Our editors have tested and researched the best clean supplements to support women before, during, and after pregnancy. These are our favorite postnatal vitamins with effective, organic, and bioavailable ingredients.
Having my first baby in the hospital and my second at home taught me that every postpartum season is unique. My recovery looked and felt completely different with each birth. But what stayed the same was how much my body needed support in the fourth trimester. With physical healing, hormonal changes, sleep loss, and the demands of a newborn, I realized that food alone wasn’t enough.
That’s where postnatal vitamins came in. They helped me feel grounded, nourished, and supported. I really felt this during those foggy early months. Supplementation provided my body with a strong base. This support allowed me to focus on healing, caring for my baby, and taking care of myself.
Why should you consider vitamins for the postnatal phase?
The postnatal period is a time for healing. Hormones change, and nutritional needs increase, especially if you are breastfeeding. After birth, your body experiences a big drop in estrogen and progesterone. This change can impact your mood, energy, and even hair loss. A quality postnatal vitamin restores important nutrients. These include iron, choline, and B vitamins. They help with emotional balance, brain function, and milk production.
Even with a balanced diet, it’s hard to meet all your needs during this intense chapter. A quality prenatal or postnatal can help you feel more balanced. It supports your body while it adjusts, heals, and nurtures new life.
What vitamins are important for the postpartum period?
There’s so much to think about pre- and post-birth. The last thing you want to worry about is whether your body is getting the right vitamins and nutrients for postpartum. Here are some of our favorite ingredients for supporting you in the fourth trimester:
- Choline for brain health, mood, and milk quality.
- Vitamin D3 + K2 for immune support, bone strength, and hormone balance.
- Collagen to support tissue repair, skin, and joints.
- Pre/Probiotics to help restore gut health after birth.
- Omega-3s (DHA + EPA) for mental clarity.
What is the difference between prenatals and postnatals? Can I continue taking my prenatal after giving birth?
Prenatal vitamins are crafted to support your pregnancy and your baby’s growth. They offer extra nutrients that are helpful for the growing baby, such as folate and iron. After birth, your body needs to adjust. You’re healing, hormones are changing, and if you are breastfeeding, you’re still giving a lot to your baby! That’s where postnatals come in. They help with recovery, mood, energy, and milk production. They often include choline, vitamin D, and B vitamins.
You can keep taking your prenatal vitamins after you give birth, especially if they’re good quality — many brands on the below list have prenatals that are still supportive after birth. But, switching to a postnatal vitamin can provide more specific replenishment for this new stage.
How long should I take postnatal vitamins?
It’s important to take postnatal vitamins for 6–12 months after birth. This is especially true if you are breastfeeding. Your body is healing, so it needs plenty of nutrients, and you’re likely getting less sleep and experiencing greater stress than usual. Plus, if you are breastfeeding, it affects your nutrient levels even more. Either way, your body needs support while your hormones balance and nutrients rebuild, even if you aren’t nursing.
In short, aim for at least 6 months. If you’re breastfeeding or think your body needs more support, go longer. Think of it as giving your body the foundation it needs while you’re giving so much to your baby.
Our criteria:
Many of our editors are also moms — and they’ve personally tested and researched clean vitamins for supporting women through pregnancy to select the best organic, natural, and nontoxic formulations, with input from thousands of customer reviews, too. We update this list regularly with emerging favorites that meet the criteria below.
- CLEAN/ORGANIC INGREDIENTS | We’ve selectively chosen postpartum vitamins that are made with wholesome, pure, and organic ingredients that will nourish your body and help with recovery. We’ve sourced options with bioavailable ingredients at functional doses.
- DOCTOR APPROVED | We also talked with our OBGYNs and healthcare providers to get their insight on the best brands, so you can trust the recommendations below are both editor-tested and doctor-recommended.
- EASY TO TAKE | From simple subscriptions and affordable options to snap packs and low-daily doses, we’ve prioritized brands that are easy to incorporate into your busy life with the new baby.
For a deeper look at how to support your body during pregnancy, explore our comprehensive prenatals guide to find the best vitamins for each stage. Along with our thoughtfully curated list of postpartum essentials — from healing tools to nourishing rituals — for a more supported and easeful fourth trimester.
1. Needed
Best For | Bioavailable supplements for postpartum
Functional Ingredients | 26 vitamins, minerals, and botanicals including Methylfolate, Choline, Vitamin K, Magnesium, Vitamin D3, and Calcium
Daily Dose | 2 capsules/day, building up to a full 8 capsules
Form | Capsules or powder
Prices starting at | $63
Needed was established in 2017 by two mothers and trained nutritionists. The realization that women get limited nutritional support during pregnancy and after childbirth came to light during their fertility and pregnancy journeys. They realized they needed a better approach to support and began closing the gap in the research. Today, Needed has backing from over 6,000 practitioners including nutritionists, dietitians, naturopathic doctors, midwives, and OB-GYNs. Perinatal experts vet every ingredient in their formulas. Their Fourth Trimester Plan includes their Prenatal Multi, Collagen Protein, Pre/Probiotic, Sleep + Relaxation Support, and Choline Vitamin D3 + K2. The 8-part plan supports mood, restful sleep, tissue repair, healthy hormone production, and increased hydration needs in the Fourth Trimester. If the full plan seems like too much, you can also choose the Lactation Support Plan.
Customer Review | “I’ve been taking Needed prenatals for a few months now and I can really feel the difference compared to other brands I’ve tried. They’re high quality, easy on my stomach, and I love that they’re formulated based on what pregnant women actually need—not just the bare minimum. Definitely worth the investment for peace of mind during this journey.” – Kyleigh P. (Read more reviews.)
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2. WeNatal
Best For | Refillable glass jar
Functional Ingredients | Inositol, Methyl Folate, Vitamin D, Antioxidants, Iodine, and Iron
Daily Dose | Three capsules
Form | Capsules
Prices starting at | $65
WeNatal was created by two best friends and moms. After they both experienced pregnancy loss within a week of each other, they were propelled on a journey to find out what nutrients they lacked before conception. They founded WeNatal to provide support during every stage of pregnancy. Their formulas are rooted in research and crafted with help from experts in fertility science, functional medicine, and reproductive health — and all of their formulas are third party tested. All their ingredients are non-GMO, free of synthetic fillers, artificial colors, or major allergens. The brand offers a robus list of ingredients in all their formulas, so you know exactly what you’re taking. For Her prenatal supports pregnancy and postpartum health. It provides 24 essential nutrients in easy-to-absorb forms including iron, B complex vitamins, choline, vitamin D, and antioxidants. They suggest staying on prenatal vitamins for at least 3 months after birth. If breastfeeding, continue for at least 12 months.
Customer Review | “I’m in love with my vitamins!! During a long fertility journey, I’ve done a ton of research on supplements and somehow found myself taking way more than I ever wanted to. When WeNatal launched, it was such a relief that I could get a lot of my supplement needs in just 3 capsules and I no longer had to search for brands that held up to the best standards.”– Trisha S (Read more reviews.)
3. Perelel
Best For | Postnatal pill pack
Functional Ingredients | Vitamin D, Zinc & Vitamin C, L-theanine, Biotin & Collagen, DHA + EPA, Ashwaganda
Daily Dose | 5 pills in one pack
Form | Capsules
Prices starting at | $58
Perelel was founded by an OB/GYN and two mothers. They noticed that the prenatal market’s one-size-fits-all approach wasn’t effective — which led them to develop clean, bioavailable vitamins and supplements that support women at all stages of life. A group of specialists creates Perelel’s products, including OB/GYNs, fertility specialists, doulas, dietitians, naturopaths, and women’s health professionals. Their postnatal Mom’s Multi Support Pack for postpartum (up to 5 years!) is what really sets them apart. This daily pill pack has everything you need for healing and to support parenting. The pack comes with 5 pills — each pill provides essential nutrients including B vitamins, vitamin D, folate, iron, biotin, collagen, and omega-3 fatty acids, to name a few. All Perelel products are tested by third parties which follow a strict safety process. Their formulas are certified by the Clean Label Project and they received the highest recognition, the Purity Award.
Customer Review | “As I approached the final months of pregnancy, I quickly realized that strong postpartum health starts with preparation. During my research, I discovered how essential a solid supplement and vitamin routine truly is. That’s when I came across these incredible vitamins—and now, 40 days postpartum, I’m feeling balanced, energized, and truly well. I can’t recommend them enough!” – Sofia B. (Read more reviews.)
4. FullWell
Best For | Iron & DHA-free formula
Functional Ingredients | Bioavailable Folate, Choline, Vitamin D, Magnesium Glycinate, Iodine, Vitamin B12
Daily Dose | 8 pills per day
Form | Capsules
Prices starting at | $50
FullWell was founded by Ayla Barmmer, a registered dietitian trained in both integrative and functional medicine. She created FullWell to be the go-to for a nutrient-rich foundation before conception — but the brand’s products can help you at every step of the journey. FullWell developed their bioavailable formulas with help from dietitians, MDs, and OBGYNs. As with all of our picks, the brand is proud of its testing standards and offers a transparent view of its processes. FullWell also has a strong give-back program, donating 3% of their sales to groups like Black Mamas Matter Alliance and Postpartum Support International. Their Postpartum Recovery Essentials Bundle includes their Women’s Prenatal, Collagen Peptides, and Balanced Omegas to support hormones, aid healing, and replenish you. FullWell’s prenatal formula is unique because it contains no iron or DHA, offering a more tailored approach so you can add those supplements only when needed.
Customer Review | “9 mos PP and have taken this throughout pregnancy and now PP. no issues with nutrient depletion and energy is up even while exclusively breastfeeding. I can take it any time of day and even on a full stomach and NO issues. Sure 8 caps is a lot but this is a lot easier to take than other PN vitamins I’ve tried (and I’ve tried a few with my B12 and methylation issues). LOVE Fullwell and am so thankful for the formulation, has helped me stay replete all this time!” – A.B. (Read more reviews.)
5. Ritual
Best For | Vegan postnatal
Functional Ingredients | Vitamin A, B12, Omega-3, Vitamin K2
Daily Dose | 2 per day
Form | Capsules
Prices starting at | $44
Ritual has a robust line of Daily Health multivitamins for both women and men — and they also offer a line of pregnancy support multivitamins for every stage. That includes a stand-alone postnatal and fourth-trimester bundles with extras such as choline, protein, and gut support to provide new moms with nutrients for up to 6 months after birth and during lactation. This multi on its own is an affordable choice and has key ingredients like vitamins A, C, D3, zinc, and omega-3 DHA. Plus, it’s made with USP-grade Iodine and nature-identical biotin and choline. Another bonus of Ritual’s postnatal multi is that it has fewer pills than most with only a 2-capsule daily dose. Their innovative design mixes oily and dry ingredients in one capsule for a more bioavailable option. All of the brand’s ingredients are traceable through Made Traceable® so you can avoid any allergens, heavy metals, and even harmful ingredients in the packaging.
Customer Review | “I took Ritual prenatals my whole pregnancy and I had an extremely healthy baby. I decided to continue taking the postnatals after delivery and I’m so glad I did! Having the proper nutrients while breastfeeding has been key for me. Also I’ve had NO postpartum hair loss this time around my hair actually seems fuller and thicker, which was not the case with my first pregnancy! I highly recommend all ritual products!” – Kelly D. (Read more reviews.)
6. New Chapter
Best For | Food-grade postnatal multivitamin
Functional Ingredients | Vitamin A, Vitamin C, D3, Vitamin K, Biotin, organic fermented oatseed powder, organic Lemon balm
Daily Dose | 3 pills per day
Form | Capsules
Prices starting at | $35
New Chapter creates unique multivitamins from fermented whole foods. They start with real food, such as alafia and carrots, then they use yeast to change these foods into their strongest nutrient form. This fermentation process enhances the body’s ability to absorb the nutrients and create beneficial bacteria and enzymes that boost how these whole foods help the body and gut. Started in 1982, they set out to make the purest whole food formulas, and today, each of their formulations undergoes rigorous testing. The brand holds several third-party certifications, such as Regenerative Organic Certified, Where Food Comes From Organic, Upcycled Certified, and IGEN Non-GMO Tested. Their Perfect Postnatal Multivitamin uses organic, non-GMO ingredients to support early motherhood and breastfeeding with a wide range of nutritive vitamins and minerals including an organic superfood mix of oats, turmeric, kelp, and chamomile.
Customer Review | “I have tried basically every prenatal and postnatal vitamin on the market. A lot of them made me feel sick + were difficult to swallow. I saw these in Whole Foods one day and thought, I’ll give it a shot, and I am so glad I did! I am actually 2+ years postpartum and I cannot part with these vitamins because they help me so much!! I can tell when I don’t take them!” -Grace (Read more reviews.)
7. Tend
Best For | Postnatal vitamin bars
Functional Ingredients | Iron, Folate, Choline, Vitamin D, B12, Biotin, Vitamin C, and Omega-3s
Daily Dose | 1 bar a day
Form | Snack bar
Prices starting at | $139
Tend has created the first of its kind real food postnatal vitamin in the form of a daily snack bar. Not only does it contain 25 essential nutrients to support your healing and mood, it’s packed with protein, healthy fats, electrolytes, fiber, micronutrients from food, and macronutrients. A Husband and wife team, Hannah and Behzad, started Tend after Hannah find it hard to take pills and her fertility journey showed her new ways to care for her bodies before, during, and after pregnancy. With a PhD in prenatal nutrition, Behzad chose to start with core principles instead of synthetic supplements. Their postnatal snack bar contains all the vitamins needed for a healthy birth and recovery, with a range of ingredients like microalgae, minerals, greens, and mushrooms. It also has nuts, gluten-free oats, flax, and moringa to name a few more. Instead of taking many pills each day, enjoy one tasty superfood bar.
Customer Review | “I am so happy to have a healthy alternative to pills! For as long as I can remember I have a hard time swallowing pills, and the liquid and powder options are usually filled with sugar and other artificial elements. Tend was a huge life saver for me during my pregnancy! A healthy bar with real food that tastes amazing and it doesn’t leave me nauseous! I LOVE Tend, and highly recommend even if you can swallow pills!” – Isabella (Read more reviews.)
8. Natalist
Best For | Breastfeeding support
Functional Ingredients | Plant-based DHA, choline, iron, zinc, folate, iodine, selenium, vitamin A, vitamin B12, and vitamin D
Daily Dose | 3 per day
Form | Capsules, gummies & packs
Prices starting at | $44
Natalist was founded by a team of moms and doctors to support people in their fertility journey and into pregnancy and postpartum. Natalist, by definition, means a person who promotes or advocates for childbearing. They have a wide product range of vitamins and products for both men and women to support in fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum including ovulation tests and pregnancy test strips. The brand designed their Postnatal Vitamin specifically to support breastfeeding needs with vitamins and minerals that help with milk supply and recovery after birth. Their multi provides a larger dose of choline bitartrate than others. It includes DHA, selenium, iodine, vitamin D, and vitamin A. Additionally, it provides iron to aid in postpartum recovery. Dr. Kenosha Gleaton, a board-certified OBGYN, teamed up with Lauren Manaker, RD, a top dietitian and fertility expert, to create this formula. Note that this postnatal doesn’t include magnesium — but Natalist does offer their Magnesium Plus drink as a separate add-on. We love that Natalist collaborates with rePurpose Global to take out as much plastic waste from nature as they put in.
Customer Review | “I poured over nutrition facts for basically every postnatal supplement out there and this was the best combo of DHA and choline that I found. These were particularly important to me while breastfeeding and were found in surprisingly low amounts in most other brands. The vitamin also has everything else you need as a postpartum mom, whether or not you decide to breastfeed. No after taste despite the fish oil and super easy to take. Can’t recommend enough!” -Jennifer (Read more reviews.)
9. Beli
Best For | Fertility health
Functional Ingredients | Methylated folate, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin B6 & B12, Choline, Iron, Magnesium
Daily Dose | 3 pills per day
Form | Capsules
Prices starting at | $50
Beli(ieve) was created to offer targeted support for men and women in their fertility and pregnancy journey with the focus of supporting preconception throughout pregnancy and into postpartum. They offer both a men’s prenatal and a women’s prenatal alongside a variety of targeted fertility support in the form of supplements and even at-home fertility testing. Their women’s prenatal contains important nutrients like methylated B12 and folate for energy and mood; vitamin D3 and K2 for immune and bone health; and iron to help replace stores lost during delivery. It also has choline which is important for brain health, memory, and hormone balance. Their women’s prenatal is designed to be taken before, during, and while recovering and breastfeeding after birth. This prenatal also contains a hint of minty flavor to ease nausea and sensitive tummies.
Customer Review | “I’ve spent years searching for a prenatal that I thought was worth the money. Some requirements I was looking for: methylated B vitamins, a good dose of iron, not an over abundance of vitamin A like so many prenatals contain, choline, and a reputable company. I was so relieved to finally find Beli, which met all my needs. The only reason I gave it four stars instead of five is that the pills are on the bigger side. I would prefer taking more pills a day that are a smaller size. But otherwise, this product is a win!” -Grace (Read more reviews.)
Featured image is from Needed
Courtney Jay Higgins is a Contributing Editor at The Good Trade. She has a BA in Visual Communications from The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising and is the founder of Coincide, a subscription-based yoga platform focusing on inclusive, sustainable yoga rooted in ancient Eastern practices and spirituality. Her 10+ years of experience in yoga include a 200-hr YTT certification in a Hatha-based yoga practice and a certification in prenatal yoga. She has been featured in Shoutout Colorado, Voyage Denver, and Cora’s Blood & Milk. Since 2017, she has been reviewing sustainable fashion, natural makeup, organic wellness, and safe pregnancy products for The Good Trade’s readers.
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