Should You Take a Postnatal Vitamin? It Depends

We all know we should be eating a well-balanced diet. But it isn’t always easy to meet the recommended daily nutritional requirements. This is especially true in the postpartum period, when your daily routine is a little chaotic. When you have a new baby, it can feel hard to find time for a shower, let alone time to prepare nutritious meals three times a day. 

But it’s an important time to make sure you’re getting the right nutrients. Certain vitamins and minerals are important to help your body recover from pregnancy and birth. And if you’re breastfeeding, these nutrients are important for helping your baby continue to develop and grow. 

Postnatal vitamins can be a convenient way to supplement your diet and get important nutrients during the postpartum period. But are they necessary for everyone? And if so, which are the best postnatal vitamins to buy? Can you just keep taking your prenatal vitamins? We’ll bring you these answers and more.

What are postnatal vitamins?

Postnatal vitamins are multivitamin supplements meant to be taken after birth and during lactation. They contain a variety of vitamins and minerals to help make up for nutritional gaps in your diet. And their goal is to help support you and your baby’s health in the postpartum period. 

There are a variety of different brands and options to choose from. Each may differ in the amount, and type of nutrients they include. Some postnatal vitamins are marketed for specific postpartum concerns like milk supply and hair loss. But there isn’t enough research to support these claims.

At this time, research hasn’t shown that postnatal multivitamin supplements are helpful in improving health outcomes for the baby or birthing parent. So far there’s very little research on this topic, and future research may show specific benefits.

What’s the difference between prenatal and postnatal vitamins?

It depends on the specific vitamins and how they’re formulated. Prenatal and postnatal vitamins are both multivitamins that are meant to supplement your diet. But they’re formulated to meet your nutritional needs at different points during pregnancy and early parenthood. 

Generally speaking:

• Prenatal vitamins have specific nutrients to support your health and your developing fetus’s health before and throughout your pregnancy.

• Postnatal vitamins have nutrients to support your health and your baby’s development in the postpartum period and while you breastfeed. 

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Prenatal and postnatal vitamins are often similar in the types and amounts of nutrients they include. But it varies by brand, so it’s important to check the labels to see what they contain. Some prenatal vitamins may contain higher amounts of nutrients (like iron and folic acid) than you actually need. Taking too much of certain vitamins and minerals can have negative effects on your health. 

Who should take postnatal vitamins?

This is a good question, but there isn’t much clear guidance, unfortunately. Both the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) currently recommend taking postnatal supplements only if you have a deficiency in certain nutrients.

Your OB-GYN or midwife may recommend you keep taking your prenatal vitamins for a certain period of time after birth. That’s probably the most common approach currently, and it’s a good way to cover any gaps in your diet. 

But there may be certain situations where taking a postnatal vitamin, or a specific supplement in the postpartum period, makes more sense. Some examples are listed here, but it’s always best to talk with your healthcare team first. They can help you decide if vitamins could be helpful, or even refer you to a dietitian or lactation consultant, depending on your concerns.

You are a vegan or vegetarian

There are certain essential nutrients you can only get through animal products. Vitamin B12 is a great example. This vitamin is important for DNA synthesis, forming red blood cells, and supporting the function of your nervous system. 

You’re nursing

When you’re nursing, it’s important to make sure you’re getting extra calories, nutrition, and hydration. The DGA recommends getting this nutrition by drinking plenty of water, and eating healthful foods. 

But you may need to take a supplement for certain vitamins or minerals that are harder to get through your diet. Iodine is a mineral that you need more of than usual while you’re nursing. Iodine is essential for thyroid function. The American Thyroid Association recommends supplementing your diet with 150 µg of iodine while you’re nursing.

You’re at risk for anemia

Iron-deficiency anemia occurs when your blood doesn’t have enough hemoglobin. This protein carries oxygen throughout your body. Your body needs less iron after giving birth than while pregnant, but many would still benefit from iron supplements. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends taking iron supplements — with or without folic acid — for the first 3 months postpartum to lower your risk of postpartum anemia.

You had a cesarean section

There’s not a specific postnatal vitamin that’s recommended after a cesarean section. But it’s important to keep in mind that a C-section is a major abdominal surgery. And your nutrition is very important in helping you recover faster. 

Make sure your diet includes foods that are high in protein, vitamin C, and zinc to help your body heal. And eat plenty of whole fruits and vegetables to boost your fiber intake to help ease constipation after a C-section. You may even consider a fiber supplement for constipation.

How long should you take postnatal vitamins?

The length of time that you should take a postnatal vitamin can look different for everyone. For example, it makes sense to continue taking vitamins while you’re breastfeeding. As you know, you have different nutritional needs while nursing, so a vitamin supplement can help.

But how long you should take vitamins can depend on other factors. Examples include your overall health status, length of recovery from childbirth, and any deficiencies in your diet. In other words, there’s not a one-size-fits-all recommendation for everyone. 

It’s important to discuss your postpartum nutrition needs with your healthcare team to get a better understanding of how long you should be taking supplements.

How do you pick the best postnatal vitamin?

With so little research available, there isn’t a “best” postnatal vitamin. As mentioned, it can help to discuss your situation and lifestyle with a healthcare professional to decide which nutrients you need to look for. Here are some points to consider:

• Ingredients: If you decide to go with a multivitamin, check the nutrition labels to make sure that the vitamins you’re choosing have the values recommended by your doctor’s office. Also check to make sure there aren’t a bunch of other ingredients that you don’t need.

• Cost: Vitamins can be important. But if you’re taking them on a daily basis, for a long period of time, the cost can add up. Some vitamins are covered by your health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA). Check with your insurance company to see what may be covered for you.

• Formulation: Pick a vitamin that you can consume. If tablets are hard to swallow, consider a capsule with a coating that makes it easier to swallow. Or look for a gummy option that can be chewed. 

• Vendor: Not all supplement retailers are considered safe. Amazon Marketplace for example, may not be the best place to buy vitamins. This is due to lack of oversight and quality control. Ask your OB-GYN or pharmacist for recommendations on where to buy vitamins. Or make sure you’re looking for third-party tested and certified products.

• Convenience: Some retailers allow you to set up a subscription so that your vitamins are delivered on a regular basis. This may be a helpful option if you keep finding yourself running out.

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Written by:

Ashley Rawlins, PT, DPT

With over a decade of experience as a physical therapist, Ashley has established herself as a specialist in pelvic health. Her diverse career spans clinical practice, academia, and health content creation.

Edited by:

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH, is a medical editor at GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified pediatrician with more than a decade of experience in academic medicine.

Reviewed by:

Mandy Armitage, MD

Mandy Armitage, MD, has combined her interests in clinical medicine with her passion for education and content development for many years. She served as medical director for the health technology companies HealthLoop (now Get Well) and Doximity.

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