Supplements to Take When Breastfeeding: Safe Nutrient Support for Mum & Baby - Arbor Vitamins

Best Supplements for Breastfeeding: Safe Nutrient Support for Mum & Baby

Aug 5, 2025

Best Supplements for Breastfeeding: What to Include (and What to Avoid)

Best Supplements for Breastfeeding is a powerful act — for bonding, nourishment and immunity. But behind the scenes, it places immense nutritional demands on the mother’s body.

In fact, nutrient needs while breastfeeding are even higher than during pregnancy, particularly for vitamins, minerals, fluids and calories.

So if you're wondering, “What supplements should I take when breastfeeding?” — you're not alone. Let’s break it down clearly:
✅ What’s safe
✅ What’s helpful
❌ What to avoid
💡 And how clean, supportive formulas like TRINITY can help (with notes for caution).

🧬 Why Nutrition Matters During Breastfeeding

Breastmilk is made from your body’s own nutrient stores. That means:

If you're low in key vitamins or minerals, your baby may still get them — but you won’t
Nutrient depletion can increase fatigue, brain fog, hormonal imbalance, poor recovery and low immunity
Some nutrients are passed through breastmilk and are vital for your baby’s development (e.g. vitamin D, iodine, B12)

✅ Supplements to Consider While Breastfeeding

These are generally considered safe and beneficial while nursing — but always speak to your GP, midwife or health visitor before starting any new supplement postpartum.

1. Vitamin D3

Supports your baby’s bone development and your own mood, immunity and hormonal regulation.

Breastfed infants don’t get enough vitamin D from milk alone, so mum may need to supplement for both.

✅ Found in: TRINITY – Day Formula

2. Vitamin B12

Crucial for baby’s neurological development and for maternal energy and mood.

Especially important if you follow a vegan or vegetarian diet.

✅ Found in: TRINITY – Day Formula

3. Iron (gentle form)

Replenishes what’s often lost during labour and birth.

Low iron = low energy, brain fog, and poor immune function
Choose a non-constipating form like iron bisglycinate

✅ Found in: TRINITY – Morning Formula

4. Iodine

Essential for your baby’s brain and thyroid development — and your own thyroid recovery postpartum.

✅ Found in: TRINITY – Day Formula

5. Choline (not in TRINITY)

Plays a major role in brain development and memory formation — for both mum and baby.

Commonly low in modern diets, especially plant-based
Not currently in Arbor’s range — but a valuable addition alongside TRINITY

6. Magnesium

Supports nervous system regulation, sleep, muscle recovery and hormonal balance

Breastfeeding can deplete magnesium stores
Bisglycinate form is well-tolerated and gentle

✅ Found in: TRINITY – Morning & Night Formulas

7. Folate (not folic acid)

Important for cell repair, mood, and ongoing tissue recovery

✅ TRINITY includes L‑5‑Methyl‑THF – the active, bioavailable form

8. Hydration & Electrolytes

Not a supplement per se, but absolutely essential. Breastfeeding increases fluid demand.

Consider adding natural electrolyte powders (without artificial sweeteners) to your daily routine.

❌ Supplements to Be Cautious With While Breastfeeding

These ingredients are best avoided unless recommended by a healthcare professional:

High-dose herbal blends or adaptogens (e.g. ashwagandha, rhodiola) – not always well-studied in breastfeeding
Vitamin A (retinol) – high doses can be harmful to baby (TRINITY uses beta-carotene instead)
Strong detoxifying herbs – may release toxins into milk
High-dose green tea extract or caffeine-containing blends – may cause jitteriness or affect baby’s sleep
Reishi, Cordyceps, and other mushrooms – limited research on use during lactation (best avoided as a precaution)