4 dietary supplements to take when breastfeeding
Breastfeeding can be a magical experience for many young mums. Appropriate supplementation can provide valuable support.
The benefits of supplementation for breastfeeding
In order for breastfeeding to be a stress-free experience, a new mother needs to have a plentiful supply of milk. What’s more, this milk needs to be rich enough to ensure her baby is getting the best possible nourishment.
Tiredness, combined with an insufficiently balanced diet, may deplete a mother’s milk and make feeding problematic. In such cases, natural supplements can be invaluable in helping a new mum provide the maximum nutritional benefit to her baby.
DHA (omega-3) improves the baby’s cognitive function
Omega-3 are essential fatty acids known for their ability to regulate the body’s fat levels. One such omega-3 is DHA, recognized for improving cognitive function and visual acuity in breastfed babies (1).
Omega-3 are naturally present in oily fish, but new mothers can also obtain them direct from fish oil supplements (such as Super Omega 3 which has particularly good bioavailability). For optimal digestibility, they are best taken with food.
Iodine, to prevent deficiency in both mother and baby
Iodine supplements can be recommended in cases of iodine deficiency. A lack of iodine poses a risk of hypothyroidism – insufficient production of hormones by the thyroid gland – which can potentially retard the baby’s growth and impair its nervous and mental function. It may even result in the baby having a lower than average IQ (2).
This hypothyroidism risk is easily addressed by taking an iodine supplement. Ideally, opt for a pure, natural product such as Natural Iodine.
According to tradition, milk thistle stimulates lactation
Milk thistle is a wild plant rich in silymarin, a powerful flavonoid with multiple benefits for health. In particular, it plays a significant role in the liver and digestive system.
Traditionally, silymarin is also considered a ‘galactogen’. Herbalists believe it can stimulate lactation, boosting a mother’s milk supply. Note, however, that while studies have pointed to silymarin having such as a property (3), this has yet to be scientifically proven
.Silymarin is readily available as a nutritional supplement (for example Silyplus).
Calcium and vitamin D to restore bone mass in new mothers
During pregnancy, women suffer a loss of bone density: they need more calcium once the baby is born. In addition, a young mother’s calcium levels may decrease during breastfeeding because significant amounts are passed to the baby via her breastmilk. Supplementing with calcium is therefore a sensible precaution (Calcium Orotate).
It’s also wise to take a vitamin D supplement (4) at the same time, such as Vitamin D3 5000 IU. Women who have just given birth are actually often deficient in vitamin D yet it’s important for ensuring effective absorption of calcium by bones.
Breastfeeding is a special time for a mother and her baby. A balanced diet, with a wide variety of healthy foods, will help optimise the experience. Carefully-chosen, natural supplements can also offer significant support to young mums in giving their babies the best possible start. Be sure, however, to check with your doctor before taking any medicine or supplement during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
References
- Actualisation des apports nutritionnels conseillés pour les acides gras. ANSES, 2011. Consulté en mars 2020.
- La supplémentation en iode pour les femmes avant, pendant ou après la grossesse, Cochrane. Mis à jour en mars 2017. Consulté en mars 2020.
- Pierro, Francesco Di, Alberto Callegari, Domenico Carotenuto and Marco Mollo Tapia. “Clinical efficacy, safety and tolerability of BIO-C (micronized Silymarin) as a galactagogue.” Acta bio-medica : Atenei Parmensis 79 3 (2008): 205-10.
- Laura A. Basile, Sarah N. Taylor, Carol L. Wagner, Ron L. Horst, and Bruce W. Hollis.The Effect of High-Dose Vitamin D Supplementation on Serum Vitamin D Levels and Milk Calcium Concentration in Lactating Women and Their Infants. Breastfeeding Medicine.Mar 2006.27-35.
Keywords
2 Days
Great product.
Great product. Very fast delivery.
SILVA SANTOS Alice
2 Days
Ordering from Supersmart was easy to…
Ordering from Supersmart was easy to understand and navigate. The wait time was surprisingly short and exactly what I wanted. Thank you very much.
RAYFORD Linda
3 Days
Superb Product quality
Product quality, availability, excellent packaging and timely shipping!
Mohamad Hussein
5 Days
I’ve been buying from here for years
I’ve been buying from here for years. The products have been great and the customer service very helpful.
CORENEVSKY Albert
17 Days
Great customer service
The address correction app put in the incorrect address and I missed it when I hit the accept option. I noticed it when the order was already in route and called customer service to request that they change it to the correct address as the shipper and they were right on top of it. They called me back right away and changed the address. They sent a new email with the tracking information and called me to let me know it was all taken care of. Really happy with the product and customer service.
B Ball
17 Days
Fast service good products.
Fast service good products.
PERCY
23 Days
GREAT HONEST COMPANY!
GREAT HONEST COMPANY!! FAST SERVICE!
HENDERSON B.
25 Days
EVERYTHING!
EVERYTHING!! NO ISSUES!
DOMINIC
26 Days
The service has been good
The service has been good. However, the telephone and email responses were better before. Most of the products are great. Returns are processed promptly, and I do believe this is an honest and caring company. I plan to continue to buy your products.
DANIEL FORD
29 Days
My order arrived when promised in the…
My order arrived when promised in the condition described
Lisa
38 Days
10/13/24 Dania needs a helper
10/13/24 Y ou were a bit slow to respond, but still helpful.
David Rolston
43 Days
I received wehat I ordered in a tiomely…
I received wehat I ordered in a tiomely fashion. Great job to the whole staff 👏
Monica P
44 Days
Great prouducts
Pomises products that work.Fast shipping. Will recommend to family and friends.
NEW Virginia
44 Days
Excellent product
Excellent product. Timely delivery. Only had one issue over the last few years. Great. Thanks
LEGG Jennifer
48 Days
I trust this company and product as I…
I trust this company and product as I tolerate the bacillus coagulans very well and feel better overall when I am taking it . Thank you for offerring this product as a company . And thank you for an easy ordering process.
Barbara J