DEAR DR MITCHELL,

What vitamins are important for me to take after pregnancy, so I can remain at my best going forward? I have taken the last of my prenatals and want to continue taking a multivitamin, I’m just not sure what I should be taking. I am 39-years-old and just want to be a healthy woman and mother.

Congratulations on your successful pregnancy and delivery of your baby. Vitamin supplementation is important during pregnancy and even after delivery especially if you are breastfeeding. There is a definite increase in the need for iron and other multivitamins during pregnancy and also to maintain the demands of breastfeeding. This is important for both you and your baby to ensure proper nutrition.

The prenatal vitamins are safe to continue for several months, especially if you still breastfeed. There might be the need for additional iron supplementation with the prenatal vitamins especially if you had a low blood count during the pregnancy or you had excessive blood loss at the time of delivery. Due to ongoing blood loss after delivery your blood count could continue to fall so it is important to take extra iron tablets with your prenatal vitamins. A low blood count can lead to exhaustion and even the feeling of not being able to cope with the demands of caring for the baby.

A healthy diet with proteins, fruits and vegetables will definitely help in giving you the extra nutrition that you need to maintain your own health and well-being while coping with the extra demands from breastfeeding.

If you have stopped breastfeeding then you could take a multivitamin containing iron to maintain your daily needs and reduce the risk of low blood count (anaemia). Iron containing preparations with a stool softener will reduce the complication of constipation. It is important to remember not to take your iron supplements with milk, tea or antacids since this reduces the absorption of iron from the bowel. Taking it with water or fruit juice is the best way to go. Vitamin C helps with iron absorption.

Adequate rest with a regular exercise programme will definitely help in maintaining good health and create the balance for you.

Best regards.

Dr Sharmaine Mitchell is an obstetrician and gynaecologist. Send questions via e-mail to allwoman@jamaicaobserver.com; write to All Woman, 40-42 1/2 Beechwood Avenue, Kingston 5 or fax to 876-968-2025. All responses are published. Dr Mitchell cannot provide personal responses.

DISCLAIMER:

The contents of this article are for informational purposes only, and must not be relied upon as an alternative to medical advice or treatment from your own doctor.