of juice or food may help.
Item Form: Softgel | Flavor: Unflavored | Diet Type: Kosher
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Ritual Postnatal Vitamins
- ESSENTIAL FOR WOMEN POSTNATAL MULTIVITAMIN: is for the arrival of a mother’s new nutrient needs. It’s formulated with 15 key nutrients for 6 months postpartum, and throughout lactation. Our formula is vegan, sugar-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, soy-free, and formulated without stevia, sugar alcohols, and artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners. Each serving provides 350mg of Omega-3 DHA.*
- MADE TRACEABLE: Our world-class scientists scoured the globe for high quality ingredients when formulating Essential for Women Postnatal Multivitamin. Our formula includes Vitamin D3 made from sustainably-sourced lichen found in the UK – for bone support, Vitamin A made through fermentation, from Israel – for antioxidant support, Sustainably-sourced Vitamin C from Scotland – for immune support, and Omega-3 DHA from microalgae discovered in Nova Scotia – for heart support.*
- NON-GMO PROJECT VERIFIED: We trust NSF, one of the world’s leading certifying bodies to verify Essential for Women Postnatal Multivitamin. The Non-GMO Project verification guided by NSF experts assures customers that products have been produced according to best practices for GMO avoidance.
- SMART CAPSULE: Innovative nested capsule technology acts like a barrier system to keep fat soluble and water soluble forms separated, within a single capsule, so key ingredients can be taken in one serving. Our delayed-release capsules are designed to dissolve later in the small intestine, an ideal place to absorb nutrients. Plus we add a mint tab to every bottle so taking your multivitamin daily can be a more enjoyable experience.*
Ritual vitamins are vegan, non-GMO, and dye free multivitamins that you can feel good about taking. They contain vitamin E, B12, D, C, and A, folate, iron, DHA, and other important nutrients for you and your baby.
These vitamins also come in a time-release capsule, making them less likely to cause nausea.
If you buy these directly from their website, Ritual offers free shipping on their products as well as a money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with their vitamin.
Item Form: Capsule | Flavor: Mint | Diet Type: Vegan
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Seeking Health Optimal Prenatal Chewables
- Vitamins B12 & Folate Supplement Formula: This prenatal multivitamin with bioavailable forms of folate and vitamin B12 supports genetic development
- Immune Support Multivitamin: This chewable vitamin supplement offers key nutrients to support immune system function as well as healthy spine and brain development
- Xylitol Sweetened Chewable Vitamin: This sugar-free prenatal multivitamin is sweetened with xylitol, a safe alternative to sugar for pregnant women
- Allergen-Friendly Prenatal Support: This prenatal multivitamin is free of GMOs, gluten, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, sesame, and soy
If you have a difficult time swallowing pills, these Seeking Health Chewable tablets might be a good option. Unlike other chewable pills, these do not contain any added sugar. They are also vegetarian friendly and gluten-free.
Seeking health vitamins contain Vitamins C, A, B6, B12, D, and E, Iodine, Calcium, Zinc, and Magnesium. They do not contain iron, which makes them easier on the stomach, but ineffective for mothers struggling with anemia.
Item Form: Tablet | Flavor: Unflavored Diet Type: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
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One A Day Postnatal Complete Multivitamin
- Specially formulated to support: Healthy Metabolism; Brain Function; Physical Energy; Immune Health; Hair, Skin & Nails; Breastfeeding
- Product Note: Exposure to heat or sunlight may lead to melting/damage of product. Hence customers are expected to be available during the product delivery
- One A Day Postnatal meets the increased nutritional requirements of breastfeeding women providing nutritional support for mom and baby
- With key essential vitamins and minerals to support mom’s energy and immunity, and with omega-3 DHA to support baby’s brain and eye development.
One A Day Postnatal Vitamin contains the essential vitamins and minerals you need to keep yourself healthy during your postpartum period.
One A Day vitamins are one of the least expensive options for prenatal and postnatal vitamins. They are gluten-free and free from synthetic color, but they do contain fish and soy.
While the fish oils mean they are not good for strict vegetarian or vegan mothers, the fish oil does support healthy brain development in breastfeeding babies and healthy skin, hair, and nails for mom.
Item Form: Softgel | Flavor: Unflavored | Diet Type: Gluten Free
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Root’d Prenatal Multivitamin
- 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝗼𝗺 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗮𝗯𝘆: Our women’s prenatal multivitamins are carefully crafted with key nutrients to assist in nurturing the well-being of both you and your baby. It’s suitable for women in various stages, including those attempting to conceive, currently pregnant, or nursing.
- 𝟮𝟱 𝗩𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝘀 & 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝘀: First and only prenatal vitamins for women to combine the nutrition content of a full-spectrum multivitamin with 3x hydration power of electrolytes, made with 100% natural Sugar-Free ingredients enriched with iron, methylfolate, and Vitamin D3 content. With 7 infused organic superfoods and digestive probiotics to ensure maximum absorption.
- 𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀: Our prenatal multivitamins are meticulously crafted with a focus on quality – it’s Sugar-Free, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Caffeine Free, Allergen Free, Soy Free, Non-GMO, No Artificial Colors, and suitable for both Paleo and Ketone diets. Moreover, it’s vegetarian-friendly for your dietary preferences.
- 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗿𝗱 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘆 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱: Every ingredient and finished product made and used in prenatal multivitamins for women are Third Party Verified by ISO-certified labs across the United States of America after vigorous testing, ensuring the potency, purity, and integrity of the Root’d prenatal multivitamin powder you trust.
Root’d postnatal vitamins are actually a powder that you can mix to make a drink. Great for moms who have a hard time swallowing pills, this drink mix contains 25 essential vitamins and minerals as well as electrolytes and a probiotic.
Root’d is sweetened with Stevia, and many moms enjoy the sweet lemon berry flavor.
This supplement is slightly more expensive than the other products, but some mothers feel that the added probiotic and electrolytes to support digestive enzymes are worth the higher cost.
Item Form: Powder | Flavor: Lemon Berry | Diet Type: Gluten Free
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Nature Made Postnatal + DHA
- 20 KEY NUTRIENTS FOR BABY & MOM: This postnatal multivitamin is formulated with essential vitamins and minerals to provide nutritional support for mom and baby during breastfeeding.
- Product Note: Exposure to heat or sunlight may lead to melting/damage of product. Hence customers are expected to be available during the product delivery
- SPECIALLY FORMULATED POSTNATAL VITAMINS FOR BREASTFEEDING MOMS: Contains higher amounts of vitamins A, C, D and E compared to our Prenatal Multi + DHA to meet increased demands during this unique period of life.
- OMEGA-3S TO SUPPORT BABY’S BRAIN AND EYES: DHA is an important Omega-3 fatty acid that helps support fetal brain and eye development.
Nature Made postnatal vitamins contain Vitamins A, C, D, E, and K, as well as zinc, iron, iodine, biotin, and omega 3 fatty acids. It is inexpensive and free of artificial flavors and gluten.
Like other supplements with DHA, many moms report a strong fishy aftertaste when taking these vitamins.
Item Form: Softgels | Flavor: No Artificial Flavor
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TheraNatal Lactation Complete Postnatal Supplement
- Nourishing Postnatal Vitamin: A complete blend of essential vitamins and minerals for new mothers*
- Effective Breastfeeding Supplements: This postnatal multivitamin supplement supports nutrient support for both mom and baby with key ingredients such as DHA, choline, methylated folate, and more*
- Comprehensive Lactation Supplement: Contains 160 mcg (6,400 IU) of vitamin D3, eliminating the need for infant vitamin D drops*
- Purity Tested: Our USA-manufactured supplements are independently verified for potency and purity by NSF; gluten-free, artificial dye-free, dairy-free, and made with premium ingredients
TheraNatal supplements contain all of the most common postnatal vitamins and minerals, with extra vitamin D to support babies of breastfeeding mothers. TheraNatal uses high quality ingredients and is free from gluten, dairy, and artificial dyes.
TheraNatal specifically designed their prenatal vitamins for breastfeeding.
TheraNatal supplements come in sets of three. You have to take two pills plus one capsule together to get all of the essential nutrients together. TheraNatal is also one of the more expensive postnatal vitamin brands.
Item Form: Tablet | Flavor: No Artificial Flavor | Diet Type: Vegetarian
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SmartyPants Prenatal Formula
- PACKAGING MAY VARY – Fresh New Look, Same Trusted Quality. Every SmartyPants bottle has a lot # and expiration date on the bottom
- PREMIUM, SCIENCE-BACKED PRENATAL GUMMY MULTIVITAMINS: SmartyPants Prenatal Multi & Omegas contains more nutrients than the leading prenatal multi gummy and is made to help fill nutrient gaps. Based on $ Sales, IRI InfoScan, and MULO, 05/2022-05/2023
- WITH 19 NUTRIENTS TO SUPPORT MOMS AT EVERY STAGE*: Our science-backed formula includes methylated folate for fetal development,* vitamins D3, B12, K1, C, and A all in a delicious serving
- BETTER NUTRIENT SOURCES: We include bioavailable forms of high-quality nutrients that are easy for your body to absorb like folate as methylfolate, vitamin D as D3, vitamin B12 as methylcobalamin, and zinc citrate
SmartyPants postnatal vitamins contain 18 essential nutrients including DHA and folate. They are great tasting chewable gummies, and many mothers with sensitive stomachs say that this is the only type of postnatal vitamin their stomachs can handle.
A serving of SmartyPants vitamins is four gummies, which can feel like eating a little treat every morning.
SmartyPants gummies do not include any iron, so they are not the best choice for anemic mothers.
Item Form: Gummy | Flavor: Gluten Free | Diet Type: Prenatal Formula Daily Gummy
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Glow Prenatal Vitamins
- SCIENTIFICALLY BACKED SUPPORT: Premium prenatal vitamin with 20 lab-tested, vital nutrients; these vitamins and minerals enhanced to be more bioavailable support optimal development for baby
- TARGETED PRENATAL COMPLEX: Prenatal vitamins with DHA and folic acid paired with super ingredients TRAACS chelated minerals, and myo-inositol; made for sensitive stomach with ginger and vanilla for a more pleasant pregnancy, even during your 1st trimester
- EVERYTHING YOU NEED, NOTHING YOU DON’T: Prenatal Glow multivitamin capsules contain a cGMP-certified blend; completely cruelty-free with no fillers, binders, artificial ingredients, gluten or wheat for clean pregnancy support; each bottle contains a lemon-mint scent pak for added freshness
- USAGE INSTRUCTIONS: Take 2 easy-to-swallow vegetarian capsules daily with a meal and water to help support a healthy pregnancy and foster optimal development for your new baby
Besides containing 25 nutrients in a 2 capsule serving, Glow prenatal vitamins are vegetarian and free from artificial ingredients. For each bottle of Glow vitamins purchased, the company will provide a year’s worth of multivitamins for a child in need.
Some mothers complain that these pills made them nauseated, and they could not tolerate the taste. It is recommended that you take these supplements with a meal and a large glass of water.
Item Form: Capsule | Flavor: Herbal | Diet Type: Vegan
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Recommended Accessories
The biggest problem most mothers have with postnatal vitamins is remembering to take them. Even the best postnatal vitamins don’t do any good sitting in their bottle.
Some of these accessories can help you form and keep a healthy habit of taking your daily postnatal supplements.
Pill Box
- Modern & Elegant Design: Mimi Medcessories’ Pretty Pill Boxes offer a sophisticated touch with a stylish, sleek case that make daily vitamin management a chic affair. These organizers not only elevate your health routine but also blend seamlessly with any modern accessory collection, making them essential for health-savvy individuals.
- Convenient Daily Use: Perfect for those on-the-move, our compact and lightweight pill cases are designed to fit effortlessly into your daily life. Whether you’re running errands or heading to work, these pill organizers ensure you maintain your supplement schedule with ease. Just tuck your case into any bag or pocket!
- Travel-Ready Pill Management: Easily navigate your health routine while traveling with our durable and portable pill containers. Ideal for short trips or extended travels, these organizers help you manage your medications and supplements without missing a beat, ensuring you stay on track wherever you wander.
- Supports Your Health Goals: Whether you’re an athlete, fitness enthusiast, or an expecting mother, our pill holders are trusted to support your strict supplement regimen. They’re designed to cater to various wellness needs, making it a breeze to manage daily vitamin intake for optimal performance and health.
When you’re busy caring for a baby, it can be hard to remember anything, including whether or not you have taken your multivitamin for the day. Using a basic pill box can help you stay organized, reminding you to take your vitamin while preventing you from taking it twice in a day.
Tracking Bottle
- Simplicity at Its Best: Take-n-Slide is a simple yet highly effective tool that helps you stay on top of your medication schedule. With its user-friendly design, you can effortlessly keep track of your single or multi-dose medications.
- Reusable and Versatile: Not only is Take-n-Slide reusable, but it also allows you to attach additional sliders to the bottle, accommodating more than one dose. This makes it perfect for managing complex medication regimens.
- Forget No More: Countless users are thrilled with how Take-n-Slide has transformed their medication routines. By using our product, you can finally bid farewell to forgetfulness and confidently remember to take your pills as prescribed.
- Convenient and Satisfying: Customers rave about the satisfying “click” sound that comes with securing your dosage tracker. At the end of the week, you can easily review if any doses were missed, keeping you accountable and in control.
If you don’t like the way a bulky pill box looks, you can use a take-n-slide tracker instead. This is a bottle with built-in buttons that you can press as you take your vitamin, helping you remember whether you have taken it or not that day.
Healthy Diet
While not necessarily an accessory, you should pair your postnatal supplements with a healthy diet. Many postnatal vitamins are high in one nutrient and low in another.
Eating a balanced diet in addition to a postpartum vitamin can help you meet all of your nutritional demands and keep your nutrient stores up.
How Important Are Postnatal Vitamins?
Postnatal vitamins are extremely important for both your own health, and the health of your breastfeeding baby.
The same way that taking a prenatal vitamin fills any gaps in your diet during pregnancy, a postnatal vitamin can help ensure that you get all of the essential nutrients you need during the postpartum period.
Postpartum moms who take postnatal vitamins as a daily supplement can have higher milk production, lower rates of postpartum depression and baby blues, normal immune function, less postpartum hair loss, and are more likely to reach optimal health after giving birth.
Even if they are not breastfeeding, mothers recovering from pregnancy and delivery need the extra nutrients in a postnatal vitamin.
Iron
Because you lose so much blood during the delivery of your baby, you are at high risk of becoming anemic. Anemia can cause brain fog and low energy levels, which can both get even worse with the addition of a new baby in your home.
Taking a daily vitamin that contains iron can help your body make enough red blood cells to keep you feeling your best.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is another essential building block for red blood cells. Vitamin B12 is known to increase energy levels.
Folate
Foliage, or folic acid, helps developing babies’ brains grow. It is good both during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Folate is also good for mom’s heart health.
Choline
Choline is an important nutrient during pregnancy for babies brain development and for preventing pregnancy complications. During the postpartum period, choline can help support healthy liver function and improve your memory and mood.
Calcium
Just like the rest of your body, your bones go through significant changes during pregnancy and breastfeeding. According to the Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases Resource Center, consuming enough calcium can protect you from developing osteoporosis later in life.
Breastfeeding and Vitamins
Pennsylvania State University recommends taking a postnatal vitamin every day while you are breastfeeding your baby. Babies need extra folate, DHA, Vitamin D and iodine to help their brains develop.
Unfortunately, breastmilk does not contain enough vitamin D to support a growing baby. The CDC recommends that all infants take a vitamin D drop each day while they are breastfed.
You can find infant vitamin D drops at almost any pharmacy or health foods store..
Choosing the Best Postnatal Vitamins for You
Even with a diet full of healthy meals and snacks, you will benefit by taking a high quality postnatal vitamin. There are a few things you should keep in mind when choosing a postnatal vitamin:
- Ingredients. Keep an eye out for vitamins with added sugars or artificial dyes. Also remember, just because something is labeled “natural” does not mean it is healthier. Take your time reading the ingredients label of your multivitamins.
- Vitamins and Minerals. Make sure that your chosen vitamin has iron, calcium, vitamin D, DHA, and folate.
- Cost. You do not have to spend hundreds of dollars on vitamins and supplements to stay healthy. Choosing a simple generic brand of vitamin can save you a lot of money.
FAQs
Do I still need a postnatal vitamin if I choose not to breastfeed?
Pregnancy and delivery take a lot from your body. Even if you choose not to breastfeed your baby, you should take a daily multivitamin to help your body heal and recover. Taking a multivitamin will help you recover from blood loss and tissue injury from delivery.
Can taking too many vitamins be harmful?
There is no benefit to taking more than the recommended dose of a multivitamin. If you get too much of a certain vitamin or nutrient, your kidneys and liver will simply filter it out.
If you take much more than the recommended amount of any vitamin or mineral, you will most likely experience gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea or constipation.
What is the best time of the day to take postnatal vitamins?
Some women report that taking a multivitamin makes them sick to their stomach. This is especially true for multivitamins containing iron. Taking your vitamins with meals can help keep you from getting nauseated.
There is no best time of day to take a multivitamin. The most important thing is that you remember to take it. Whenever you decide to take your postnatal vitamin, try to do it at the same time each day so it is easier to remember.
How long should you take postnatal vitamins?
You should take a postnatal vitamin for at least as long as you breastfeed your baby. If you choose not to breastfeed, you should take a postnatal vitamin for 6 months after delivery.
The information WonderBaby provides is not intended to be, and does not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. Always consult with a qualified medical professional about your specific circumstances.
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