Breaking down how postnatal multivitamins support all mamas, breastfeeding or not, during those first few months and through the early years.

Let’s be honest: taking care of ourselves quickly falls to the bottom of the priority list with a little one in the picture. Luckily, postnatal supplements offer a convenient way to support your body with vital nutrients, helping offset symptoms like postpartum stress, exhaustion, brain fog, and more. 

But is it the right solution for you? 

Many mamas want to know: Are there benefits to taking a postnatal multivitamin if you aren’t breastfeeding? The answer is yes! 

A mama's energy and nutritional needs are even higher postpartum than during pregnancy, regardless of their breastfeeding status. Between postpartum depletion and downright exhaustion, postnatal vitamins provide vital nutritional support to all mamas as they adapt to the many physical, mental, and emotional changes that come with recovering from birth and caring for a little one. 

Understanding Postpartum Depletion 

Between the physical demands of childbirth and the chronic exhaustion experienced postpartum, all mamas go through significant physical, mental, and emotional changes that can last for months or even years after birth. 

Several factors contribute to what is known as ‘postpartum depletion’ and can keep new mamas from feeling their best: 

• Nutritional deficiencies: Pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding can deplete the body of essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins.
• Hormonal fluctuations: The postpartum hormone drop is the most severe and sudden hormonal shift women (or any human) experience in their lifetime, which may contribute to mood swings and brain fog. 
• Exhaustion and brain fog: Whether you have a “good sleeper” or not, new mamas often experience disrupted sleep patterns, leading to chronic fatigue and impairing cognitive function. 
• Mental overload: Adjusting to life with a new baby comes with new responsibilities, stressors, and anxieties that can leave mamas feeling overwhelmed and emotionally drained. 

One of the best ways to cope with postpartum depletion is to focus on self-care, nutrition, and rest. Adding a high-quality and nutrient-rich postnatal multivitamin into your routine will help you get one step closer to feeling your best. 

If you are concerned that what you are experiencing is more than exhaustion or “the baby blues,” it may be time to speak to a professional about postpartum depression.

Who are postnatal supplements for? 

Whether you are breastfeeding or not, a first-time mom or a veteran mom, or in the newborn phase or early years—self-care is a must. Postnatal supplements are designed to support all moms on their self-care journey by providing a nutritional boost where they need it most. 

With a nutrient-dense formula like Mama Support, you can begin taking the supplements at any time in those early months or the first few years when the emotional, physical, and nutritional demands of motherhood are highest. You can swap your prenatal for a postnatal supplement as soon as you give birth, allowing you to start enjoying the benefits of a more balanced postpartum experience ASAP. 

The benefits of postnatal supplements for breastfeeding mamas

Much like pregnancy and postpartum in general, lactation is a nutritionally demanding stage of a mama’s life. Not only are you recovering from birth, but you are suddenly tasked with building adequate nutrient reserves to support your baby’s needs and sufficient milk production (1). Choosing a postnatal supplement formulated with key nutrients for you and your baby can help to provide a nutritional boost during breastfeeding. 

Choline, in particular, plays a crucial role in a baby’s continued brain development. While the need for Choline increases during pregnancy, it is even higher when lactating. However, it’s estimated that 90% of lactating women do not consume enough choline, so it’s important to look for this vital nutrient in your postnatal supplement. 

Additionally, Omega-3 Fatty Acids (DHA) help support proper brain, eye, and nervous system development in infants. However, babies do not produce adequate amounts of this nutrient on their own. Therefore, they must rely on their mother’s breast milk, formula, or additional supplements for this key. 

The benefits of postnatal supplements beyond breastfeeding

The early days (and even years) of motherhood come with more stress, less sleep, and all sorts of emotions, period—regardless of the additional nutrient demands of breastfeeding. Even if you are enjoying the breastfeeding benefits of a postnatal, the advantages continue long after your breastfeeding days are over.

Look for expertly crafted formulas, like Mama Support, that are designed to fill in the nutritional gaps for this specific time in a woman’s life, such as: 

• Essential vitamins to replenish your body’s nutritional reserves after birth
• Methylated B Vitamins to boost energy production, balance mood swings, and support a healthy adrenal response.
• Vital trace minerals, like iodine and selenium to support thyroid and hormonal balance
• Optimal levels of choline to support a healthy metabolism, blood pressure, and mood 
• Iron to offset exhaustion and prevent anemia, which occurs in upwards of 10-30% of postpartum women
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids (DHA) to help offset the baby blues and potentially reduce the risk of postpartum depression (2)

The right postpartum multivitamin can help regulate your hormones, support your immune system, and boost your energy levels. Additionally, they may help reduce the risk of postpartum depression (3). 

Breastfeeding or not, finding the right postnatal supplement is a must

As much as we love to see an elevated awareness of a mother’s well-being post-pregnancy, it’s important to know this: Not all postnatal supplements are created equally. Look for research-backed formulas made with natural, high-quality ingredients designed to target the unique nutritional needs of postpartum women. 

Between optimal levels of methylated B vitamins and highly bioavailable minerals like iodine, selenium, and zinc, Everydae’s Mama Support is formulated to help you feel your best through the demands of early motherhood, whether you are breastfeeding or not. 

Even on the toughest of days, remember this: You’ve got this, mama!

References:

1. Carretero-Krug, A., et al. (2024). Nutritional Status of Breastfeeding Mothers and Impact of Diet and Dietary Supplementation: A Narrative Review. Nutrients, 16(2). https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16020301

2. American Pregnancy Association. (n.d.). Preventing the Baby Blues: Omega-3 Fatty Acids. American Pregnancy Association. https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/first-year-of-life/preventing-the-baby-blues/

3. Ellsworth-Bowers, E. R., & Corwin, E. J. (2012). Nutrition and the psychoneuroimmunology of postpartum depression. Nutrition Research Reviews, 25(1), 180. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0954422412000091