Postnatal Multivitamin

Essential Postnatal is formulated for the new nutrient demands on a mother for 6 months postpartum and throughout lactation.* The postpartum period is commonly defined as the time from birth up to 6 months post-birth. We recommend Essential Postnatal to women for 6 months after giving birth or for as long as they plan to breastfeed or pump.*

Yes! Ritual’s Essential Postnatal is the first and only postnatal product with delayed released technology delivering multivitamins, Choline, and Omega-3, shown to improve breast milk quality and support the increased nutrient demands for lactating moms in the early postpartum period.†* 

It was the subject of a 10-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, university-led clinical trial. This study prioritized lactating women from diverse backgrounds, helping close the research gap around nutritional recommendations for lactation, tailored to the unique needs of breastfeeding. The result? A rigorously tested postnatal designed to support key nutrient needs during lactation, backed by science—not assumptions.* 

This study was particularly important given the lack of data around the postpartum period, particularly with respect to nutritional needs during breastfeeding. Despite the substantial metabolic demands of lactation and the clear influence of maternal nutrition on both mom and infant/baby breastfeeding women remain underrepresented in clinical research.1,2 As a result, many nutritional recommendations for lactation are based on pregnancy or general adult data, rather than being tailored to the unique demands of breastfeeding.3 

These gaps are especially concerning for women from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, who face additional barriers to adequate lactation guidance and are further underrepresented in existing research.4,5 This study aimed to address those gaps by prioritizing rigorous study design and inclusive participant representation. This research advances the science of postpartum nutrition and supports evidence-based supplementation specifically validated for the demands of lactation.

1National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. *Advancing Clinical Research with Pregnant and Lactating Populations: Overcoming Real and Perceived Liability Risks.* [National Academies Press]; 2024.

2World Health Organization. *Equity and health: the inclusion of pregnant and breastfeeding women in clinical trials.* [WHO]; 2025.

3Atkinson SA, Koletzko B. *Nutritional requirements during lactation: towards European alignment of reference values.* Br J Nutr. 2019;122(S1):S1-S20.

4Jones KM, Power ML, Queenan JT, Schulkin J. Racial and ethnic disparities in breastfeeding. Breastfeed Med. 2015 May;10(4):186-96. doi: 10.1089/bfm.2014.0152.

5FDA website. Accessed 2022: https://www.fda.gov/consumers/minority-health-and-health-equity/clinical-trial-diversity

Supporting new nutrient demands on a mother for 6 months postpartum and throughout lactation is what’s important. While many people feel a difference, some don’t, and that’s okay. It’s what’s happening inside that counts. Calcium-helper nutrients D3, K2, Magnesium, and Boron help support bone health, while Iron, Folate, and vitamin B12 contribute to red blood cell formation. Vitamins A, C & D help contribute to normal immune function, and Biotin, Iodine, and zinc support metabolic demand.*

The bottle for Essential Postnatal is made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic and is made of #1 PET plastic, which is highly recyclable curbside. The caps on our multivitamin bottles are #5 and are made of polypropylene.

Additionally, your first month is shipped in a recyclable box, and recurring orders are shipped in mailers made from 100% recycled content (the paper used to make our mailers is 100% garbage-repurposed newsprint and plant fibers). Any collateral included is also made of 100% recycled materials.

Supporting new nutrient demands on a mother for 6 months postpartum and throughout lactation is what’s important. While many people feel a difference, some don’t, and that’s okay. It’s what’s happening inside that counts. Calcium-helper nutrients D3, K2, Magnesium, and Boron help support bone health, while Iron, Folate, and vitamin B12 contribute to red blood cell formation. Vitamins A, C & D help contribute to normal immune function, and Biotin, Iodine, and zinc support metabolic demand.*

1-Month Subscription: Enjoy automatic delivery of a 30-day supply every 30 days with free shipping for convenient, consistent replenishment. All subscriptions renew automatically, but you’re always in control. You can pause, skip, change your delivery date, or cancel anytime from your Account Page.