After giving birth, you no longer need all the same levels and types of nutrients you did while you were expecting. Still, supporting your postnatal nutrition remains extremely important. Especially if you’re breastfeeding, you’ll continue to require extra micronutrients like iodine and choline. (1) For this reason, you may need a postnatal multivitamin supplement during this crucial (and oh-so-precious) time.
As a nutritionist and mom of three, I’ve been where you are. I’ve personally witnessed the online and in-person retail markets’ flood of postnatal vitamins, and know how overwhelming it can be. With real-person testing and plenty of background research, I’m helping you narrow down which top postnatal vitamin could be right for you.
Editor’s choice: Perelel Mom Multi Support Pack
Perelel’s Mom Multi Support Pack is our editor’s choice because the supplement is packed with nutrients to help support hair health during postpartum—a concern for many. The supplement’s five-capsule serving also includes vitamin D, vitamin B12, folate, zinc, and more to help support overall health.
Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider.
Our picks for the best postnatal vitamins
- Best for hair loss: Perelel Mom Multi Support Pack
- Best postnatal probiotic: Ritual Essential and Gut Duo for Postnatal
- Best while breastfeeding: Nature Made Postnatal Multi + DHA
- Best pre and postnatal: Hum Nutrition Womb Service
- Best organic: New Chapter Perfect Postnatal Multivitamin
- Best gummy: SmartyPants Prenatal and Postnatal Multi
- Best affordable: ONE A DAY Pregnancy Recovery Postnatal Multivitamin
- Best vegetarian: MegaFood Baby & Me 2
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| Perelel Mom Multi Support Pack | Ritual Essential and Gut Duo for Postnatal | Nature Made Postnatal Multi + DHA | Hum Nutrition Womb Service | New Chapter Perfect Postnatal Multivitamin | SmartyPants Prenatal and Postnatal Multi | ONE A DAY Pregnancy Recovery Postnatal Multivitamin | MegaFood Baby & Me 2 | |
| Rating | ||||||||
| Cost per serving | $1.94 | $3.10 | $0.49 | $1.50 | $1.09 | $0.47 | $0.51 | $1 |
| Form | Capsules | Capsules | Softgels | Capsules | Tablets | Gummies | Softgels | Tablets |
| Active ingredients | Vitamin D, B6, B12, zinc, copper, iodine | Vitamins B12 & D, biotin, omega-3s, probiotics | VItamins A, C, D, E, K, biotin, zinc, folate, DHA | Folate, vitamin C, vitamin B12, DHA | Iron, iodine, vitamin D, folate | Vitamin D, B6, folate, iodine | Folate, biotin, vitamin D, vitamin B12, riboflavin | Choline, vitamin B12, vitamin D, vitamin K, biotin |
Best postnatal vitamins for hair loss: Perelel Mom Multi Support Pack
Key product features
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.
Why we like Perelel Mom Multi Support Pack as best for hair loss
For many, 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. (1) 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. (2) Other research indicates that other nutrients represented here, like vitamin B12, folate, and vitamin D, are also implicated in hair health. (3)
“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. (4, 5)
Omega-3s are another nutrient you’ll be glad to stock up on as a new parent since levels of these fats can remain low after childbirth and breastfeeding transmits omega-3 reserves to your growing baby. (6)
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.
To learn more, visit our complete guide on the best vitamins for hair growth or the best hair growth products.
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 |
Best postnatal probiotic: Ritual Essential and Gut Duo for Postnatal
Key product features
What you should know
Ritual offers transparent info about its sourcing and over 100% of the daily value for nutrients like folate, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and biotin.
- Your Ritual order contains two separate bottles: one is a multivitamin, the other is a gut health supplement.
- Though Ritual’s supplement comes in two bottles, they hold a combined 30-day supply. That makes this the most expensive option on our list at $3.10 per serving.
- Those who are breastfeeding will appreciate this multivitamin’s choline, iodine, and omega-3s—all of which nursing people need more of. (7)
Why we like Ritual Essential and Gut Duo for Postnatal as best postnatal probiotic
From transparent sourcing to a pleasant minty flavor, there’s a lot to like about Ritual’s Essential & Gut Duo for Postnatal. This two-bottle combo gets our recommendation for best post-pregnancy probiotic.
Each Ritual multivitamin capsule is loaded with important nutrients to support your post-childbirth days, such as vitamin B12 for your own needs (and to boost baby’s intake, if you’re breastfeeding), plus folate, choline, and iodine to support postpartum nutrition needs. (8, 7) Meanwhile, a separate gut supplement supplies pre- and probiotics to support a healthy gut microbiome.
Constipation is a common problem postpartum, with some research showing that up to 52% of women experience it. (9) If you’re among the half who struggle with bowel health postpartum, Ritual’s capsules could help. They get their probiotics from strains called Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium animalis. Some studies have found that Bifidobacterium animalis can improve transit time in the gut, potentially alleviating constipation. (10)
You also won’t be left wondering where the nutrients in Ritual’s capsules come from. The brand is transparent about its sourcing of all nutrients. Its vitamin D, for example, is derived from lichen sourced in Nottingham, England, while its vitamin E hails from rapeseed oil harvested in Buenos Aires. It’s a nice touch for anyone who appreciates a deeper knowledge of supplement origins.
Ritual’s mint essence flavor is another unique element. It’s one of the only capsulized postnatal vitamins with any flavor, and fans of mint may enjoy its fresh aftertaste. On the other hand, the supplement’s omega-3 fatty acids may give you fishy burps for a few hours after ingesting.
Because Ritual’s postnatal comes with two bottles per order, you’ll get a total of 30 servings of both the multivitamin and the gut health blend. The $3.10 per serving is definitely a higher price tag than most other postnatals. If cost is among your top concerns, you might want to opt for a lower-cost alternative.
Check out our full Ritual review to see more brand and product information.
What customers are saying
Ritual’s Essential and Gut Duo for Postnatal has an average Amazon rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars. Many reviewers praise the vitamins’ energizing effects.
“Once I started taking these vitamins my whole body felt so much better. My nails became stronger and my skin began to glow again. My energy levels boosted and I just overall feel like myself again.”
Lindsay, Amazon
A fishy aftertaste and burps are Ritual’s most commonly cited downside.
“I personally love the mint scent. Only thing is the fishy burps are disgusting,” says reviewer Tiffany.
Specs
| Third-party tested | Yes |
| Servings | 30 |
| Price per serving | $3.10 |
Best postnatal vitamins while breastfeeding: Nature Made Postnatal Multi + DHA
Key product features
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 parents who might not get the nutrition they need from their diet can use this supplement to fill in gaps.
Why we like Nature Made Postnatal Multi + DHA as best while breastfeeding
A comprehensive nutrition profile makes this postnatal multivitamin our top choice for those who are breastfeeding. 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.
Those who are breastfeeding particularly need increased amounts of choline, folate, and iodine. (7) 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. (6) 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.
If you are vegan or have concerns about artificial ingredients, you 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 |
Best pre and postnatal vitamins: Hum Nutrition Womb Service
Key product features
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.
Why we like HUM Womb Service as best pre and postnatal
Some people 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. (13) The products are vegan, too, so those 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 |
Best organic postnatal vitamins: New Chapter Perfect Postnatal Multivitamin
Key product features
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.
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 |
Best postnatal gummy vitamins: SmartyPants Prenatal and Postnatal Multi
Key product features
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.
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. (14) 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 |
Best affordable postnatal vitamins: ONE A DAY Pregnancy Recovery Postnatal Multivitamin
Key product features
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. (2, 3)
- 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.
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. (7) 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 |
Best vegetarian postnatal vitamins: MegaFood Baby & Me 2
Key product features
What you should know
This hard-working multivitamin is ideal for vegans or vegetarians 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.
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. (16, 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 |
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:
- Price per serving
Customer experience—5%
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Benefits of postnatal vitamins
Think you’re done tending to your nutrition now that pregnancy is over? That’s not necessarily the case. New parents 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
How long should I take postnatal vitamins?
Your OB/GYN can help you determine how long to take postnatal vitamins after your little one arrives. If you’re breastfeeding, some data suggests you may want to stay on your vitamins until you wean to keep your nutrient stores strong. Whether or not you’re nursing, however, a minimum of three months is a good target to make sure your iron levels are steady, especially if you have a history of iron-deficiency anemia. (12)
When should I start taking postnatal vitamins?
You can switch from prenatal to postnatal vitamins right after delivery. (20) Just be sure to talk to your doctor before introducing any new supplements.
What is the best postpartum vitamin?
Our number one recommendation for a bump of postpartum nutrition is Ritual’s Essential & Gut Duo for Postpartum. We love its well-rounded mix of vitamins and minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, and key probiotics and prebiotics. That said, you may feel another product is the best postpartum supplement for your individual needs and desires; talking with your OB/GYN is the best way to figure out what would work for you.
Can you take postnatal vitamins if not breastfeeding?
Those who aren’t breastfeeding may not need as much nutritional support as those who are, but that doesn’t mean a postnatal vitamin isn’t a good idea for at least a few months after childbirth. Again, your iron stores may be particularly depleted from pregnancy, so adding a multivitamin with iron is a best bet for approximately three months postpartum. (12)
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.
Our experts
Victoria Burgess, Ph.D., CSCS, CISSN
Victoria Burgess earned her Ph.D. in Health and Human Performance from Concordia University Chicago and holds her NSCA CSCS and Certified Sports Nutritionist (CISSN). She is an adjunct professor in the Human Performance and Nutrition department at Concordia University Chicago & Parker University, where she teaches undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral-level courses.
Christopher Mohr, Ph.D., RD
Dr. Chris Mohr is an internationally recognized subject matter expert and speaker and performance coach. Through his facilitation and online resources, he works closely with some of the largest corporations in the world including Deloitte, Delta Airlines, Johnson & Johnson and more to help busy executives all over the world, develop the energy to thrive personally and professionally.
Jessica Coulon
Jessica is a contributing editor and writer for Fortune Recommends who specializes in fitness, health, nutrition, and science content. Previously, she was an editor for Popular Mechanics and Bicycling, where she covered pro cycling news, wrote how-to guides, and tested all the latest and greatest bike gear. She was also a regular shoe tester and contributor for Runner’s World. You can often find her skiing or riding her mountain bike, and racing with the F1RE female enduro team.
Lily Moe
Lily is a Brooklyn-based writer and editor with over seven years of experience in health media. As a former Fitness Coach, Lily’s editorial prowess has largely focused on fitness, nutrition, and weight management. She has also spent a fair share of time in testing labs, analyzing everything from protein powders to yoga mats. Her work has appeared in Verywell Fit, Verywell Mind, Health, and more.
Kelly Uhler
Kelly has a multifaceted background in elder care, health care, and copywriting. She has worked for organizations such as A Place For Mom and Homecare.com, which gave her the opportunity to work closely with families, providing reliable information to help them make informed decisions about their loved one’s health, safety, and quality of life.
Sarah Garone, NDTR, CNC
Fortune Recommends Nutrition Writer
About Author
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