Role of vitamins and minerals: After pregnancy

Nursing mothers

You have just given birth to a wonderful baby and are now nursing full time. Close attention to the vitamins and mineral intake remains important. With the loss of blood at delivery your iron reserves may be lowered or depleted. The Dietary Reference Intakes of iron for lactating women is 9 mg per day. If this level is not achieved you may have feelings of weakness and tiredness at a time when so much energy is needed to care for your newborn.

Calcium is also required for optimal breast milk production. If you are not attaining proper levels of calcium from your diet, your body will extract what is needed directly from your bones. The Dietary Reference Intakes of calcium for lactating women is 1000 mg per day.

Whether you decide to breastfeed your baby or not, it has been shown by medical research that you may be at risk of having low folate levels after giving birth. It is recommended to take extra folic acid during the breastfeeding period. The Dietary Reference Intakes of folic acid for lactating women is 0.5 mg per day. See table for food content.

During this hectic time in your life, it may not be very easy for you to perfectly balance your diet. Speak with your health professional to determine which multivitamin supplement is best suited for you.

Non-lactating mothers

The process of delivering your baby has placed a tremendous stress on your body. Even though you have chosen not to breastfeed your baby, with the loss of blood at delivery, you must rebuild your iron stores.

A study has shown that the decline of folates in your body may not be related to breastfeeding but also occurs in non-breastfeeding mothers. It is recommended to take extra folic acid during a period of time after giving birth. See table for food content.

During this hectic time in your life, it may not be very easy for you to perfectly balance your diet. Speak with your health professional to determine which multivitamin supplement is best suited for you.