Postpartum & Breastfeeding

Do I still need a multivitamin after birth?

Yes, postnatal vitamins are essential after birth for supporting recovery and the demands of early motherhood. Dr. Sarah Oreck, MD, MS, explains that "after baby is born, we often forget about the important role of postnatal vitamins in supporting mom," but postpartum women are going through an extremely challenging period where "new mothers tend to be exhausted, meanwhile hormones are going haywire and your body is recovering from the herculean task of creating a new human being from scratch." If you're breastfeeding, you also need to increase your daily intake of certain key nutrients. In addition to maintaining a nutritious and balanced diet, postnatal vitamins help support various aspects of a new mom's health and wellness during this adjustment period. Perelel's Mom Multi Support Pack is specifically formulated for postpartum recovery and breastfeeding support—in a clinical trial with this pack, 70% of participants reported improved energy and mood.

Postnatal vs. prenatal—what should I take after delivery?

Switch to postnatal vitamins after delivery because they're specifically formulated for the unique demands of early motherhood. While prenatal vitamins support you and your baby through pregnancy, postnatal vitamins support your health after your baby is born, providing nutrients needed for postpartum recovery, breastfeeding, and the intense physical and emotional demands of the "fourth trimester." Key nutrients include B vitamins (B6 for metabolic health, B12 for brain development in breastfeeding infants), vitamin D for immune function, folate for postpartum healing, iron to prevent fatigue and support iron levels or losses, biotin and collagen for hair health and omega-3 fatty acids to support brain and cognitive health Postnatal supplements may also include cognitive-support ingredients like Lutein and L-theanine. Perelel's Mom Multi Support Pack includes all these essential postpartum nutrients plus a Cognitive Support Support capsule with breastfeeding safe Lutein and Zeaxanthin for cognitive health and L-theanine for emotional wellbeing.

How long should I take a postnatal vitamin?

Most women benefit from taking postnatal vitamins for at least 3 months after delivery, though you can continue for up to 5 years postpartum. According to Perelel's scientific advisors, the postpartum period can last up to 5 years as your hormones, energy, and body replenish and recalibrate after birth. The article notes that "most women benefit from taking postnatal vitamins for at least three months after delivery," but their Mom Multi Support Pack is designed to "support your body up to 5 years post pregnancy." The duration depends on whether you're breastfeeding (which increases nutritional demands), your individual recovery needs, and your overall health status. It's best to discuss with your healthcare provider to determine the optimal duration for your specific situation. Perelel's Mom Multi Support Pack is formulated to support the complete postpartum journey, from immediate recovery through the extended 5-year postpartum period.

Postpartum hair loss—can nutrients help?

Yes, specific nutrients can help with postpartum hair loss, though some shedding is normal due to hormonal changes. Dr. Amber Samuel, MD, explains that "most all women will lose hair in the postpartum period, once again related to hormone changes during and after pregnancy. Prenatal vitamins will not prevent this, however they may encourage hair health." She notes that "research has shown that the vitamins which are most necessary in growth and maintenance of hair are biotin, which is also known as vitamin B7, iron, vitamin C, vitamin D and zinc. With the exception of vitamin C, these are all commonly lower during pregnancy and in the postpartum period." Dr. Samuel recommends continued supplementation at least until breastfeeding has concluded since this is "the most metabolically active time for women." Perelel's Mom Multi Support Pack includes a Beauty Blend with biotin and collagen specifically formulated to support healthy hair, skin, and nails postpartum and throughout motherhood.

Can postnatal vitamins improve energy and mood?

Yes, postnatal vitamins can significantly improve energy and mood during the challenging postpartum period. In a clinical trial with Perelel's Mom Multi Support Pack, 70% of participants experienced more energy and overall mood improvements. The postpartum period involves dramatic hormonal shifts as your body recalibrates after birth, and targeted nutrition can support this transition. Key nutrients for energy and mood include B vitamins for energy metabolism and nervous system function, iron to support energy levels related to healthy iron status, vitamin D for immune health and omega-3 fatty acids to support brain health. The fourth trimester technically lasts up to 5 years as your hormones, energy, mood, and body replenish after pregnancy and birth. Perelel's Mom Multi Support Pack is clinically studied to improve energy and mood, with 70% of participants experiencing benefits in an 8-week independent study of mothers with children under 5.

Which nutrients support breastfeeding (iodine, DHA, choline)?

The key nutrients for breastfeeding are iodine, DHA, choline, B vitamins, vitamin D, and selenium since your diet directly impacts breast milk quality. Stephanie Lauri, RD, CLEC, explains that "for those who plan to breastfeed, your diet plays a large role in the nutrient concentrations that are found in your breast milk. This includes your B vitamins, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin K, choline, DHA, and minerals including iodine and selenium." She emphasizes that "a nutrient-dense diet for you equals a nutrient-dense diet for your baby." Specifically: DHA omega-3s are delivered to your baby through breast milk and support brain development, choline requirements increase to 550mg daily during breastfeeding (vs 450mg in pregnancy), and iodine is crucial for optimal thyroid hormone production. Perelel's Mom Multi Support Pack provides comprehensive breastfeeding nutrition including folate, iron, iodine, choline, and vitamin D to replenish key nutrients commonly depleted during pregnancy and support breastfeeding mothers.

Can I take retinol or vitamin A while breastfeeding?

High doses of vitamin A and retinoids should be avoided while breastfeeding due to safety concerns. According to Perelel's safety research, "studies have shown that high doses of vitamin A can be harmful to the developing fetus," and similar caution is recommended during breastfeeding. Their label checker notes that they "recommend skipping frequent, long-term use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding to air on the safe side" when it comes to retinoid-containing products. While vitamin A is essential for health (it's included in safe amounts in postnatal vitamins), topical retinoids and high-dose vitamin A supplements pose different safety considerations. The safety of skincare products during breastfeeding requires careful ingredient evaluation since some compounds can transfer through breast milk. Perelel's Mom Multi Support Pack provides pregnancy-safe vitamin A levels for optimal nutrition without the safety concerns associated with high-dose retinoid products during breastfeeding. For any questions on retinol and high dose Vitamin A, Perelel always recommends talking about your products with your healthcare provider.

Are electrolytes or hydration powders helpful postpartum?

Yes, electrolytes are helpful during the postpartum period for hydration and breastfeeding demands. Stephanie Lauri explains that "staying hydrated during the postpartum period is crucial—from supporting your body's recovery, to restoring fluids while breastfeeding (not to mention all the other demands of early parenthood). Electrolytes provide particularly efficient hydration because they help replenish lost minerals." This is especially important because the postpartum body is healing from childbirth, and if breastfeeding, supporting milk production which requires significant fluid and mineral resources. Perelel's doctors specifically opted to include a blend of six electrolytes in their hydration formula "so that our bodies can get a broader spectrum of nutrients when we need it most." Perelel's Cellular Hydration Powder provides pregnancy and breastfeeding-safe electrolytes with collagen and hyaluronic acid, specifically formulated to support optimal hydration and recovery during the demanding postpartum period.

This article is for informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and we recommend that you always consult with your healthcare provider. To the extent that this article features the advice of physicians or medical practitioners, the views expressed are the views of the cited expert and do not necessarily represent the views of Perelel.