Let’s be honest. Our babies are the cutest things in the world and we love them to pieces. But they will suck us dry. Literally. While pregnant, you are the source from which your baby receives all the nutrients he or she needs to grow. Once you’ve had the baby, if you decide to breastfeed, your body is still responsible for providing your child with those nutrients. That means that you get whatever is left over. Even if you’re trying your best to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet, there are some essential vitamins you may miss. A lack of essential nutrients can increase the risk of tooth decay, hair loss, and mood disorders. When your body doesn’t have all of the vitamins you need, it takes a severe toll on your overall health. Taking your prenatals even after you’ve given birth can help you begin to rebuild your body’s nutrient stores and improve your general well-being. 

#1. Your Hair + Skin

Postpartum shedding is probably one of the most horrifying experiences a woman can experience if she’s not prepared for it. You wake up one day and a clumpful of hair comes out in the shower and you’re convinced that you’re dying. There are a number of causes for postpartum shedding, and most of them are inevitable. But did you know that a deficiency in vitamins and nutrients can contribute to hair loss? Taking your prenatal vitamins well after you’ve delivered your baby can help ensure that your body, and consequently your hair, has enough nourishment to thrive. A sufficient intake of vitamin A, B, C, D, E, Iron, and Zinc can improve the health and appearance of your hair and skin. All of these vitamins can be found in your standard prenatal supplement. Keep taking those vitamins mama!

#2. Your Teeth

During both of my pregnancies, my doctors told me that being pregnant can increase your risk for oral health problems. Keeping up with your oral care is essential before, during, and after pregnancy. But did you know that Vitamin D deficiencies can increase the risk of dental decay? Most prenatal vitamins contain high doses of Vitamin D because studies have shown that it diminishes the risk of pregnancy complications. So, taking your prenatal vitamins during your postpartum period can help keep your teeth healthy and strong. 

#3. Your Energy Levels

There’s no easy way to put this so I’ll just get straight to the point: get used to being exhausted. Whether you’re a working mother or stay at home mom, whether you have 1 child or 5, whether you have a strong support system or you’re fairing on your own--you’re going to be tired. Being a mother is a lot of work and at times it can be absolutely draining. Don’t exacerbate the situation by depriving your body of the nutrients it needs to run effectively. Eating a healthy diet and drinking enough water is essential at any stage of life, but taking your prenatal vitamins in conjunction can help maintain your energy levels and allow you to give your all to mothering. 

#4. Your Emotional Well Being

Physical health and mental health are more closely linked than many people realize. Besides the fact that when you feel good in your body, your mood reflects that, scientists have linked low levels of vitamin D and certain B vitamins to depression, anxiety, and other various mood disorders. All of these nutrients are essential to your baby’s growth, and a lot of your nutrient stores are depleted during pregnancy and breastfeeding. If you combine a serious vitamin deficiency with the fluctuating hormones that a new mother goes through, it’s a recipe for disaster. Continuing to take your prenatal vitamins for a few months post pregnancy can help combat these deficiencies and put you in a better state of mind. 

When you’re pregnant, your body prioritizes your growing baby. It gives the first and best stores of its nutrients to your baby, and you get to use whatever’s left over. After giving birth, your body needs to be replenished and nourished like never before, but sometimes we’re not able to get all of our necessary vitamins from the foods we eat. So keep taking your prenatal vitamins after giving birth, especially if you’re breastfeeding. Your body will thank you.