You’ve heard all the reasons why breastfeeding is so important, but what do you need to do to keep your body healthy while going through the process?
Vitamins and minerals play an essential role in keeping you and your baby healthy.
So, what vitamins should breastfeeding moms take?
Let’s explore!
Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps with calcium absorption, which helps keep your bones, teeth and muscles strong.
For nursing mothers, vitamin D is especially important for helping their baby’s bones develop properly.
Vitamin D can be found in foods like salmon and tuna, as well as fortified milk and eggs.
You can also get it from supplements or from spending time outside in the sunshine.
Folate/Folic Acid
Folate (also known as folic acid) is crucial for pregnant women since it helps prevent certain birth defects.
It’s recommended that pregnant women get 600 mcg of folate daily.
For breastfeeding mothers, folate helps with energy production and may reduce feelings of fatigue or exhaustion that come with nursing a newborn.
Folate can be found in spinach, lentils, beans and grains like wheat germ or quinoa.
It’s also available in supplement form if needed.
Iron
A breastfed baby needs iron to help build red blood cells and maintain energy levels throughout the day (not to mention brain development!).
A nursing mother needs a lot more iron than usual because she’s losing it through her milk supply.
Iron-rich foods include beef, pork, turkey, seafood, eggs and dark green leafy vegetables like spinach or kale.
If you’re not getting enough iron from food alone then talk to your doctor about taking an iron supplement such as liquid drops or tablets.
Conclusion
Taking vitamins while breastfeeding isn’t just about keeping yourself healthy—it’s about keeping your baby healthy too!
It’s always best to get your vitamins and minerals from natural sources (like food!) whenever possible but don’t be afraid to talk to your doctor if you think you need some extra help in getting all the essential nutrients you need while nursing a new little one!
With the right balance of vitamins and minerals during this special time of life you’ll both be able to thrive!
If you’re a breastfeeding mom, you know how important it is to get the right nutrients.
But with everything else you have to think about, it can be tough to keep track of what you need.
That’s why we’ve put together a list of the 5 best vitamins for breastfeeding moms.
Just click the button below to check it out. And don’t worry, we’ll only recommend products that are safe for both you and your baby.
So go ahead and take a few minutes for yourself. Your body will thank you!