Prenatal vs Postnatal Vitamins – What is the Difference?
Becoming a parent or planning a family? Then you’ve probably noticed that everybody has a piece of advice for you! Sorting through the points of view can be confusing. One thing you don’t need to be confused by is your multivitamin! Let’s talk prenatal vs postnatal vitamins, the differences between them, and their unique health benefits.
Are Prenatal and Postnatal Vitamins the Same?
Is there a difference between Prenatal and Postnatal vitamins? The short answer – yes! Your nutrient needs change before, during, and after pregnancy. That’s why specific multivitamins have been developed to support you at different stages of your pregnancy journey.
What are Prenatal Vitamins?
Prenatal multivitamins support the specific health needs of women before and during pregnancy. They’re made with crucial nutrients (both vitamins and minerals) to support your health and the healthy development of your baby during pregnancy. It’s recommended to start taking these before you’re pregnant, if possible.
There are many benefits of taking prenatal vitamins. New Chapter’s One Daily Prenatal Multivitamin delivers fermented nutrients formulated for absorption in just one tablet, crafted for healthy baby and mom.* The magic inside is over 100% Daily Value of Methylfolate to support healthy brain and spine development in babies, Choline for additional pregnancy support, and Ginger to reduce nausea and ease morning sickness.* Always look for cognitive-supporting Methylfolate or Folic Acid in your prenatal.
What are Postnatal Vitamins?
Many women know about taking a prenatal and having a prenatal care routine. Well, postnatal care is just as important! Postnatal vitamins can be a regular part of your wellness routine. They support your health as you’re caring for your newborn. Postnatals can help replenish vital nutrients and maintain the energy you need while caring for your baby.* If you’re nursing, a postnatal multi can also support healthy lactation and nourishing breast milk.*
Postnatal multivitamins are specially designed to support the changing nutritional needs of women after pregnancy. The best postnatal vitamins, like New Chapter’s Perfect Postnatal™ Multivitamin, include ingredients like B Vitamins for energy, Vitamin D3 and Iodine for breast milk and lactation support, and Iron to aid red blood cell production.* Emerging studies also suggest that taking a daily multivitamin can support a healthy mood and help with occasional stress and fatigue, which is perfect for new moms.*
Nutrition Needs After Pregnancy
Your physical, mental, and nutritional needs change before and after pregnancy. Your body takes on new functions once baby is born and needs time to recover after pregnancy. Some experts say that it can take up to 18 months for your body to fully recover from childbirth. Your body needs extra nutrients in the postpartum months, both so you can support your baby and to rebuild after pregnancy. Postnatal vitamins like Perfect Postnatal multivitamin can help replenish the nutrients your body needs. It’s so important to maintain your health and wellness after pregnancy, and postnatal vitamins are there to help.
Extra wellness tip: Physical activity can also be helpful for postpartum recovery! According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, postnatal workouts can help to relieve stress, build strength, support sleep, and may even help avoid postpartum depression. Be sure to talk with your healthcare professional before starting any postpartum exercise program. Gentle exercises like stretching, walking, and yoga can be great once you’re cleared to start physical activity after giving birth.
Postnatal Vitamins and Breastfeeding
Did you know that producing breast milk uses a lot of energy? In fact, lactation takes as much energy from the body as your entire pregnancy! Studies show that producing milk during breastfeeding consumes 25% of the body’s energy.
When you breastfeed, you are nutritionally supporting your new baby. To get the nutrients that both of you need, many experts believe that eating a healthy diet alone is not enough. According to the American Pregnancy Association, it’s often recommended to take a postnatal multivitamin for lactation support. Yes, postnatal vitamins for breastfeeding can be a big help!
Perfect Postnatal multivitamin is crafted specifically for postpartum care, helping to nourish your body after delivery and supporting your unique energy, lactation, and nutritional needs.* If you are breastfeeding, you can take Perfect Postnatal for lactation support, including critical nutrients for milk production and composition such as B Vitamins and Vitamin D3.* In addition, because Iodine needs for thyroid support increase during lactation, Perfect Postnatal is formulated with both fermented Iodine and organic, sustainably harvested Kelp that delivers natural Iodine from the sea.*
When to Switch from Prenatal Vitamins to Postnatal Vitamins
A good prenatal vitamin has the nutrients you need for support before and during pregnancy. However, after delivery your health and needs change. Once baby is born, it’s a good time to consider switching from a prenatal to a postnatal vitamin. Unlike prenatal vitamins, which are crafted with ingredients to support you throughout your pregnancy, postnatal vitamins are formulated specifically for early motherhood, with nutrients to aid your recovery and nourish your nursing newborn. Ask your healthcare professional if you have any questions about switching or when to switch.
You certainly could continue to take prenatal vitamins after birth. Your women’s health specialist or other healthcare provider may recommend you continue taking your prenatal multivitamin as a part of your postpartum regimen. This may be because it’s generally recommended that women of reproductive age regularly take a prenatal vitamin.
When to Stop Taking Postnatal Vitamins
Is there a right time to stop taking a postnatal vitamin and switch back to taking a regular multi? While there is no set answer to this question, consider your answers to some key questions. For example, are you still nursing? Do you feel like you are still in the recovery stage of your pregnancy journey? If so, you may want to keep taking your postnatal for now. Are you beyond the year and a half mark after giving birth? Are you planning to get pregnant again? If so, you may want to switch back to a prenatal. Always consult with your healthcare professional before beginning or changing vitamin regimens.
We Got You, Mom!
Every pregnancy is different. New Chapter is proud to offer carefully formulated products that support women before, during, and after pregnancy and meet the unique health needs of baby and mom. From prenatal planning to postpartum care, we have your back on every step of your pregnancy and motherhood journey. It’s all part of wellness, well done.
