I am usually sceptical about the need for supplements if you eat a reasonable varied diet. However when you're breastfeeding, you're probably too tired to really do that and existing mainly on biscuits and cold cups of tea. After my first baby, I was constantly ill for about a year: coughs and colds and tummy bugs and just generally felt like rubbish. Your immune system is lowered when you are pregnant and it doesn't recover for some time. On top of that I was diagnosed with a thyroid condition. My GP discovered I wasn't taking a vitamin and told me in no uncertain terms I should take one: when you are breastfeeding your body will literally take itself apart in order to make nutritionally balanced milk if it doesn't receive the required nutrients via food. And don't I know it!
My health steadily improved once I started taking the vitamins, but I put that partly down to my thyroid condition coming under control. I breastfed for twenty months, even during my second pregnancy.
Fast forward to baby number two and I started taking these straight away. This time my thyroid behaved. My immune system seemed to recover far quicker and I didn't have a repeat of an endless succession of ailments. It's not been perfect: breastfeeding is still draining and difficult at times, as is having two small children and no sleep or bodily autonomy, but at least I know I'm doing something for myself by taking these vitamins.
I suppose that's the take-away: your baby is going to get nutritionally balanced milk regardless of what you eat. There are plenty of studies that show that. But you are important: parenting is hard enough and so is lactating! Make sure your body gets what it needs FOR YOU!
The only reason I am taking a star off is because (and this is slightly TMI), sometimes you get a slightly fishy burp from the omega capsule which is a little gross! But a small price to pay for not being constantly snotty.
| Product Name | Pregnacare Breastfeeding 84 Tablets |
|---|---|
| Additives | Free From Artificial Colours, Free From Preservatives |
| Allergen Information | Contains: Fish, Soy, Gluten Free |
| Weight | 100 Grams |
| Units | 84 count |
| Storage Instructions | Store below 25°C in a dry place, out of sight and reach of children. |
| Manufacturer contact | 1 Apsley Way London Nw2 7Hf |
| Country of origin | Gb |
| Brand | Vitabiotics |
| Format | Tablet |
| Age Range Description | Adult |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
