The Top 5 Nutritional Supplements for Postpartum Moms
We’ve all heard of the wonders of breast milk, but after giving birth and recovering from labor, breastfeeding may be the last thing on your mind! Postpartum women are at increased risk of nutritional deficiencies, so it’s important to take care of yourself both nutritionally and hormonally while you are recovering from childbirth. In this article we will share the top five nutritional supplements every new mom should consider taking to ensure that she gets all the nutrients she needs in her first year as a mother from one of our favorite nutrition company, Forever Living Products.
1) Omega-3
Omega-3s are one of those supplements that can have a huge impact on your overall health, but you might not realize just how much they help. Studies show that omega-3 fatty acids can help with mood regulation and combating depression; they also help women recover more quickly from pregnancy. Omega-3s also support physical health by reducing inflammation in joints and helping to prevent heart disease. If you’re pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant, make sure to take a high-quality omega-3 supplement. It’ll be worth it—your baby will thank you later! One of our favorite omega supplement is Forever Arctic Sea® from forever living products. The combination of omega oils from fish, calamari and high oleic olive oil give support to key areas of your body, including cardiovascular, digestive, immune, brain and eye health.
2) Probiotics
Recent research suggests that a healthy microbiota may support mental health, help immune function, and regulate metabolism. For mothers dealing with postpartum health issues—ranging from anxiety to chronic fatigue—nutritional supplements containing probiotics (like Yakult) may be a helpful addition to their postpartum care. In a recent study on maternal probiotic supplementation following childbirth, supplements supported gut-to-brain signaling that in turn helped reduce symptoms of stress and depression. The researchers concluded that there is considerable potential for using nutritional supplements as an adjunct therapy during pregnancy and lactation. (source: NCBI).
While postpartum nutritional needs are unique to each woman, some guidelines can be helpful when it comes to deciding what vitamins or other dietary supplements you might want to consider taking during your pregnancy or early motherhood. Forever Active Pro-BTM is one of our favorite probiotics from Forever Living Products. It supports healthy digestion, enhances nutrient absorption, and boosts immunity. In addition it supplies active, healthy, and beneficial bacteria, like Lactobacillus Rhamnosus, to your digestive system.
3) Iron
Iron is a top nutritional supplement for postpartum moms. Most women are not getting enough iron in their diet, which puts them at risk of developing anemia and can be especially dangerous when you’re pregnant and then breastfeeding. Iron is essential to your body because it helps transport oxygen from your lungs to every cell in your body. If you don’t have enough iron, your cells won’t get what they need to function properly. Anemia symptoms include weakness, fatigue, headaches and trouble concentrating—all things that new moms don’t need! To avoid these symptoms, make sure you take an iron supplement while breastfeeding or during pregnancy. When it come to iron we love Forever Fields of Greens®. Not only does this supplement pack in the nutrients of barley grass, wheat grass, alfalfa, and other green leafy vegetables, it also contains healthful phytonutrients and antioxidants. Not just that but we love to pair it with Forever B12 Plus®, which not only provides vitamin B12 and folic acid, both of which are essential for red blood cell production, but also supports the immune system and improves the way iron is absorbed in the body.
4) Calcium
Calcium plays a huge role in postpartum health. Not only does it provide bone-strengthening benefits, but it’s also critical to new mom’s overall health and well-being. If you plan on breastfeeding or are planning on getting pregnant after having your baby, calcium is a must. Try taking 1,000 mg of calcium per day through foods or supplements. Additionally, be sure to get at least 600 IU of vitamin D every day as well. A good way to get these nutrients is by eating dairy products like milk and yogurt—or by taking nutritional supplements. Our favorite Forever Calcium® not only delivers calcium and vitamin D, but also enhances your body's ability to absorb this vital mineral.(Note: There has been some controversy over whether large amounts of calcium can lead to cardiovascular problems, so speak with your doctor before increasing your intake.)
5) Magnesium
After giving birth, new moms experience a variety of physical health changes, including weight loss. This is not only to be expected but also important for healthy muscle and bone development in babies. Too much weight loss during pregnancy can be harmful to both mom and baby, however. Magnesium supplements help prevent post-pregnancy weight loss by slowing digestion, keeping mothers full longer and balancing blood sugar levels. Additional benefits include boosting energy levels and relieving stress. Some of our two favorite products that contain magnesium are the aforementioned Forever Calcium® and Forever Daily®. This is a daily multivitamin that packs a punch and ensures you get the most out of every nutrient contained in it. Forever living products has developed a perfectly balanced blend of 55 vitamins and minerals that are coated with aloe-vera and deliver the daily recommended value of important nutrients.
Conclusion
Many experts believe that it’s important to ensure your diet has enough of certain nutrients when you’re pregnant and breastfeeding. While supplements are not usually needed, they may be beneficial in certain cases—like if you can’t afford to eat a healthy balanced diet. The postpartum nutritional supplements we've shared in this blog post include iron, folic acid, calcium, vitamin D, probiotics and fish oil. These nutrients are absolutely essential for yours and your newborn's health. As with anything nutritional and health related, be sure to talk with your doctor about which supplements might be right for you.