Prenatal vitamins are designed especially with the pregnant woman in mind. Prenatal vitamins contain elements such as Folic Acid that are known to help a baby grow and develop. These ingredients, which will also generally include Iron and Vitamin A, can also help a woman after she has her baby. While you should check with your health care provider, it is generally all right to keep taking your prenatal vitamin if you are breastfeeding. In fact, some of the vitamins and minerals in your prenatal vitamin are a key part of good health after your baby is born. In addition, the other vitamins and minerals in your prenatal vitamin are important parts of general health, whether or not you are breastfeeding.

Vitamin A, for example, helps your baby during pregnancy. Vitamin A is an important contributor to tissue growth, and it helps the heart, eyes, ears, and skin to develop. Vitamin A also helps to resist infections. When you are breastfeeding, Vitamin A can have other benefits. Because you are going to lose a certain amount of Vitamin A during breastfeeding, taking a prenatal vitamin with Vitamin A can replenish your supplies.

Even if you are taking your prenatal vitamin or a regular multivitamin supplement while breastfeeding, it is still important to maintain some basic practices when it comes to nutrition. Eating a balanced diet, avoiding saturated fats, and taking in enough vitamins through your food are an important part of nursing. Keep in mind that your body will pass along nutrients to your baby through your breast milk. If you have a deficiency of a particular vitamin, it is likely that your baby is not getting enough of that vitamin as well.

Some women find that they prefer their prenatal vitamin while they are breastfeeding. Some prenatal vitamins are formulated such that they are actually easier on a woman’s system and less likely to trigger nausea than a regular multivitamin. On the other hand, many women find that the iron content in their prenatal vitamin tends to make them nauseous, and that they may wish to switch to a multivitamin with a lower iron content while they are breastfeeding.

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