vitamins to take whilst breast feeding

[kamath]

Could anyone recommend safe, good vitamins to take whilst breast feeding. Feeling the need for them in these winter months ! x

[Pickle]

The ones you take in pregnancy are also designed for use when breastfeeding.

[sunbob]

In the past I have found Floradix tonic really helpful during the tough winter months. Was thinking of splashing out and getting some this wknd actually.

[annaloo9]

Take viatmins which also have Vitamin D as these are recommended for your new baby and all children until they reach 5years old and also for mums.

[RenF]

Boots do a specific breast feeding supplement (boots own brand), and as above, the pregnancy ones can be taken during breastfeeding too usually.

[Saffron]

If you're taking calcium there are two things to know. Calcium works vitamin D and against iron. Taking vitamin D with calcium helps absorption, so you often find them together in supplements. However, if your iron is also low, take your iron supplement separately from calcium with a 2-4 hour gap inbetween. Calcium and iron are both "2+" ions, so they compete with eachother for absorption.

If you feel very, very tired, and/or you lost some blood during labour, it's worth asking your GP to do some general bloodwork. People tend to think of low calcium being associated with breastfeeding, but iron stores are often depleted by pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding. And the body's iron stores can take a long time to build back up to pre-pregnancy levels. When taking iron supplements, avoid digestive upset by also taking it with vitamin C.

In the past I've taken Floradix, and I have a friend who likes SpaTone. However, my iron was so low, the haematologist said don't bother because they don't have enough iron to correct severe iron depletion. Instead I had a prescription for ferrous sulphate tablets.