• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
  • Fertility Topics
  • Fertility Therapies
  • Hormone Health
  • Nutrition
  • Success Stories
  • PROGRAMS
  • ARTICLES
Natural Fertility Info.com
  • Shop Products
  • PROGRAMS
  • ARTICLES
Natural Fertility Info.com

Natural Fertility Info.com

Natural Fertility tips, information, herbs, supplements and more

  • Shop Products

Pregnancy

Why Vitamin D is Important for Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Fiona Peacock
July 18, 2021
Reviewed by Christine Traxler, MD

Vitamin D is important because it helps to regulate absorption of calcium and phosphate in the body, which is essential to healthy bone formation. Vitamin D also plays a role in the immune system, regulation of cell growth, regulation of inflammation response, muscle strength, and even hormone production. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, your vitamin D intake will also have an effect on your baby’s vitamin D levels and his/her proper development.

Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy puts your baby at risk of having low vitamin D stores at birth. In extreme cases, babies can develop rickets as a result of low vitamin D levels. Low levels of vitamin D have also been linked to an increased risk of pregnancy complications including pre­eclampsia, preterm labor, gestational diabetes, and increased risk for infections. Research shows that supplementing with additional vitamin D3 in pregnancy promotes healthy bone-mass for children later in life and may help to prevent depression.

Where Does Vitamin D Come From?

Sun Exposure
Your body is able to make most of the vitamin D you need through exposure to sunlight. During the summer months, when the sun is at its hottest, your body replenishes its stores of this important vitamin. Experts recommend spending 20 minutes a day with your face and forearms exposed to the sun during summer. Sunscreen can reduce the amount of vitamin D absorbed, so you should avoid its use for these 20 minutes. It is important, however, to stay safe in the sun and protect your skin to prevent lasting damage, so ensure you limit this exposure to just 20 minutes.

Food Sources
Vitamin D can be consumed as part of your daily diet, and this will help to ensure you have enough Vitamin D for both and your baby during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Foods such as oily fish, red meat, and egg yolks are considered to be good sources of vitamin D.

Vitamin D Supplementation for Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Vitamin D deficiency is a growing problem across the US, with increased number of people suffering from low levels of this vital vitamin.

You have an increased likelihood of having low levels of vitamin D if you:

  • have dark skin
  • have a body mass index of 30 or above
  • have limited exposure to sunlight
  • don’t eat enough foods rich in vitamin D

Most pregnancy and breastfeeding multivitamins contain vitamin D, but you should check the dosage to ensure you are getting the right amount. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are advised to take a daily supplement containing 400IU of vitamin D. This amount is under review, and many experts believe it should in fact be a higher dosage. Speak to your healthcare professional for advice on which vitamin D supplement to choose during pregnancy.

Assuming that your vitamin D levels were at an acceptable level during pregnancy, your baby should be able to get all the vitamin D he needs from your breastmilk. If, however, you suffered from low levels of vitamin D during pregnancy, your baby may need a vitamin D supplement. If you are suffering from low levels of vitamin D during breastfeeding, speak to your healthcare provider to find out if your baby should take a vitamin D supplement.

It is recommended that you continue to take vitamin D supplements while breastfeeding, as this helps to ensure your baby is receiving enough vitamin D through your milk. Experts recommend that babies aged under six months should have limited exposure to the sun, so it is important to make sure your baby is getting enough vitamin D through breast milk.

Low Levels of Vitamin D During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

If you are worried that you may be suffering from low levels of vitamin D during pregnancy or breastfeeding, you can request a blood test. If the test confirms a deficiency, your healthcare provider will be able to recommend supplements to increase your vitamin D levels.

It is also possible to take too much vitamin D, and it can be difficult for your body to get rid of the excess. Speak to your healthcare provider about the supplements you take, to make sure you are within the healthy range for both you and your baby. We find the best way to avoid taking too much vitamin D is to take a whole food sourced vitamin D3 supplement.

References

  • Vitamin D and Breastfeeding: An interview with Bruce Hollis, PhD • KellyMom.com. (n.d.). Retrieved from: http://kellymom.com/nutrition/vitamins/vitamin-d-and-breastfeeding/
  • Vitamin D during pregnancy and breastfeeding. (n.d.). Retrieved from: https://www.vitamindcouncil.org/vitamin-d-during-pregnancy-and-breastfeeding/
  • Lite, J. (n.d.). Vitamin D deficiency soars in the U.S., study says. Retrieved from: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/vitamin-d-deficiency-united-states/
  • Vitamin D and Breast Feeding. (n.d.). Retrieved from: https://breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/wp-content/dibm/vitamin%20D%20and%20breastfeeding.pdf
  • Vitamin D in your pregnancy diet. (n.d.). Retrieved from: https://www.babycenter.com/0_vitamin-d-in-your-pregnancy-diet_661.bc?showAll=true
  • RCOG statement on new study on maternal vitamin D levels in pregnancy. (n.d.). Retrieved from: https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/news/rcog-statement-on-new-study-on-maternal-vitamin-d-levels-in-pregnancy/
  • Barton-Schuster, D., CH, Doula. (n.d.). Should You Continue Nutritional Supplements During Pregnancy? Retrieved from: http://natural-fertility-info.com/supplements-during-pregnancy.html

« Previous Post
Painful Intercourse and What To Do About It
Next Post »
7 Misconceptions About Natural Conception and Pregnancy Over 35

About the Author

Avatar photo

Fiona Peacock

5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally

  • Learn the 5 different areas to focus on for optimal fertility health
  • Learn how to support hormonal health with herbs and essential oils
  • Tips on transitioning to a whole food fertility diet.
  • Self-care therapies to support your reproductive health

@NaturalFertilityInfo

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 26

Open
🥚 In the past, a common belief was that the only factor which determines ovarian and egg health was age. 

Based on new studies, we now know that this may not be true. 🤯

There are many factors that can have an impact on the health of the ovaries and eggs including environmental factors, hormones in the diet, and stress, just to name a few.

In addition, having healthy fertility is based on many additional aspects to consider, including:
➡️ Proper circulation
➡️ A healthy fertility cycle
➡️ Balanced hormones
➡️ Healthy eggs

Egg health is one of the cornerstones of healthy fertility. 

The health of your eggs (ova) can affect whether or not fertilization and implantation will occur as well as the viability of a pregnancy.

During the cycle of an egg’s journey towards ovulation, there is a window of opportunity, a period of time, when certain factors can affect the health of the eggs that are preparing for ovulation. ⏳

This journey takes about 90 days. 

The steps you take today will impact the health of your eggs 3 months from now. 

That is why I talk so much about taking a MINIMUM of 90 days to prepare for pregnancy or IVF/IUI. 

🙂 The good news is that there are steps you can take to help support the health of your eggs. There is too much info to put into this tiny caption but….

Type EGG if you would like me to send you my Egg Health Checklist that takes you through all of the steps to take.👇👇

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 26

Open
5 Steps you can take to help support your fertility naturally…. 👇

1️⃣ Cleanse and prepare the body for conception

2️⃣ Nourish the body with fertility supportive foods

3️⃣ Protect and remove any substances that are causing harm

4️⃣ Learn how to fertility chart and read your monthly cycle

5️⃣ Add lifestyle habits that help to support fertility health

🌼 To learn more on how to support your fertility naturally, type STEPS in the comments below to join my free mini-course - 5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally, where I go into detail on each of the 5 steps. 👇

#naturalfertility #fertilitytips #gettingpregnant #hormonehealth #hormonalhealth

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 25

Open
When a couple is preparing for fertility, it is a good idea for both to cleanse the body of toxins, chemicals, and excess hormones.

The chemicals, pesticides, and toxins in our environment are having a huge impact on male fertility. 

In the last 50 years, sperm counts have been cut in half.

Fertility Cleansing for men is a big step in the right direction. 

👇 To learn more about the Fertility Cleansing type CLEANSE in the comments below and I will send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 👇 

#hormonehealth #hormonalhealth #periodhealth #naturalfertility #fertilitytips #fertilitydiet

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 25

Open
How To Eat Healthier For Your Fertility 🍌🍇🍉🥒🥕

Nutrition can make a big difference when you are wanting to prepare for pregnancy, support hormonal health or overcome fertility issues.

But it can sometimes be hard to start new habits.

One of my favorite ways to make lasting dietary changes is to focus on what you can add instead of only the things you shouldn’t be eating.

There are 5 specific things I have my clients add to their current diets every day.

🍌What they found after about 21 days of eating this way, they started to not only crave healthier foods, their body was giving them positive feedback through lighter cycles, better digestion, clearer skin and more energy. ⚡

While eating healthy is something you will need to do for the rest of your life, doing a challenge like this helps to give you a great jump start.

👇 If you would like to learn more about the Important 5 and start a 21 Day Fertility Diet Challenge. Type DIET in the comments below and I will send you the link 👇

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 24

Open
Get ready to prep your body for conception with Fertility Cleansing 101 🌿

The time leading up to pregnancy is crucial in creating a healthy foundation for your growing baby. That's where fertility cleansing comes in!

By cleansing the uterus and liver through the use of herbs, you'll be supporting your body in preparation for conception. 

The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

#FertilityJourney #ReproductiveHealth #Cleansing"

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 24

Open
🚩The good news is that each of these red flags can be fixed through lifestyle upgrades and natural therapies! 

Type ‘STEPS’ in the comments below if you want to learn which steps are most important for fertility and hormone health. Let’s turn those red flags green. 💚

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 23

Open
🌱Learn how to balance your HORMONES naturally 👇

Here are 3 practical and affect ways to support your hormonal health.

One of the keys to see the best results is to stay consistent and learn as much about your body as you can.

1️⃣ Use liver supporting herbs

Herbs such as milk thistle have been shown to help the liver in it's natural ability to get rid of toxins and chemicals in the body.

This can make a big difference when it comes to hormone balance.

2️⃣ Do the Fertility Cleanse 1-2x per year

Support the body in it’s natural ability to get rid of excess hormones by doing a fertility cleanse.

3️⃣ Stop using skin care and cleaning products that contain hormone mimicking chemicals

Xenohormones mimic estrogen in the body and can cause imbalance.

👇 To learn more about the Fertility Cleansing type CLEANSE in the comments below and I will send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 👇

#hormonehealth #hormonalhealth #periodhealth #naturalfertility #fertilitytips #fertilitydiet

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 23

Open
Should men do a Fertility Cleanse as well? 💪

A common misconception when it comes to fertility is that if there is an issue it is most likely going to be with the woman. 

This is simply not true. 

Statically fertility issues impact men just as often as women and lifestyle factors can make a big difference. 

The Male Fertility Cleanse Kit helps to support men to cleanse and detox excess hormones, toxins, increase circulation and promote hormone balance. 

👇 Drop MEN in the comments below & I will send you my Male Fertility Checklist with all the details on which herbs, supplements and foods to focus on in addition to cleansing 👇

#malefertilty #naturalfertility #gettingpregnant #fertilitytips

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 22

Open
Get ready to prep your body for conception with Fertility Cleansing 101 🌿

The time leading up to pregnancy is crucial in creating a healthy foundation for your growing baby. That's where fertility cleansing comes in!

By cleansing the uterus and liver through the use of herbs, you'll be supporting your body in preparation for conception. 

The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

#FertilityJourney #ReproductiveHealth #Cleansing"

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 22

Open
Get ready to prep your body for conception with Fertility Cleansing 101 🌿

The time leading up to pregnancy is crucial in creating a healthy foundation for your growing baby. That's where fertility cleansing comes in!

By cleansing the uterus and liver through the use of herbs, you'll be supporting your body in preparation for conception. 

The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

#FertilityJourney #ReproductiveHealth #Cleansing"

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 22

Open
☕Reproductive Support Tea contains herbs that support, tone, and nourish the female reproductive system while supporting hormone balance.
It’s a soothing and effective fertility tea that provides just the right mixture of beneficial fertility herbs designed to help:

1️⃣ Nourish the uterus*
2️⃣ Support fallopian tube health.*
3️⃣ Help maintain normal ovarian function.*
4️⃣ Encourage normal uterine health.*
5️⃣ Support hormonal balance.

This tea is one of two teas in our Fertility Cleanse Kit. 

👇 To learn more about the Fertility Cleansing type CLEANSE in the comments below and I will send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 👇 

What tea are you drinking today??

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 21

Open
Get ready to prep your body for conception with Fertility Cleansing 101 🌿

The time leading up to pregnancy is crucial in creating a healthy foundation for your growing baby. That's where fertility cleansing comes in!

By cleansing the uterus and liver through the use of herbs, you'll be supporting your body in preparation for conception. 

The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

#FertilityJourney #ReproductiveHealth #Cleansing"

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 21

Open
Get ready to prep your body for conception with Fertility Cleansing 101 🌿

The time leading up to pregnancy is crucial in creating a healthy foundation for your growing baby. That's where fertility cleansing comes in!

By cleansing the uterus and liver through the use of herbs, you'll be supporting your body in preparation for conception. 

The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

#FertilityJourney #ReproductiveHealth #Cleansing

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 20

Open
🥚 In the past, a common belief was that the only factor which determines ovarian and egg health was age. 

Based on new studies, we now know that this may not be true. 🤯

There are many factors that can have an impact on the health of the ovaries and eggs including environmental factors, hormones in the diet, and stress, just to name a few.

In addition, having healthy fertility is based on many additional aspects to consider, including:
➡️ Proper circulation
➡️ A healthy fertility cycle
➡️ Balanced hormones
➡️ Healthy eggs

Egg health is one of the cornerstones of healthy fertility. 

The health of your eggs (ova) can affect whether or not fertilization and implantation will occur as well as the viability of a pregnancy.

During the cycle of an egg’s journey towards ovulation, there is a window of opportunity, a period of time, when certain factors can affect the health of the eggs that are preparing for ovulation. ⏳

This journey takes about 90 days. 

The steps you take today will impact the health of your eggs 3 months from now. 

That is why I talk so much about taking a MINIMUM of 90 days to prepare for pregnancy or IVF/IUI. 

🙂 The good news is that there are steps you can take to help support the health of your eggs. There is too much info to put into this tiny caption but….

Type EGG if you would like me to send you my Egg Health Checklist that takes you through all of the steps to take.👇👇

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 20

Open
5 Steps you can take to help support your fertility naturally…. 👇

1️⃣ Cleanse and prepare the body for conception

2️⃣ Nourish the body with fertility supportive foods

3️⃣ Protect and remove any substances that are causing harm

4️⃣ Learn how to fertility chart and read your monthly cycle

5️⃣ Add lifestyle habits that help to support fertility health

🌼 To learn more on how to support your fertility naturally, type STEPS in the comments below to join my free mini-course - 5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally, where I go into detail on each of the 5 steps. 👇

#naturalfertility #fertilitytips #gettingpregnant #hormonehealth #hormonalhealth

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 19

Open
Get ready to prep your body for conception with Fertility Cleansing 101 🌿

The time leading up to pregnancy is crucial in creating a healthy foundation for your growing baby. That's where fertility cleansing comes in!

By cleansing the uterus and liver through the use of herbs, you'll be supporting your body in preparation for conception. 

The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

#FertilityJourney #ReproductiveHealth #Cleansing"

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 19

Open
What does the Fertility Cleanse Kit include and how to use the kit. 

A common misconception when it comes to fertility is that if there is an issue it is most likely going to be with the woman. 

This is simply not true. 

Statically fertility issues impact men just as often as women and lifestyle factors can make a big difference. 

The Male Fertility Cleanse Kit helps to support men to cleanse and detox excess hormones, toxins, increase circulation and promote hormone balance. 

👇 Drop MEN in the comments below & I will send you my Male Fertility Checklist with all the details on which herbs, supplements and foods to focus on in addition to cleansing 👇

#malefertilty #naturalfertility #gettingpregnant #fertilitytips

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 18

Open
Is it okay to start a kit and the Fertility Cleanse at the same time?

Do you have natural fertility questions? Type them below. We are happy to help!

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 18

Open
📈 Fertility charting will help you to better understand your current hormonal state, when or if you are ovulating and other information about your cycle that will help to bring clarity to your fertility path.

Some things you will be able to see on a fertility chart….📈

🌸Thyroid function
🌸Estrogen dominance/deficiency
🌸When and if you are ovulating
🌸Progesterone state
🌸Length of follicular phase
🌸Length of luteal phase
🌸Pregnancy

👇To begin learning how to fertility chart, type CHART into the comments below and I will share a link to my getting started to fertility charting guide. 👇 

#fertility #fertilitycharting #fertilitytips #fertilitycoach #naturalfertility

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 17

Open
The Fertility Cleanse kit is one of the best ways to prepare for conception. 

It's the first step we suggest for most couples when they start trying to get pregnant. 

With over 680 five star reviews, the Fertility Cleanse Kit is by far a customer favorite. 

You can find the Fertility Cleanse Kit on our website. Link in the bio... @naturalfertilityinfo

Want to learn more? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪
Load More...

Footer

  • Programs
  • Products

  • Consultations
  • Contact Us