Best Postnatal Vitamins 2024, According to Experts

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Best postnatal vitamins for hair loss

The postpartum period is notorious for hair loss. Perelel’s Mom Multi contains nutrients that could help you have thicker tresses.

Key product features

Key nutrients


D, B12, folate, zinc

Gluten-free


Yes

Capsules per pack


5

What you should know

Perelel’s Mom Multi Support Pack comes in individual packets (or “sachets”) that include a multivitamin, omega-3 supplement, stress support blend, and beauty blend.

• 
  With Perelel Mom Multi Support Pack, you’ll get over 100% of the daily value for vitamin D, vitamin B12, folate, zinc, and more.
  
• 
  At $1.94 per day, Perelel Mom Multi isn’t cheap. But considering that you’re getting five pills per serving, it might offer a good value.
  
• 
  Perelel’s whole package of nutrition, stress management, and beauty support covers multiple bases for postpartum health.
  

Pros

“Beauty blend” of nutrients for hair, skin, and nail health

Cons

Higher cost than average for postnatal vitamins

Lots of packaging materials

Why we like Perelel Mom Multi Support Pack as best for hair loss

For many women, hair loss comes with the postpartum territory as much as diaper changes and lack of sleep. Hormonal changes mean that your hair can thin dramatically, usually peaking around four months after your baby is born. (

5

) Fortunately, there are some nutritional strategies and

vitamins that may help with hair growth

and keep it from shedding excessively. Perelel’s postnatal vitamin supplies nutrients associated with maintaining healthy tresses.

Perelel’s “Beauty Blend”—one of five capsules included in a daily serving of this product—contains 86% of the daily value for biotin for lactating women. Though research is limited, some studies show that a lack of biotin deficiency could lead to hair loss. (

6

) Other research indicates that other nutrients represented here, like vitamin B12, folate, and vitamin D, are also implicated in hair health. (

7

)

“While the overall health of the person, diet and nutrient intake is implicated in the health of hair, it doesn’t mean simply adding nutrients to the diet, if not fixing a deficiency, will enhance growth or thickness. Getting bloodwork done to assess your current lifestyle and dietary habits and talking with your own health care provider is recommended,” suggests Chris Mohr, PhD, RD.

According to Perelel’s website, an 8-week independent study of 30 women found that 77% of women who took their Mom Multi reported shinier hair, though we were unable to find the full study to review the methods and confirm these supposed outcomes.

Besides its potential for hair health and beauty support, Perelel’s supplement serves multiple other purposes. Each daily “sachet” contains four additional pills: two postnatal multivitamins, one stress support capsule, and one omega-3 softgel. The multivitamin packs over 100% of the daily value for numerous vitamins and minerals, including zinc, vitamin D, and vitamin B12.

Meanwhile, the stress support softgel has

key adaptogens like ashwagandha

and theanine, each of which may help ward off emotional stress. (

8

,

9

)

Omega-3s are another nutrient you’ll be glad to stock up on as a new mom, since mothers’ levels of these fats can remain low after childbirth and breastfeeding transmits omega-3 reserves to your growing baby. (

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)

Though Perelel’s Mom Multi covers lots of nutritional bases, five pills is a lot to take compared to other postnatals, particularly since several of the dosing of the ingredients don’t meet the researched benefits. And though it’s convenient to open a pre-filled sachet every day, doing so creates quite a lot of packaging materials. This may raise concerns about environmental impact. This supplement also is on the high side for price at $1.94 per serving, which is more expensive than most other options.

What customers are saying

Users seem to either have high praise or harsh criticism for Perelel’s postnatal supplement. A 3.6 out of 5-star average rating on Amazon reveals the polarity of reviews, most of which are either 5 stars or 1 star. Those who like the vitamins appreciate the individual packaging, and some say they’ve noticed positive differences in hair growth.

“Four months postpartum and my hair doesn’t feel thinner.”

Fiorella, Amazon

Of those who aren’t such big fans, several complain that the pills taste fishy and come with too many packaging materials. “I gagged as soon as I ripped a bag open. There didn’t seem to be any leakage, but the smell had all the pills tasting fishy,” says an unnamed Amazon customer.

Specs

Third-party tested	Yes
Servings	30
Price per serving	$1.94
Subscription available	Yes

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Best postnatal vitamins for breastfeeding

When nutrient needs increase during breastfeeding, Nature Made’s multi supplies a full day’s worth of a dozen vitamins and minerals.

Key product features

Vegan


No

Gluten-free


Yes

Form


Softgels

What you should know

Worried that breastfeeding is sapping you of essential nutrients? Nature Made’s Postnatal Multi + DHA can help you stay on top of your nutrition without breaking the bank.

• 
  During breastfeeding, you need more folate, iodine, and choline. (
  

  
  1
  

  
  ) Nature Made’s postnatal softgels provide over 100% of the daily value (DV) for folate, and 52% of the DV for iodine.
  

• 
  Nature Made’s per-serving price of around $0.50 is less than half of many other competitors.
  
• 
  Nursing moms who might not get the nutrition they need from their diet can use this supplement to fill in gaps.
  

Pros

Includes omega-3 fatty acids

Over 100% DV for folate and

Cons

Includes artificial ingredients

Why we like Nature Made Postnatal Multi + DHA as best for breastfeeding

A comprehensive nutrition profile makes this postnatal multivitamin our top choice for breastfeeding moms. With each serving of Nature Made’s Postnatal Multi + DHA, you’ll get a variety of important micronutrients, plus

omega-3 fatty acids

.

For the first few months of breastfeeding, your body needs every calorie your baby consumes. In fact, breastfeeding requires that you take in more total calories, macronutrients, and micronutrients. The micronutrients part is where a supplement like Nature Made’s Postnatal Multi + DHA can help.

Breastfeeding women particularly need increased amounts of choline, folate, and iodine. (

1

) A single-softgel serving of Nature Made’s postnatal multi contains over 100% of the daily value for folate and 52% of the daily value for iodine (though it it does not provide choline). A daily pill also supplies 260 milligrams of omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, which transfer through breast milk to support your baby’s neurological development. (

10

) Additionally, when you take Nature Made’s product, you’ll get plenty of vitamins A, C, D, E, K, biotin, iron, zinc, and B vitamins to complement the nutrients already discussed.

Another perk is Nature Made’s price. Baby supplies like diapers and wipes aren’t cheap, so you’re not alone if you’d rather not spend a lot on your supplements. At around $0.50 per serving, these supply a lot for a relatively low cost. You can also save about $3 a month by opting for a subscription.

Though Nature Made’s Postnatal Multi has a lot going for it, the product does have some drawbacks. Each capsule is one inch long, making it one of the more difficult-to-swallow options on our list. A softgel coating may make things easier, but if you have trouble taking large pills, you might struggle with this one.

Moms who are vegan or have concerns about artificial ingredients may also want to steer clear. The pills contain gelatin and an artificial ingredient called dibasic calcium phosphate. However, concerns about this ingredient’s safety are low, according to the Environmental Working Group. (

11

)

What customers are saying

On Amazon, Nature Made’s Postnatal Multi has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars. Many reviewers are pleased with the product’s value and mention liking how many nutrients this supplement provides at high doses.

“My other postnatal was very similar but much more expensive.”

Ashley L., Amazon

Some, however, say the pills have a fishy odor or taste from the omega-3s.

“The capsule has a very strong fishy smell and taste. I cannot take it with just plain water, I need juice and something sweet for me to be able to take it,” writes Amazon user Jessell B.

Specs

Third-party tested	Yes
Servings	60
Price per serving	$0.49
Subscription available	Yes

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Best Pre and Postnatal Vitamins

Don’t want to start a new supplement after the baby arrives? HUM’s vitamin is formulated to support both pre- and postnatal needs.

Key product features

Vegan


No

Multi and DHA


Separate bottles

Clean Label Project certified


Yes

What you should know

HUM Womb Service comes in two capsules: a multivitamin and a DHA fatty acid supplement for baby’s neurological development in utero and during breastfeeding.

• 
  It’s easy to find transparent info about the effectiveness of HUM’s ingredients on the brand’s website.
  
• 
  HUM’s Womb Service is pricier than most other options—you’ll pay $1.50 per serving (though it does include two capsules per serving).
  
• 
  HUM makes it easy to stick with the same supplement from early pregnancy through the end of breastfeeding, since Womb Service is intended for both, and could be a good option for those who don’t want to change their supplement regimen.
  

Pros

Research-backed of ingredients

Cons

Lower levels of nutrients than some competitors

Why we like HUM Womb Service as best pre and postnatal

Some women prefer to take the same vitamins before and after giving birth. Often, there’s no problem with doing so, and many doctors even advise keeping up with a

good prenatal vitamin

after delivery to prevent nutrient gaps during breastfeeding. (

12

) HUM Nutrition’s Womb Service supplement is a great choice that can take you from the early days of pregnancy to your last days of breastfeeding without overloading you on unnecessary levels of nutrients.

To support your nutrition needs in pregnancy, Womb Service contains over 100% of the daily value for folate, iron, and vitamin B12, plus plenty of vitamin C and additional B vitamins. Then, to keep a good thing going during breastfeeding, it’s got 350 milligrams of DHA omega-3 fatty acids and 15% of the daily value for choline. If you’d rather not switch to a new supplement (because you have enough to think about now that the baby is here), you can feel comfortable sticking with Womb Service.

You can also rest assured that HUM Nutrition Womb Service was formulated by OB/GYNs and provides credible research to back their supplements’ ingredients. Few other brands link to research studies on their product’s front page.

Womb Service is also third-party tested and Clean Label Project certified, meaning it follows strict criteria for showing what each bottle contains. (

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) The products are vegan, too, so moms who don’t consume animal products can feel good about taking them.

One drawback to note is that Womb Service comes in two separate pills—a multivitamin and an omega-3 supplement. If you’d rather simply take one pill, Womb Service might not be your number one postnatal choice. And though you get plenty of bang for your buck between these two, the $1.50 per serving price tag here is high compared to many competitors. An additional downside is that these capsules may have a strong, unpleasant smell and taste.

What customers are saying

On Amazon, customer opinion on HUM’s Womb Service supplement is strongly divided. Approximately one-third of reviewers give the product 5 stars and one-third give it 1 star, with an average rating of 3.1. Those who like the vitamins rave about their quality.

“Rarely am I able to review a vitamin and actually say I noticed a difference in such a short period of time, but these are some of the best prenatal vitamins I’ve ever taken, with the combo making a noticeable improvement on my energy levels and moods!”

Username “Moonglow ColorKid,” Amazon

Most who give the supplement just 1 star say the smell and taste are seriously off-putting.

“I have to hold my breath when taking these supplements. I never thought I’d complain about the smell of a supplement but it’s absolutely raunchy. I can even smell it with a closed bottle,” writes reviewer Morgan T.

Specs

Third-party tested	Yes
Servings	30
Price per serving	$1.50
Subscription available	Yes

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Best organic postnatal vitamins

New Chapter offers an organic postnatal multivitamin formulated to support cellular energy, mood, and lactation.

Key product features

Gluten-free


3 tablets

Non-GMO


Separate bottles

Serving


Yes

What you should know

If you prefer to get your nutrients from organic foods, New Chapter’s postnatal vitamin’s organic ingredients are sourced from whole foods.

• 
  Most new moms could use more energy. We like that New Chapter includes B vitamins to support energy levels and mood.
  
• 
  New Chapter’s $1.09 per-serving price is about average compared to other options.
  
• 
  Moms hoping to increase their milk supply could get a boost from this supplement’s content of oats, turmeric, kelp, and chamomile.
  

Pros

Ingredients from real food

Formulated for breastmilk supply

Why we like New Chapter Perfect Postnatal Multivitamin as best organic

It’s always a plus when you can get your nutrients from real food. New Chapter’s postpartum blend is made with organic ingredients that come from actual foods like vegetables and herbs. In fact, according to their website, they’re the first postnatal vitamin to be made with certified organic veggies and herbs.

Each serving of New Chapter’s Perfect Postnatal Multivitamin contains minerals you need after childbirth, such as iodine and iron. Even with these tougher-to-digest minerals, the brand says their postnatal supplement is formulated to be gentle on the stomach.

“During pregnancy, iron deficiency anemia is a common occurrence, so supplementing with iron can be beneficial.”

Victoria Burgess, PhD, CSCS, CISSN, Fortune Recommends Advisor

Besides providing minerals, New Chapter’s blend also supplies fermented, real-food B vitamins to support energy and mood. Since sleep deprivation and fatigue are very common in the early days of your baby’s life, these nutrients could be especially helpful in supporting a more restful night’s sleep, at least as much as possible.

A real-food breastfeeding support blend is also in each serving, including ingredients like oats, turmeric, and kelp. Anecdotally, some women report these foods increase their milk supply—but strong research is lacking. Notably missing from New Chapter’s blend, however, are choline and DHA, two of the more critical nutrients for mothers and babies, during this time. You’ll need to get your fill of these nutrients from foods or another supplement if you opt for New Chapter Perfect Postnatal.

At $1.09 per serving, New Chapter’s price is very middle-of-the-road. Where it stands out among competitors is its option to order up to a three-month supply at a time. Individual bottles also come with more pills than most—32 days’ worth of servings per bottle. Note, though, that one serving is three tablets. If you don’t do well with taking multiple pills at a time, this could be a drawback.

New Chapter offers a subscription, but it works slightly differently than you might expect. Ordering one to three extra products saves 15%, while subscribing to four or more saves 20%.

What customers are saying

New Chapter Perfect Postnatal boasts one of the highest Amazon ratings for postnatal vitamins among those we examined. A 4.6 out of 5 star average indicates that users are generally very pleased with their purchases. Organic ingredients derived from real foods are a common thread of praise in many reviews, not to mention that multiple new moms say their vitamins really work.

“I struggled with the baby blues during the first few months after my son was born but after a few weeks on these, my symptoms disappeared. No more depression, anxiety, or irrational new mom worries.”

Elisabeth, Amazon

On the other hand, critical reviewers don’t like that New Chapter’s postnatal doesn’t contain choline.

“Choline is a nutrient similar to folic acid that is crucial for brain development. The needs for this nutrient increase during pregnancy and are the highest in breastfeeding moms. So why does this “complete” multivitamin not contain choline?” wonders Amazon user Sam.

Specs

Third-party tested	Yes
Servings	32
Price per serving	$1.09
Subscription available	Yes

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Best postnatal gummy vitamins

SmartyPants comes out on top with a quality gummy multivitamin to support both prenatal and postnatal nutrition.

Key product features

Flavor


Lemon

Clean Label Project cerified


Yes

Form


Gummies

What you should know

Gummy vitamins have a reputation for not being as potent as other types, but SmartyPants’ prenatal and postnatal gummies offer plenty of necessary nutrients in a chewy form.

• 
  SmartyPants’ postnatal gummies may taste like candy, but they’re packed with over 100% of the daily value for nutrients like vitamin D3, vitamin B6, folate, and iodine.
  
• 
  These are some of the lowest-priced postnatal vitamins we found. A $0.47 per serving price tag is quite affordable, especially compared to other options.
  
• 
  Moms who don’t do well with pills can still get plenty of postnatal nutrition from these gummies.
  

Pros

Free of the top 9 food allergens

Multiple organic ingredients

Cons

Nutrient levels are lower than some other postnatals

Why we like SmartyPants Prenatal and Postnatal Multi as best gummy

Taking your postnatal supplement shouldn’t be a chore. If you have a hard time with pills or capsules, a gummy like SmartyPants Prenatal and Postnatal Multi can mean the difference between sticking with your vitamins and missing them.

These chewable bites come in a tasty lemon flavor that makes consuming vitamins actually pleasant. However, like most gummies, SmartyPants’ gummies do have added sugars. Each two-gummy serving has 3 grams of sugar, all of which are added. If you’re trying to keep your sugar intake to a minimum, these might not be the right choice for you.

In addition to their easy consumption, SmartyPants Prenatal and Postnatal Multi has the benefit of providing numerous nutrients. Seventeen different vitamins and minerals lie within each serving. Here, you’ll

get plenty of vitamin D

, vitamin K, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, choline, and folate. Anecdotally, the addition of B6 could be helpful for moms-to-be who struggle with morning sickness, though the scientific evidence to support this outcome is limited, at best. Some research shows that increasing your intake of this vitamin can help alleviate nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. (

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) But despite their abundant nutrients, SmartyPants’ gummies don’t contain DHA or iron, so finding a separate source for those nutrients will be important.

It’s hard to beat SmartyPants’ postnatal multivitamin for price. Each serving costs just $0.47—less than half of many competitors. This low cost might make up for having to

supplement your iron

and DHA elsewhere.

Though SmartyPants Prenatal and Postnatal Multi isn’t technically organic, it does contain several organic ingredients. Organic tapioca syrup, cane sugar, and sunflower oil add flavor and gummy texture. These and other ingredient choices earn the product a Clean Label Project purity award.

Meanwhile, the gummies are free of all nine top food allergens, so they’re about as safe as it gets for people with allergies. The brand also states that the supplements are gluten-free and vegetarian. All told, for such an inexpensive supplement, they check plenty of boxes for dietary goals.

What customers are saying

By and large, SmartyPants postnatal multivitamin users report liking these gummies for their flavor and clean ingredients. The product has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.

“I like that they don’t taste like a vitamin…I’m happy to have found a vitamin I need that I can chew rather than swallow.”

Username “JMassey,” Amazon

Then again, not everyone is totally impressed with these postnatal vitamins, saying they don’t stack up nutritionally to other options.

“Unfortunately, they do not contain DHA or iron, which I always look for in a prenatal vitamin,” says Amazon user Elaine. Others express the same disappointment.

Specs

Third-party tested	Yes
Servings	30
Price per serving	$0.47
Subscription available	Yes

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Best affordable postnatal vitamins

Even though this postnatal multivitamin is inexpensive, it still provides 100% or more of the daily value for eight key nutrients.

Key product features

Flavor


Unflavored

Gluten-free


Yes

Omega-3s


Yes

What you should know

As its name promises, One a Day Pregnancy Recovery offers nutrients like folate, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and DHA omega-3 fatty acids in just one pill.

• 
  Besides covering general postpartum nutrition, One a Day’s postnatal multi contains nutrients like biotin and vitamin B12, which may promote skin and hair health, if addressing a shortfall in a specific nutrient, or nutrients. (
  

  
  6
  

  
  ,
  

  
  7
  

  
  )
  

• 
  This supplement is reasonably priced at $0.51 per serving.
  
• 
  One a Day Pregnancy Recovery Postnatal Multivitamin is a convenient choice for those looking for small pills and budget-friendliness.
  

Pros

100% daily value or more for eight nutrients

Cons

Low transparency about sourcing

Why we like One a Day Pregnancy Recovery Postnatal Multivitamin as best affordable

Don’t feel like dropping a lot of cash on your postnatals? You don’t have to when you choose One a Day Pregnancy Recovery Postnatal Multivitamin. These pills come in at just $0.51 per serving. That’s less than half of what you’ll pay for several other options.

Another bonus: the pills are significantly smaller than many competitors, making them easy to swallow. Also unusual here is the fact that each softgel comes in blister packaging. You may like this as an additional layer of child-proofing, or you may find it aggravating.

Despite their low price, the softgels don’t necessarily skimp on nutrients. Though they don’t have dozens of vitamins and minerals, each pill contains 100% or more of the daily value for eight key nutrients,

including biotin

, folate, vitamin D, vitamin B12, thiamin, and riboflavin. You’ll also a small amount of omega-3 fatty acids in the form of DHA and EPA (though it’s unclear where this is sourced). A small amount (9% DV) of calcium is also included, which is unusual for a postnatal vitamin.

However, some key nutrients are low here or aren’t included at all. There’s no choline in One a Day’s postnatal, and iron is lower than most at just 11% of the daily value. If you follow a vegan or vegetarian diet, you may be at higher risk of an iron deficiency while breastfeeding. (

1

) For this reason, another supplement may be a better choice for you.

An additional drawback to One a Day’s postnatal multi is the absence of any third-party testing. Bayer, One a Day’s parent company, states that they perform internal testing on their supplements—but this doesn’t provide the same assurance of quality and effectiveness as third-party verifications.

It’s unclear, too, where each nutrient is sourced from. Compared to a company like Ritual, which cites locations for each nutrient, or New Chapter, which states which foods their nutrients come from, transparency about ingredients is low. That said, its lower price point and fairly robust nutrient offerings make it more available for many.

What customers are saying

One a Day’s postnatal multi’s online reviews are largely positive. On Amazon, the product rates 4.6 stars out of 5. Fans say they appreciate the pills’ low price and inclusion of DHA. And, unlike many postnatals, there are few complaints here about scent or bad taste.

“These were easy to swallow capsules with very minimal taste if any. They are also a little more affordable than others.”

Username “ARG,” Amazon

Of the few negative reviews on Amazon, several mention disliking One a Day’s blister packaging. According to reviewer E Cales, “Individual pills in blister packs is just annoying.”

Specs

Third-party tested	No
Servings	60
Price per serving	$0.51
Subscription available	Yes

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We like MegaFood Baby & Me 2 for its abundant nutrients, including some you typically won’t find elsewhere, and its moderate price.

Key product features

Vegan


Yes

Allergen-free


Yes

Serving size


2 tables

What you should know

This hard-working multivitamin is ideal for vegan or vegetarian moms whose nutrient needs may be increased due to diet.

• 
  Each two-tablet serving of MegaFood Baby & Me 2 features ingredients intended to boost milk supply, such as moringa leaf.
  
• 
  This supplement’s $1 per-serving cost is fairly average.
  
• 
  If you don’t eat animal products, this postnatal vitamin could be an ideal choice to fill in potential nutrition gaps.
  

Pros

Includes a real food blend of vegetables and grains

100% or more of the daily value for over a dozen nutrients

Free of the top 9 food allergens

Cons

Quality testing is confusing

Why we like MegaFood Baby & Me 2 as best vegetarian

MegaFood’s Baby and Me 2 postnatal vitamin supplies nutrients that postnatal and breastfeeding moms need in a vegan form. People on a vegan or vegetarian diet are more likely to have lower intakes of nutrients like iron, zinc, iodine, and vitamin B12. (

15

) If you follow one of these dietary patterns, getting these vitamins and minerals is especially important.

What’s also important if you’re supplementing? Getting your nutrients in a package you can feel good about consuming. With Baby & Me 2, you can know you’ve not only taken a supplement that’s free of animal products, but free of food allergens, too. MegaFood’s postnatal doesn’t contain gluten or any of the top nine food allergens.

It does, however, contain all sorts of vitamins and minerals that support breastfeeding and overall postpartum health. Iron, vitamins C, D, E, and K, choline, folate, and many others are represented here. You’ll even get doses of some nutrients you won’t find in most other postnatals, such as molybdenum and chromium. Your body uses molybdenum to process proteins and DNA, while chromium is involved in metabolizing carbs, protein, and fats. (

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,

17

) Moringa leaf is included as a natural means of boosting breast milk. (

18

) However, there’s no DHA or other form of omega-3 fatty acids in this supplement.

“When we look at the body of evidence for beneficial ingredients for a postnatal product, DHA would surely make the list because of the robust amount of evidence to support its inclusion” adds Mohr. “It’s not only beneficial for the mother, but also the baby if the baby is breastfed and getting it through the milk. Further, it can be sourced from non animal sources, so it can still fit a product like this.”

Each serving of MegaFood’s postnatal is two rather large pills. Since each tablet is just under one inch long, they may be hard for some people to get down.

Another downside with MegaFood’s postnatal vitamin is that it doesn’t appear to be third-party tested. However, according to the brand’s website, MegaFood’s internal quality management system is NSF certified.

What customers are saying

MegaFood’s breastfeeding-supporting ingredients get big kudos from many Amazon reviewers. Over 1,900 Amazon reviews give this product an average star rating of 4.6 out of 5.

“I’ve noticed that my breast milk production seems to go up from taking these.”

Emmalee, Amazon

Others say they’ve noticed improvements in hair and nail growth with supplementation.

However, a handful of breastfeeding moms say the vitamins did not agree with their babies’ tummies.

“For my son it just caused around-the-clock discomfort,” writes an Amazon reviewer with the username “McMc.” “And by discomfort I mean arching back, straight legged screaming, and crying for hours each day in between uneasy sleep.”

Specs

Third-party tested	No
Servings	30
Price per serving	$1
Subscription available	Yes

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How we test postnatal supplements

We’re committed to providing recommendations for postnatal vitamins that help your body with postpartum recovery, boost your energy, and support breastfeeding (if applicable), along with supporting overall wellness. Efficacy, value, safety, and customer experience all factor into our reviews. You can learn more about our

supplements testing methodology

for more information on each factor.

Efficacy—40%

Consumers turn to dietary supplements to achieve specific health benefits and achieve their performance goals, which is why we examine whether a supplement delivers on its promised benefits. Efficacy doesn’t just mean the effectiveness of the product in attaining its claims, but also the evidence that supports those claims.

Here’s what we look for:

• 
  Clinical evidence
  
• 
  Calories per serving
  
• 
  Dose efficacy
  
• 
  Synergistic effects
  
• 
  Proprietary blends
  

Safety and side effects—35%

Health risks, adverse effects, and safety profiles are all factors to consider in a supplement. We ensure the safety of these products through testing, so you can trust the safety of the products you purchase.

We evaluate:

• 
  Reported side effects
  
• 
  Third-party testing
  
• 
  Manufacturer accreditation
  
• 
  Artificial sweeteners
  

Value—20%

Value isn’t just price—it’s also quality and efficacy for the price. We factor in a cost analysis to determine the true worth of a supplement in relation to its price and identify products that offer a solid return on investment.

Our factors in this rating include:

Customer experience—5%

A customer’s experience with a company directly impacts satisfaction, loyalty, and the likelihood of repeat purchases. We include it in our testing process because the consumer experience guides purchasing decisions.

Our factors in this rating include:

• 
  Ease of purchase
  
• 
  Shipping and returns
  
• 
  Customer support
  

Benefits of postnatal vitamins

Think you’re done tending to your nutrition now that pregnancy is over? That’s not necessarily the case. New mothers often continue to need supplemental nutrition to facilitate healing after delivery, restore iron levels, and more. (

1

) Breastfeeding is especially taxing on the body. Depending on your diet, a postnatal vitamin may help you produce enough milk and supply nutrients your baby needs. (

19

)

Prenatal vs postnatal vitamins

Prenatal vitamins are intended to provide nutritional support to both you and your growing baby during your pregnancy. They should include plenty of folate to prevent neurological defects in babies in utero, as well as other nutrients you need more of during pregnancy—such as iron, vitamin D, and choline.

Postnatal vitamins, on the other hand, offer a slightly different form of support. They may help you heal from delivery and keep your nutrient stores adequate while you’re breastfeeding. For this reason, many nutrients will be the same in postnatals as prenatals (such as choline and iron), but you may see added ingredients for increasing breast milk supply.

How to choose the best postnatal vitamins for you

Choosing the best postnatal vitamins for your unique situation comes down to several factors. Your own nutritional goals may be determined by issues like hair loss concerns, energy level maintenance, mental health support, and whether you’re breastfeeding. Your doctor can advise you on which nutrients you need to optimally support these and other needs. From there, you’ll likely want to choose a postnatal that suits your budget, isn’t difficult for you to take, and is vetted for quality.

FAQs