As a nursing mother, you know the importance of making sure you’re getting enough vitamins and minerals. You may have heard that vitamin C supplements are especially beneficial for new moms, but with so much health information out there, it can be difficult to determine what’s right for you. Keep reading to find out if vitamin C is helpful for nursing mothers.
Do nursing mothers need to take vitamin C?
Vitamin C is a vital nutrient that aids in the growth, repair, and development of body tissue and is necessary for proper iron absorption. There is no conclusive evidence that taking additional vitamin C has positive benefits for nursing mothers. However, many people believe that taking vitamin C, in addition to wearing a good nursing bra, can help with problems such as mastitis and blocked milk ducts.
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin and is not stored in the body. This means that it is important to include it in the diet on a regular basis. It can be found in fruits and vegetables such as oranges, grapefruit, strawberries, broccoli, and kale. The Mayo Clinic recommends that nursing mothers look for a supplement that contains 500 to 1,000 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C per dose. Supplements come in many forms, including capsules, gummies, and liquid vitamin C, which is said to be absorbed better than other forms of vitamins.
Are vitamin C supplements dangerous?
There is no evidence that consuming vitamin C in amounts above the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) has negative effects on nursing mothers and their babies. The RDA for vitamin C is 80 mg/day for pregnant people and 120 mg/day for those who are lactating or nursing. However, high doses of vitamin C (1,000-2,000 mg/day) may cause diarrhea and other gastrointestinal problems in some people.
It’s also important to note that high doses of vitamin C can cause diarrhea in breastfed infants. It is always best to get your nutrients from food sources whenever possible and be sure to talk to your health care provider before taking any new supplements.
What are some helpful items for nursing mothers to have?
In addition to nutritional supplements, there are a few essentials that are helpful for nursing mothers, including nursing bras, nursing pillows, and ointments for chapped nipples.
A nursing bra is a specialized brassiere that provides support to women who are lactating and allows them to breastfeed discreetly. Nursing bras come in a variety of styles, including but not limited to wireless, seamless, lightly lined, and padded. Most nursing bras have clasps on the front that release the cups so that the mother can easily access her breasts to nurse her infant. Additionally, many nursing bras have flaps or panels on the cups that can be pulled down to expose more of the breast when breastfeeding.
A nursing pillow can help support the baby and make it more comfortable for the mother to nurse. Nursing pillows can also help to position the baby in the right spot for nursing. This can make it easier for the mother to latch the baby on and to keep the baby in place while nursing. Some nursing pillows also have a pocket on the side that can be used to store diapers, wipes, or other items.
If you’re nursing, you may also find it helpful to have an ointment or salve handy for chapped nipples. One popular type of nipple cream is lanolin. Lanolin is a natural substance that is extracted from sheep’s wool. It is often used to soothe and protect the skin. Another popular type of nipple cream is petroleum jelly. Petroleum jelly is a type of oil that is often used to treat chapped lips and skin. It is also safe to use while breastfeeding.