PreCare and Breastfeeding

PreCare does pass through breast milk and can be beneficial for both the nursing mother and her breastfed infant. Because breast milk is the only source of vitamins and minerals for breastfed infants, it is helpful for mothers to take PreCare while breastfeeding. PreCare should provide all the vitamins and minerals needed for women who are breastfeeding, but a healthcare provider may also recommend additional calcium.

 

An Overview of PreCare and Breastfeeding

PreCare Premium™ and PreCare® Chewables prenatal vitamins are safe for use during breastfeeding. In fact, it is often recommended that women take prenatal vitamins while breastfeeding, as this is a time of increased nutritional need.
 

PreCare and Breastfeeding: What Does the Research Say?

Research has suggested that many vitamins and minerals pass through breast milk. However, this is usually a very good thing. For an infant that is exclusively breastfed, breast milk is the only source of vitamins and minerals. Keep in mind that it is not a good idea to take too much of any particular vitamin or mineral, so you should not take any additional vitamins and minerals (unless you have your healthcare provider's approval).
 
There is one exception to this suggestion -- prenatal vitamins (including PreCare products) usually do not contain enough calcium for most women. Calcium is a bulky mineral, and it is difficult (usually impossible) to fit enough calcium into a single tablet along with all the other ingredients in prenatal vitamins.
 

Talking With Your Healthcare Provider About PreCare and Breastfeeding

You should talk with your healthcare provider about PreCare and breastfeeding.
 Each woman's situation is different, and you and your healthcare provider understand your situation best. After considering what you want and expect, as well as your current health situation, you and your healthcare provider can make a shared decision about PreCare and breastfeeding in your particular situation. In general, PreCare is considered to be safe (and actually beneficial) for breastfeeding women and their infants.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;