By Isabelle Nunn, Head Nutritionist

It is ‘World Breastfeeding Week’, an annual celebration held every year in over 120 countries! It is above all, a time to recognise all the goodness, time and effort, breastfeeding can provide for both mum and baby.

It is such a taboo topic and a daunting one, for many new mums due to the several challenges to overcome. These can be physical for the new mum or baby, or emotional challenges of course!

There are a variety of options out there, ranging from exclusively breastfeeding, mixed feeding, or formula feeding. Each may of course change throughout your journey, no matter what you started off with and it is all ok!*

Why does Breastfeeding (BF) matter?

  • Breast milk is nutritionally dense in vitamins and minerals.
  • Made up of almost 90% water, along with the fats, proteins, carbohydrates baby needs to grow.
  • Contains components such as antibodies, antioxidants, hormones and growth factors. These play a role in babies’ immunity.
  • Research shows that BF for the first 6 months of life can help support babies’ health. They are less likely to develop asthma, wheezing, ear infections or gastrointestinal infections.

Breastfeeding also brings a few health benefits to the mother

  •  It can support earlier recovery after delivery. During BF, a hormone known as oxytocin is released and helps the uterus contract. This in turn reduces the amount of bleeding post birth.
  • Research suggests BF can help lower the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure in BF mums.

Should a new Mum consider Supplements, Breastfeeding or not?

Any new mum requires support for her energy and hormonal levels especially after the first few weeks of having a new born. She also needs nutritional support for her mental wellbeing, besides of course having a strong support network with friends and family who can help for any of her basic needs. This also implies support for the dad, who can then be there when she needs him the most. The lack of sleep, time and challenges that come with being a new mother is important to be recognised.

If BF is achievable and what you wish for, and you would like to consider nutrients to support your wellbeing, Garden of Life’s Prenatal Multivitamin is the perfect choice!

The reasons why Garden of Life Prenatal Multivitamin is the perfect choice!

  •  Suitable for all four trimesters.
  •  Simply ‘one’ a day dose.
  • Being certified organic and free from genetically modified organisms, you can rest assured that you are taking not only safe, tested and verified but wholesome supplements for you and baby
  • Nutrients made entirely of whole foods (herbs, vegetables and fruits) that are easily assimilated and absorbed by the body.
  • Key nutrients such as folate support you while pregnant all the way through to lactation. Natural folate in this formula supports the development of baby’s brain and spinal cord. The synthetic form of folate, i.e. folic acid is commonly used in other supplements and is best avoided. Folate is also needed to make red blood cells and white blood cells. Folate supports the physiological changes of the mother as well.
  • Each serving provides the recommended level of Vitamin D needed during this new period of motherhood.
  • Essential B vitamins in the Garden of Life Prenatal help with energy levels and macronutrient metabolism (ie the supporting the breakdown of fats, carbohydrates for energy purposes).
  • Zinc for immunity and cognitive development.
  •  Selenium for a healthy thyroid and immune system.
  • A form of non-constipating Iron (plant-based) for healthy blood oxygen and healing.
  • Formula is also free from added binders, fillers, artificial preservatives and sugars.
  • Artificial ingredients or synthetics are best avoided, especially before conceiving and at the early stages of motherhood and baby. These can impact on how our body’s several organs essentially function and perform to their best ability. For instance, our liver or digestive systems can be affected by a build-up of toxins! This can raise inflammation in the body and impact on our general wellbeing, mood, sleep or energy levels.

Cooking can sometimes be the last thing on your mind, but make sure to have plenty of wholegrains, carbohydrates, a variety of proteins and brightly coloured fruits and vegetables. This is why supplementing is important at this time of our lives. Garden of Life’s mykind range is made with you and the planet in mind! Completely recyclable packaging, no waste of ingredients and is certified B-Corp.

Nourishing yourselves with only goodness, supports a healthy gut and a healthy mind. A happy mum is the most important factor, whether you breastfeed or not. So choose your nutrition and supplements carefully. Another useful blog for you  New Mum and Baby Q&A as well as Garden of Life - Microbiome Once Daily Womens providing more gut support, should you need it at any stage of your pregnancy and beyond.

*For information purposes only. Any claims are based on clinical research, are not aimed to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Food supplements should be used within the framework of a healthy lifestyle and not used as substitutes of a varied and balanced diet.

References

  • Vitoria C, et al. (2016). Breastfeeding in the 21st century: Epidemiology, mechanisms, and lifelong effect. The Lancet, 387(10017):475-490.
  • Frank NM, et al. (2019) The relationship between breastfeeding and reported respiratory and gastrointestinal infection rates in young children. BMC peadiatrics 19(1):339.
  • Dogaru CM, et al. (2014) Breastfeeding and childhood asthma: systematic review and meta-analysis. American Journal of epidemiology 179(10):1153-1167.
  • World Health Organisation (WHO).Breastfeeding.