Vitamin Deficiency After Childbirth: Protect the Health of You and Your Baby

Everyone knows the importance of a woman paying close attention to their health during pregnancy for the sake of their child and it is important for that to continue after the child is born.

To begin with, the CDC recommends breastfeeding mothers increase their caloric intake to meet their nutritional needs. The agency recommends an additional 450 to 500 kilocalories (kcal) of food calories per day for well-nourished breastfeeding mothers, compared with the amount they were consuming before pregnancy.

The number of additional calories needed for an individual breastfeeding woman is also affected by her age, body mass index, activity level, and extent of breastfeeding (exclusively breastfeeding verses breastfeeding and formula feeding).

Along with additional caloric intake, new mothers should closely monitor the vitamins and minerals that they consume as well as consider fortifying their diet with supplements that are beneficial to them and their newborn.

1. Iron: It’s important to replenish the iron lost during childbirth. If you’re breastfeeding, the iron stored in your body supplies your baby with iron for their proper development and thyroid function. Good iron sources include red meat, liver, clams, oysters, and green leafy veggies.
2. Vitamin B12: This B vitamin is required for proper red blood cell development, energy production, and helping to form our DNA. Babies with an inadequate supply of B12 have an increased risk for developmental delays and poor neurological function. The best sources are animal foods, such as clams, tuna, liver, beef, and salmon.
3. DHA:Infants of mothers with a high DHA concentration in their breast milk have been shown to have improved brain and vision development. Good sources include salmon, sardines, fortified eggs, and dairy.
4. Choline: Choline is a nutrient similar to folic acid that is crucial for brain development. The needs for this nutrient increase during pregnancy and are the highest in breastfeeding moms. Choline is very important for infant memory and brain development. The best food sources of choline are eggs and organ meats like liver.
5. Vitamin D: This vitamin supports the immune system, brain, and nervous system and reduces risk of postpartum depression and anxiety. The best dietary sources of Vitamin D are fatty fish like salmon and tuna, liver, fortified dairy and orange juice, and egg yolks.

Even under normal circumstances, it can be quite difficult to incorporate so many vitamins and nutrients into your diet. It is even more of a task when you are caring and nurturing for your newborn baby.

The Nova Vita Wellness Centers Nourish IV Drip is designed specifically for mothers that seek to optimize their health while caring for their little ones. This specially formulated mix of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants provides a strong foundation for good health when you need it most. It helps provide new mothers with increased energy and overall wellness, while alleviating:

• Stress
• Fatigue
• Postpartum Symptoms
• Soreness
• Anxiety

As always, it is important to consult your physician before implementing any new diet and dietary supplement program, especially if you are a new mother and caring for a newborn.

For more information about the Nourish IV Drip or to schedule an appointment, give us a call at 956-335-0250 or you can schedule an appointment online.