What Vitamins do you need as a New Mum?

We spoke to a nutritional therapist for her view on postpartum nutrition, getting down to the truth about whether Mothers really need supplements postpartum? 

 Nutritional Therapist, Linda Vezzoli explains, that.... In the perfect world, you would get all the vitamins, minerals, and essential nutrients from a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet. However, for mothers, your life is full of activities and you may not always have time to maintain a balanced and well-rounded diet.

This is especially true for new mothers, as looking after yourself can often drop to the bottom of your to-do list, as you are busy caring for your child/children. This is why a lot of women turn to vitamins and supplement, to compensate their diet, or to even top up on vitamins.

The mother’s body has undergone many (amazing) changes during pregnancy, as well as with the birth of her baby. It is important for her to heal and recover from both pregnancy and childbirth. In addition to rest, all mothers need to maintain a healthy diet to promote healing and recovery.

The weight gained in pregnancy helps build stores for your recovery. After delivery, all mothers need to eat well so that they can be healthy and active and able to care for themselves, and their baby.

Whether the baby is breastfed or formula feed, all mothers need to eat a healthy and balanced diet. The postnatal (postpartum) period represent a special time in a woman's life, when your vitamin needs are more specific. Taking the right vitamins and minerals can keep you at the top of your game, as you need to take care of yourself, to be able to take care of others.

Why do new Mum’s need Vitamins?

Your body performs innumerable tasks every day to keep you alive and healthy. It's constantly busy maintaining bone strength, ensuring that your immune system is functioning well, and repairing cellular damage. To complete all this work your body needs a daily supply of essential vitamins and minerals.

During your so-called “childbearing years”, you will have monthly hormonal fluctuations caused by your menstrual cycle that can affect every part of your body. These changes can even cause greater demand for certain vitamins and minerals.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding often lead to big changes in your body that may require additional vitamins.

Your body can produce some vitamins and minerals, but you need to get the majority from your diet — which can include supplemental intake.

What Vitamins are recommended for new Mothers?

The NHS currently recommends that if breastfeeding, new mothers should take a Vitamin D Supplement.* 

However, if you’re looking for more than that, Vitimum has been nutritionally developed for Mums in mind. A source of Iron, Magnesium, Omega 3’s, Calcium, Potassium and more, with 15 grams of organic pea protein per serving. Add it to a smoothie, use it in baking, and fill yourself up with goodness to keep you going all day.  

Sources:

Nutritional Therapist, Linda Vezzoli: https://www.nutritional-therapist.co.uk/

NHS: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/breastfeeding-and-bottle-feeding/breastfeeding-and-lifestyle/diet/

Disclaimer:

Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, please consult a healthcare professional.