Congratulations, mama! You've recently given birth to a beautiful little human and your life will never ever be the same again. With the demands of new motherhood, it's important to take care of yourself for both you and baby's wellbeing. One aspect of postpartum self-care that is often overlooked is proper nutrition - specifically getting enough essential vitamins. Here is our ultimate guide on what vitamins to take postpartum.
Why are Vitamins Important Postpartum?
Growing another human being inside your body for 9 months can deplete your nutrient stores faster than Oprah giving out cars in her audience. Post-birth, your body may not have all the necessary Umph! it needs to help repair itself as well as create quality breast milk for bubs' contentment without additional vitamin support.
Taking a daily vitamin supplement helps ensure that you're getting adequate amounts of key nutrients needed by nursing mothers such as Vitamin D & B12 while also keeping depression at bay thanks to mood regulating Selenium and Zinc.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A plays many roles during pregnancy including supporting eye development; helping with skin regeneration; growth and helping fight off infection after birth.
Food sources: Carrot juice; sweet potato muffins or butternut squash soup
Vitamin D
Known widely as the "sunshine vitamin," this complex should be one focus point in regards ensuring an infant’s optimal bone density along with calcium . More importantly: Fewer trips outside with baby equates less opportunities dealing load management staff (aka other humans). Gettin’ my mail still gives me anxiety and it’s been over a year!
Food sources: Cod liver oil or canned salmon tacos w/ avocado salsa verde
Calcium & Magnesium
Calcium not only strengthens bones but aids muscle function like contractions during labor most Recently, studies proven calcium and magnesium may lower the rate of PMS. (Signals confetti to fall from ceiling)
Food sources: Calcium-fortified almond milk with Magnesium rich pumpkin seeds
Vitamin B12
B-12 is vital for proper nervous system function, DNA replication (voicing Skip Bayless) “Are you thinking what I’m thinking Stephen A? Better get ‘dem brain gains.” Kidding.
Food sources: fortified-oatmeal or a spinach omelet w/ feta cheese
Omega-3’s
A combination of DHA and EPA compounds can be found naturally in food like salmon, chia seeds just to name a few foods; it promotes healthy baby growth leading up till around 6 months old! During these early stages this compound enhances overall immunity of infant antibodies. May also aid mood stabilization and decrease inflammation.
Food options: grilled tuna tataki salad or berry & greek yogurt smoothie with flaxseeds on top.
Conclusion
Postpartum care happens immediately after giving birth but when done well can positively impact long term health outcomes are made sure improve quality time between you and child later down the road full independence. Vitamins help ensure mummas off to the best start possible without any whoopsies!
So go ahead mama - treat yourself with love while attending appointments, midnight feedings or changing out all laundry seven times a week because one thing we know for certain: You Deserve It.