Breastfeeding can be a challenging time for mums. Ensuring both baby and mother get the nutrition they need, a well-balanced diet is required with particular focus on certain micronutrients to promote milk production and provide the necessary hydration and minerals to mum and bub.
Supplements are a great way to accompany a healthy diet to ensure there’s no shortfalls in important micronutrient intake that can help in lactation, improve the quality of the milk, and support the mother's health.
In this article, we’ll discuss key ingredients, micronutrients, and what supplements a breastfeeding mother should take!
Key Micronutrients in Breastfeeding Supplements
When nursing, supplementation is great for ensuring both mum and bub receive the essential micronutrients for optimal health and development. Good quality breastfeeding supplements are formulated to enrich a standard diet with nutrients that might be less commonly found in standard diets or from food alone.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega 3 is useful for brain development for infants. Commonly found in fish oil tablets and most fatty fish including tuna, salmon, mackerel, and sardines. Concerns about mercury are apparent with fish, however most fish in Australian waters have low mercury levels and are safe for breastfeeding.
Calcium and Vitamin D
Calcium is essential for bone health of both mother and baby. Calcium from breast milk is taken from mum’s own calcium stores, which means replenishment is required for milk production. Thankfully, a mother’s ability to absorb calcium increases post-partum.
Vitamin D in combination assists calcium absorption and bone health. Vitamin D is commonly supplemented due to only select foods having a higher level and its difficulty to incorporate into a diet. Nursing mothers are at risk of deficiency in Vitamin D if they have limited exposure to sunlight or have darker skin tones.
Vitamin B12
Important for cognitive development and nervous system development in infants. B12 is commonly found in animal products meaning those with a vegan or vegetarian diet may be deficient and should consider supplementing.
Iodine
For breastfeeding mothers, it’s recommended that iodine intake is increased for their thyroid function and the baby’s development of brain and cognitive functions.
Supplements
Probiotics
Probiotics greatly support gut health and the immune system. You’ve probably commonly heard about ‘good’ bacteria. This bacteria improve digestion and nutrient absorption from food. With parts of the immune system being located in the gut, probiotics can strengthen the immune system for postpartum mothers reducing risk of illnesses during postpartum recovery. You can also help the microbial composition of breast milk which can pass the beneficial bacteria to the baby.
Vitamins
Vitamins can be used to supplement any deficiencies or in turn - a multivitamin is also great in accompaniment with normal diet. Most contain the key micronutrients mentioned above such as Omega 3, Calcium, Vitamin D, Iodine, and other important minerals.
Hydration Supplements
As breast milk is comprised of nearly 90% water, hydration is incredibly important for breastfeeding mothers. As you need over 2.3L of water, it can be a struggle for some mothers whilst looking after your newborn.
We’re proud stockists of HeyMama’s Hydrate Up, a hydration supplement that contains electrolytes, calcium, magnesium and methylated folate. Hydrate Up is gluten free & dairy free, made in Australia, and only 33 cal/139kJ per serve. Made especially for mums, we have delicious flavours in Berry Fresh and Pine Mango.
Shop Our Range of Breastfeeding Supplements Today
At Mad House Mums, we provide a range of breastfeeding supplements, able to deliver Australia wide. Check out our range of hydration supplements and lactation cookies, as well as our breastfeeding clothing!
This article is to be used as a guide only and not treated as medical advice. It’s best to speak to healthcare professional to tailor advice more relevant to your nutritional needs.