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Postnatal supplements may help a person meet their nutritional needs after childbirth and while nursing. They usually contain vitamins and minerals to support postpartum recovery and lactation.
Postnatal vitamins are available in different forms, including capsules, softgels, and powders.
This article outlines nine of the best postnatal vitamins available online. It also discusses the benefits of postnatal vitamins, provides tips on choosing an appropriate supplement, and answers some frequently asked questions regarding postnatal vitamins.
A note about sex and gender
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.
- Best overall: MegaFood Baby & Me 2 Postnatal Multivitamin
- Best for vegans: Ritual Essential Postnatal Multivitamin
- Best for omega-3: Nordic Naturals Postnatal Omega-3 Softgels
- Best affordable: Nature Made Postnatal Multi + DHA Softgels
- Best for well-being: Perelel Mom Multi Support Pack
- Best for nursing: Majka Organic Lactation Protein Powder
- Best for daily: One A Day Women’s Prenatal 1
- Best liquid: Root’d Prenatal Multivitamin Drink Mix
- Best gummy: Smarty Pants Prenatal Formula Gummies
Medical News Today chooses products that meet the following criteria:
- Ingredients: MNT chooses products containing safe and high quality ingredients that are clearly labeled. They should also confirm they are free from pesticides, heavy metals, and mold.
- Dosage: MNT selects products that must clearly state the supplement dosage.
- Serving size: MNT selects products in which manufacturers recommend a safe dosage.
- Third-party testing: MNT chooses products that must undergo third-party testing for contaminants by an ISO 17025-compliant laboratory.
- Available certificate of analysis:MNT selects companies that demonstrate transparency and share a product’s certificate of analysis (COA) following receipt of its third-party lab results.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Best overall: MegaFood Baby & Me 2 Postnatal Multivitamin
- Price: $36.99
- Quantity: 60/120 tablets (30/60 days)
- Daily dose: 2 tablets daily
- Form: tablet
- Key vitamins: vitamins C and D, choline, DHA
MegaFood states that this postnatal vitamin is suitable after pregnancy and during breastfeeding.
This supplement contains key nutrients from whole foods, including DHA and choline, to support the brain, nervous system, and fetal health.
It also contains organic moringa leaf extract, which MegaFood claims may help support milk production.
This supplement is:
- suitable for vegetarians
- kosher-friendly
- can be taken any time of the day, even on an empty stomach
- certified for safety and purity
- tested for 125 pesticides and herbicides
Positive customer review state that the tablets are gentle on the stomach and do not cause side effects. However, some customers say the tablets are difficult to swallow due to their size and unpleasant taste.
People can take 2 tablets daily with or without food.
MegaFood offers customers free shipping on orders over $29 and a saving of 15% on subscriptions.
Best for vegans: Ritual Essential Postnatal Multivitamin
- Price: $39
- Quantity: 60 capsules (30 days)
- Daily dose: 2 capsules
- Form: capsule
- Key vitamins: vitamin A, B12 C, D3, and E
Ritual states that this postnatal supplement may help people meet changing nutrient demands after childbirth and throughout lactation.
These capsules combine oil and dry ingredients in one capsule and are delayed-release, which may make them easier to digest. They contain mint essence for a fresh taste.
Ritual essential postnatal multivitamins contain:
- vitamins A, C, D3, and zinc to help support immune function
- choline, and methylated vitamin B12 to support brain health
- 350 milligrams (mg) of omega-3 DHA to support the fatty acid content of breast milk during lactation
This formulation is:
- vegan-friendly
- gluten and major allergen free
- non-GMO
- free from artificial colors, preservatives, and additives
Customer reviews are mostly positive, stating that these multivitamins increased energy and were gentle on the stomach. However, some customers found that the supplements cause bloating and criticized the taste.
Ritual recommends taking these postnatal supplements for 6 months postpartum or throughout lactation. People should take 2 capsules daily with or without food.
Ritual offers customers free shipping and a money-back guarantee.
Best omega-3: Nordic Naturals Postnatal Omega-3 Softgels
- Price: $28.50
- Quantity: 60 softgels (30 days)
- Daily dose: 2 softgels
- Form: softgels
- Key vitamins: omega-3 DHA and EPA, vitamin D3
Nordic Naturals states that these postnatal softgels have a specific formulation to address postpartum nutritional needs.
These softgels contain vitamin D3, EPA, and DHA omega-3 fatty acids. Nordic Naturals claims that EPA and vitamin D3 may help support mood and wellness, while DHA may support maternal cognition and neurological development in the infant. The product contains a highly concentrated triglyceride formulation of fish oil to promote easy absorption.
These softgels are lemon-flavored and free from:
- gluten
- dairy
- artificial colors
- preservatives
- GMOs
Reviews are mostly positive, with customers saying these supplements are easy to swallow and have no unpleasant smell or aftertaste. However, some customers found that the supplements were not as effective in helping them manage anxiety as other brands they had tried in the past.
Nordic Naturals recommends taking 2 softgels daily with food.
Learn about the best omega-3 supplements.
Best affordable: Nature Made Postnatal Multi + DHA Softgels
- Price: $27.59
- Quantity: 60 softgels (60 days)
- Daily dose: 1 softgel
- Form: softgel
- Key vitamins: vitamin A, B3, B12, C, D3, E, and K
Nature Made states that these softgels provide many of the same nutrients found in prenatal formulas but contain higher amounts of vitamins A, B, C, D, and E to help the body meet increased energy demands postpartum.
The 260 mg of DHA contained within the softgels may help to support infant brain and eye development.
These softgel supplements also contain:
- thiamin
- riboflavin
- niacin
- folate
- calcium
- iron
- magnesium
- zinc
This formulation is gluten-free and does not contain any artificial flavors.
Nature Made recommends taking 1 softgel daily with food and water.
Best for well-being: Perelel Mom Multi Support Pack
- Price: $58.24
- Quantity: 30 pill packs (30 days)
- Daily dose: 1 daily pill pack consisting of 4 capsules and 1 softgel
- Form: capsules and softgel
- Key vitamins: vitamin D
Perelel claims these supplements may help support emotional well-being and skin, hair, and nail health.
As well as vitamin D, these daily pill packs contain:
- folate
- chelated minerals for optimal absorption
- iron and iodine to support thyroid health
- 375 mg omega-3s to support the heart, immune system, brain, eyes, and central nervous system
- biotin and collagen to help rebuild tissue and skin elasticity and support healthy skin, hair, and nails
- ashwagandha and l-theanine to support relaxation
This supplement is free from:
- colorants
- gluten
- soy
- GMOs
- synthetic fillers
Customer reviews are mostly positive, stating that the supplement may help improve digestion, hair growth, and energy levels. However, negative reviews claim that the supplements cause nausea.
Perelel provides a 30-day money-back guarantee alongside free shipping on subscription products over $35.
Perelel recommends people take 1 pack daily with food. Each daily pack contains 4 capsules and 1 softgel.
Best for nursing: Majka Organic Lactation Protein Powder
- Price: $69
- Quantity: 1 lb 16.8 oz (15 servings)
- Daily dose: 2 scoops
- Form: powder
- Key vitamins: vitamin A, B6, B12, C, D, and E
Majka claims this wholefood-based protein powder may support lactation and provide energy. A 2-scoop serving provides 15 g of protein.
Learn about foods and herbs that may help lactation.
The powder is available in chocolate and green vanilla flavors. It contains:
- pea and brown rice protein blend
- digestive enzymes
- probiotic
- selenium
- iodine
- choline
- polyphenol
- organic green blend
- folic acid
- biotin
- organic polyphenol blend
Learn about the best protein powders for women.
This protein powder is suitable for vegans and free from:
Majka recommends mixing 2 scoops with milk and blending into a smoothie. Users can drink it at any time of the day.
Customer reviews are mostly positive, claiming this product may increase milk supply and energy. However, other customers claim it did not change or even decreased their milk supply.
Research into the safety and effectiveness of lactation supplements is limited. If a person has concerns about their milk supply or lactation, they should speak to a doctor or lactation consultant.
Learn more about breastfeeding.
Best for iron: One A Day Women’s Prenatal 1
- Price: $40.50
- Quantity: 90 softgels (90 days)
- Daily dose: 1 softgel
- Form: softgel
- Key vitamins: vitamins B1, B6, B12, C, D, and E
The manufacturer states that these prenatal supplements are suitable to take before, during, and after pregnancy.
Learn about the best prenatal supplements.
One softgel (1 serving) provides 27 mg of iron, which meets 100% of the daily value of iron for pregnant and lactating people.
These supplements contain:
- folic acid
- iron
- calcium
- omega-3 DHA
- calcium
- thiamin
- riboflavin
- niacin
- biotin
- iodine
- magnesium
- copper
- zinc
They are free from:
- dairy
- fructose
- gluten
- high fructose corn syrup
- artificial sweetener
- artificial flavors
Customer reviews are mostly positive, claiming the supplements boost energy and are good value for money. However, negative reviews mention an unpleasant aftertaste.
Best liquid: Root’d Prenatal Multivitamin Drink Mix
- Price: $37.99
- Quantity: 24 powder packs (24 days)
- Daily dose: 1 powder pack
- Form: powder
- Key vitamins: vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D, and E
Root’d states that these lemon-berry-flavored powder packs are suitable for prenatal use.
People can mix 1 sachet with 4–12 ounces of water, juice, or a smoothie. This supplement form may suit people who find it difficult to swallow tablets, capsules, softgels, or chew gummies due to nausea.
This supplement contains probiotics to aid the digestive system and electrolytes to hydrate the body. It provides 25 essential daily vitamins and minerals, including:
- selenium
- choline
- calcium
- iron
- iodine
- folate
This supplement is suitable for vegetarian, keto, and paleo diets and is free from:
- sugar
- gluten
- dairy
- soy
- caffeine
This product contains erythritol, which a
Customer reviews are mostly positive, stating that the supplements helped with nausea during pregnancy and are tasty. However, some customers say they find the taste unpleasant.
The company offers free shipping.
Best gummy: Smarty Pants Prenatal Formula Gummies
- Price: $25.50
- Quantity: 120 gummies (30 days)
- Daily dose: 4 gummies
- Form: gummies
- Key vitamins: vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D, E and K
These gummies are multi-flavored in lemon, orange, and strawberry banana. They contain natural fruit flavoring.
Smarty Pants states that these gummies are suitable for both prenatal and postpartum periods, supporting the fetal nervous system and brain development.
These supplements contain 18 essential nutrients, including:
- beta carotene
- choline
- folate
- omega-3
These gummies are free from:
Customer reviews are mostly positive. Customers say the gummies taste good and are easier to take than a supplement in tablet form. However, some customers state the gummies are too sweet and big, while others criticize the smell.
Smarty Pants recommends taking 4 gummies daily.
The following table compares key points on the postnatal vitamins listed in this article:
| Price | Servings | Daily dose | Form | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Megafood Baby & Me 2 | $36.99 | 30 | 2 tablets | tablet |
| Ritual Essential Postnatal | $39 | 30 | 2 capsules | capsules |
| Nordic Naturals Omega-3 | $28.50 | 30 | 2 softgels | softgels |
| Nature Made Multi + DHA | $27.59 | 60 | 1 softgel | softgels |
| Perelel Mom Multi Support Pack | $58.24 | 30 | 1 daily pill pack (4 capsules, 1 softgel) | capsule, softgel |
| Majka Organic Lactation Protein Powder | $69 | 15 | 2 scoops | powder |
| One A Day Women’s Prenatal 1 | $40.50 | 90 | 1 softgel | softgel |
| Root’d Prenatal Multivitamin Drink Mix | $37.99 | 24 | 1 powder packet | powder |
| Smarty Pants Prenatal Formula Gummies | $25.50 | 30 | 4 gummies | gummies |
People should choose a supplement that contains a variety of vitamins and minerals, including
- omega-3
- folate
- choline
- iron
- selenium
- vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, and B12
- iodine
People may have different nutrition needs during the postpartum period, and no specific supplement will fit all recommendations. For example, lactating people
A person should consider supplements from reputable brands with third-party testing and many customer reviews.
A healthcare professional can offer guidance on choosing a postnatal vitamin that suits an individual’s needs.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that people take postnatal vitamins to support recovery postpartum. This is especially
Although prenatal and postnatal supplements consist of similar ingredients, postnatal supplements usually contain additional amounts of vitamin D to help the body
Postpartum care is an ongoing process, so people should visit their doctor regularly after childbirth. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that people who have given birth should visit a healthcare professional within the first three weeks postpartum. Regular visits should then follow as needed.
If a person is feeling physically or emotionally unwell or experiencing complications, they should make an appointment with a healthcare professional. This is especially important if the person has a
As people’s individual nutritional requirements may differ after childbirth, a healthcare professional can advise if a particular supplement is better suited to them.
The following section includes common questions and answers about postnatal vitamins.
What vitamins do I need after giving birth?
People need additional nutrients after childbirth to help the body recover, so it is important to take a well-rounded supplement that provides various vitamins and minerals. This is even more important if the person is nursing.
According to The
Nutrients such as vitamin D, folate, fiber, and vitamin B12 are also important.
How long should you take postnatal vitamins for?
The CDC
People should contact a healthcare professional if they have any questions or concerns regarding how long to take postnatal vitamins.
What is the difference between prenatal and postnatal vitamins?
Postnatal vitamins consist of higher doses of vitamins such as A, B12, C, D, and K and minerals such as magnesium, choline, iodine, and omega-3. This ensures that the individual and the infant obtain all the necessary nutrients.
Although people may still wish to continue taking the prenatal vitamins consumed during pregnancy, they should check with a healthcare professional to ensure these supplements provide the correct dosage of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals they need.
Postnatal vitamins are available in different forms and may help support postpartum health. They also provide necessary nutrients for the infant through breast milk.
Postnatal supplements usually contain a different dosing of nutrients than prenatal supplements and are suitable during lactation.
People can contact a doctor if they have any health concerns postpartum. A healthcare professional can order tests for nutrient deficiencies and advise on necessary supplements.