· By Amy Suzanne Upchurch, Founder + CEO of Pink Stork, Certified Health Coach, INHC
What are the best postnatal vitamins for breastfeeding moms?
The best postnatal vitamins provide DHA, methylated folate, iron, B-complex vitamins, and zinc, since breastfeeding draws on all of these nutrient stores.† Our postnatal multivitamin with DHA and methylated folate is formulated around exactly this nutrient profile.†
Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or while managing a medical condition.
Why postpartum nutrition is often overlooked
"I was the first person who listened to her."
— Jessica Nazzaro, DO, FACOG, NCMP, Board-Certified OB-GYN and National Certified Menopause Practitioner
Pregnancy nutrition gets a lot of attention, but the fourth trimester tends to get much less, even though breastfeeding continues to draw on many of the same nutrient stores. Many healthcare providers recommend continuing postnatal supplementation for up to a year postpartum, or as long as you're breastfeeding.†
What breastfeeding actually requires
Breastfeeding mothers generally need additional calories and specific nutrients to sustain milk production. Mayo Clinic notes that breastfeeding typically requires an additional 300 to 500 calories a day to fuel milk production and maintain energy. Calcium, vitamin D, DHA, iron, choline, and B vitamins all pass to your baby through breast milk, which is part of why postnatal formulas differ from a standard multivitamin.
Key nutrients to look for
- Omega-3 DHA: supports healthy brain development in baby through breast milk.†
- Iron: supports healthy red blood cell formation and energy levels postpartum.†
- Vitamin B12: supports healthy energy levels and nervous system function during postpartum recovery.†
- Zinc: plays a role in immune function, tissue health, and protein synthesis during the postpartum and lactation period.†
Total Postnatal + DHA, a Clean Label Award-winning formula, is Amazon's best-selling postnatal multivitamin as of 2024 and includes all four of these nutrients in a single daily formula.†
"There's no magic pill. Sometimes when people want to work on their wellness, it's a lot of work."
— Amy Suzanne Upchurch, Founder and CEO of Pink Stork
Amy has spoken often about the reality of postpartum depletion. Good nutrition doesn't erase the exhaustion of new motherhood, but it gives your body more to work with while you recover.
Supporting mood alongside nutrition
The fourth trimester is demanding emotionally as well as physically. Postpartum Mood Support, with ashwagandha, chamomile, and saffron, is a breastfeeding-friendly formula designed to support calm and cognitive health alongside your postnatal multivitamin.†
Trust in what you are taking
- Total Postnatal + DHA is a Clean Label Project Purity Award winner and third-party tested.
- Both products are manufactured in cGMP-certified facilities.
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
How is a postnatal vitamin different from a prenatal vitamin?
Postnatal formulas are built around the specific demands of breastfeeding and recovery, including DHA transfer through breast milk, rather than fetal development priorities.
How long should I take a postnatal vitamin?
Many healthcare providers recommend continuing for up to a year postpartum or as long as you are breastfeeding, though this varies by individual needs.
Do I need extra calories while breastfeeding?
Yes. Breastfeeding typically requires an additional 300 to 500 calories a day, according to Mayo Clinic, to support milk production and energy.
Can I take a postnatal vitamin if I'm not breastfeeding?
Postnatal formulas can still support general postpartum recovery, but talk with your provider about whether a different formula fits your needs better.
Should I address mood support separately from nutrition?
Many women find it helpful to pair a postnatal multivitamin with a dedicated mood-support formula, since the two address different needs during the fourth trimester.
† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or while managing a medical condition. Keep out of reach of children.
