Vitamins & Breastfeeding

[Mercimay]

I am currently breastfeeding my 20 week old baby and have only just recently heard that it is recommended to also give vitamins because of the lack of Vitamin D etc

Not planning to wean until 6 months so just wondered if this is really necessary and what drops people use/recommend ?

TIA

Are you taking vitamins too as that's also recommended?

Not planning to wean until 6 months so just wondered if this is really necessary and what drops people use/recommend ?

Yes, this is the NHS recommendation:

www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/vitamins-for-children/

It's also recommended that babies who are being breastfed are given a daily vitamin D supplement from birth, whether or not you're taking a supplement containing vitamin D yourself.

I used some that I bought at the health centre - at the community health desk where we saw the hv. They were called Sure Start I think and we're similar in packaging to the vitamins I was given in pregnancy. They were about £1.50 I think so cheaper than regular over the counter ones.

Yes, you are supposed to technically offer them from birth. I don't think most people do. It's not easy. I personally took a supplement myself and hoped that was good enough. Then after 6 months, started to offer a vitamin (Wellbaby, it's the only one I've found that isn't absolutely rancid tasting). But honestly, even at 9 months, I'm not sure consistent about it as it's a battle to get it down.