It is important for a new mom to get all the nutrients that she can get because these same nutrients would ultimately be fed to her infant as well. If you are a breastfeeding mother, you could find yourself asking whether vitamins are safe to use. This is a wise question especially when your infant's nutritional intake and immune factor depends heavily on your health too.
Asking your doctor about the multivitamins that you are going to consume is a wise move. Although OB-GYNs would usually advise new moms to continue with their prenatal vitamins the entire duration that she is breastfeeding. This will provide the essential nutrients for you to maintain good health and your baby as well. Especially when dietary sources are marginal, a multivitamin and mineral supplement would most likely be advised. In the book Nutrition During Lactation a woman who has a reasonably balanced diet doesn't really require vitamin supplements when lactating. A good and balanced diet would be enough not to give routine supplements, just as long as you are consuming within the Recommended Intake (RI).
When you have health problems and deficiencies prior to your pregnancy it is important that you continue you're prescribed prenatal vitamins. But it would also be wise to ask your doctor and have yourself checked on whether you still need to get added supplements. Having excess amounts in your system can also be dangerous for the baby. That is why you have to be cautious, avoid taking prenatal vitamins with multivitamins and not just pop vitamins just because you think they can make you healthy.
Water soluble vitamins such as vitamin C will only reach certain levels and then steadies even if you increase doses. Whereas fat soluble vitamins like Vitamin A and E concentrates on human milk and could be harmful to the baby if it reaches excessive amounts.
When you are lactating it is important that you have adequate amounts of Iron, protein, calcium and Vitamin D. These are important to give your baby a good foundation health wise.
For vegetarian mothers or those who are at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency, she would need such supplements and fortified foods. For moms who don't have that much exposure to sunlight, vitamin D supplements and foods rich in these would be advisable. Iodine on the other hand would be beneficial for mothers who are cigarette smokers.
Knowing your options can help you in providing the best nutrition for your baby. The best vitamins can only work when you take it with precaution. Remember your body chemistry and nutritional needs hangs on a delicate balance for the sake of your baby.
Cynthia Wang-Tan is a nurse journalist who has seen the need to get people well informed on the multivitamins and supplements that they are taking on a daily basis. She believes that when people are given with facts about the importance, risks and benefits of these supplements they are placed at a position to make right decisions about their health. As consumers people have the right to know if they are taking potential health threats or the best alternative product.
