2 Best Calcium Supplements For Breastfeeding (2023)
When it comes to breastfeeding, we understand the incredible demands placed on your body. You're basically a one-woman milk factory, working around the clock to nourish your little bundle of joy. But let's not forget about your own well-being! Your bones need some serious love and care too, because let's face it, superheroes need strong foundations.
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Why calcium is especially important during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Let's talk about the importance of getting your daily dose of this magical mineral, especially during pregnancy and breastfeeding. During pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester, and while breastfeeding, your baby relies on your calcium stores, resulting in a temporary decrease in bone mass. The good news is that lost bone mass is typically regained after weaning. Nevertheless, it's crucial to load up on calcium during those baby-baking and milk-making times.
How much calcium per day?
To keep those bones strong, it's recommended that all you fabulous ladies, whether pregnant, breastfeeding, or simply slaying life, aim for a minimum of 1,000 mg of calcium every day.
How to get calcium into your body
Obtaining calcium from your diet is preferable since it is absorbed more effectively from food compared to supplements. To ensure a nutritious diet, include the following calcium-rich foods:
Dairy products
Calcium-fortified juices
Dark leafy green vegetables
Sesame seeds
Fortified foods
Nut butters, especially almond butter
Now, here's a buzzkill: More than half of all women miss out on their daily calcium fix.
If you're struggling to hit that mark with your diet alone, you might want to consider a calcium supplement. Just make sure to have a chat with your healthcare provider for the lowdown on the right one for you.
What to look for in a calcium supplement
When it comes to supplements, team up calcium with its trusty sidekick, magnesium, in a 2:1 ratio. They're like Batman and Robin, but for your bones! Look for popular combos like calcium/magnesium/zinc, easily available online or at your local drugstore.
The 2 Best Calcium Supplements For Breastfeeding
PeaPod Cal-Mag Supplement
Best for moms who want a supplement specifically geared towards pregnancy and breastfeeding
Helps maintain calcium and magnesium stores during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Includes vitamin D3, a key vitamin that is essential for both you and baby
Contains 2 different forms of both calcium and magnesium for enhanced absorption
Easy and Convenient! Just 2 capsules a day and each bottle contains a 1 month supply.
vitafusion Chewable Calcium Gummy Vitamins
Best for those who prefer a great-tasting gummy alternative
Best-tasting gummy and won the Chef’s Best Award
Made with natural fruit flavors, have a satisfying chewy texture and are a great alternative to traditional vitamin pills that are hard to swallow
Gummy Calcium vitamin made with no high-fructose corn syrup, no artificial sweeteners, no gluten, no dairy and no synthetic FD&C dyes
One bottle of vitafusion contains enough chewable Calcium vitamins for 50 days
Buy Vitafusion Calcium Gummies On Amazon!
PRO-TIP: Your body absorbs calcium best when you don't go overboard with more than 500 mg at a time. If you're taking more than that in a day, break it up into smaller doses so you're not overwhelmed with a calcium overdose. Nobody wants that!
Now, a word of caution: Too much calcium from supplements can cause constipation, kidney stones, and other unwanted surprises. So be a responsible calcium consumer and consult a health professional to figure out the ideal dosage for you. Remember, doctors and pharmacists are the real calcium gurus!
Taking A Calcium Supplement for Low Milk Supply during Menstruation
Did you know that some ladies experience a dip in milk production from ovulation until Aunt Flo's grand entrance? During this time, blood calcium levels gradually decrease, potentially affecting milk production. To address this, some women opt for a calcium/magnesium supplement.
The recommended dosage for the calcium supplement ranges from 500 mg calcium/250 mg magnesium to 1500 mg calcium/750 mg magnesium. However, it is crucial to consult your healthcare provider for specific recommendations.
When to Take the Calcium/Magnesium Supplement during Your Cycle To Help With Low Milk Supply
Start the action when you ovulate and keep the party going until the first few days of your period. And if your periods are all over the place, just keep the supplement train rolling every day.