- Health advice
- 5 min read
- Jun 04, 2025
The fourth trimester is a powerful, often overwhelming time — which is why our expert team of practitioners is here to guide you with real, practical advice. Below, our in-house naturopaths share their advice to support mums and newborns through the early postnatal months.
Postnatal health is an integral part of pregnancy care, not the end of it. The physical, emotional and nutritional demands on the body don’t disappear after birth — in fact, they often intensify. And for our little ones, this is when foundations are laid for lifelong health.
Here’s how you can support yourself and your baby during this time gently, naturally, and with purpose.
Why Postnatal Support Matters
Postpartum depletion is a well-known phenomenon. Studies show many mothers remain deficient in key nutrients, including B vitamins, iron, and DHA, for months, even years after giving birth. This can affect mood, cognition, immunity, and energy levels.
For babies, the first 1,000 days are considered a critical window for brain, gut and immune development. Supporting this stage through gentle, appropriate nutrition can profoundly shape their resilience, learning and wellbeing for life.
Postpartum Support for Mum
Recovery after birth takes time. These supplements can help rebuild and restore:
- B-complex vitamins: Essential for energy production, stress support, hormone regulation and mood balance. Look for activated forms of B12 (methylcobalamin) and B6 (P-5-P).
- Probiotics: Help restore gut health post-birth, especially after antibiotics or C-section, and support mood and immune function.
- Fenugreek: A traditional herb used to promote milk production; best taken under professional guidance.
- Omega-3s (DHA/EPA): For inflammation, cognitive health, and to support mood regulation in the postpartum period.
- Magnesium – Supports sleep, muscle recovery, and nervous system regulation.
💡 Tip: Many women continue taking their high-quality prenatal or postnatal multivitamin during breastfeeding. Speak with your health practitioner or naturopath to personalise your plan.
Thitima Malphet, Qualified Naturopath
“Most important considerations for postnatal care are to support breastfeeding and immunity of both mother and infant. We want to provide nutrients that are important for infant brain and immune development.”
Baby’s Health from the Start
Newborns are delicate, and there’s plenty you can do to gently and safely support their developing systems. Here’s how to start:
- Infant probiotics: Shown to support digestive comfort (colic, wind, reflux), immune function and skin health. Strains like Bifidobacterium infantis and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG are well-researched for infants.
- Baby DHA liquid: Supports brain, eye and nervous system development. Choose a clean, high-quality formula with appropriate dosing for infants.
- Vitamin D: If not supplemented through mum's milk or formula, infants often need a direct source. Vitamin D supports bone growth and immune health.
- Tummy time: A simple daily practice that encourages motor development, strengthens neck and shoulder muscles, and supports healthy brain and sensory growth. You can start from day one.
Thitima’s Top Picks
"To provide nutrients and energy support for breastfeeding mum.”
To support cognitive function for breastfeeding mum and benefit infant neurodevelopment. Also to support healthy immune function.”
"To support healthy gut microbiome and immune function.”
Poppy Osprey - Naturopath, Nutritionist, Herbalist
Poppy’s Essentials
"Vitamin D is involved in over 900 enzymatic processes in the body."
"A homeopathic remedy that can aid if labour was long."
The dairy-free probiotic bacteria for baby's digestive tract
More Favourites from the Team
- Traditional herbal remedy for nursing mothers
- Contains Fenugreek and Blessed Thistle
- Helps improve digestion
- Made from 100% wild Arctic cod
- Measured dropper for easy addition to formula or food
- Supports healthy brain, eye, and nervous system function
- Suitable for babies 5–35 lbs
- Supports digestive and immune health
- Reduces symptoms of infant colic
- Can be used with infants from birth till 12 months of age
- Unflavoured oral powder that can be dissolved in water, breastmilk of formula
- Supports energy production and healthy nervous system function
- Assists glucose metabolism
- Aids neurotransmitter synthesis
- Maintains a healthy stress response
- Full of oats, brewers yeast and flaxseeds to support milk production
- Hand selected ingredients by a naturopath
- Dairy, wheat, honey and egg free
Nurturing the Connection: Mind-Body Tips
- Micro-rests for mum – Sometimes, it can be hard to get a full nap. Lying down with closed eyes for as little as 10 minutes can help regulate cortisol and calm the nervous system.
- Skin-to-skin time – Helps stabilise baby’s heart rate and temperature, supports breastfeeding, and builds oxytocin for mum.
- Keep meals simple but nutrient-dense – Warm, easy-to-digest foods like soups, porridges, and stews are ideal in early recovery.
Small Steps, Lasting Impact
Caring for yourself after birth is a vital act of long-term health. And by supporting your baby with gentle, foundational tools now, you're setting them up for stronger immunity, emotional regulation, and cognitive growth well into childhood.
You don’t need to do all of it or everything at once. Pick one or two ideas that feel right for your body and your baby, and build from there. The postpartum chapter is messy and magical, and you're not meant to walk it alone.
References:
- Berger, T.M., et al. (2019). Postnatal depletion of nutrients: A neglected condition in maternal health care. Journal of Pregnancy and Child Health, 6(3), 1–4.
- Kuitunen, M., et al. (2009). Probiotics and maternal health: a prospective study during pregnancy and early infancy. Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 39(4), 458–466.
- Turkyılmaz, C., et al. (2011). The effect of galactagogue herbal tea on breast milk production and short-term catch-up of birth weight in the first week of life. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 17(2), 139–142.
- Wagner, C.L., & Greer, F.R. (2008). Prevention of rickets and vitamin D deficiency in infants, children, and adolescents. Pediatrics, 122(5), 1142–1152.
- Cusick, S.E., & Georgieff, M.K. (2016). The first 1,000 days of life: The brain’s window of opportunity. UNICEF Office of Research Discussion Paper.
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