I've been taking prenatal DHA along with my prenatal vitamin. I am planning to breastfeed and I know I should keep taking the prenatal vitamin while breast feeding, just wondering if I should also keep taking the DHA? Is there any benefit for the baby? I don't really like taking the DHA bc the pills are so big!
Me: 36, DB: 35
DS: Oliver, 12/27/08. Water labor, drug free, hospital birth assisted by midwife and doula.
DD: Ivy, April 15, 2013. Drug free hospital birth.
Your brain and more importantly your baby's brain is made up of DHA in significant portion. It isn't something your body can create. You have to provide either the ALA or EPA and hope you are capable of converting these forms to DHA or just consume the DHA. It needs to be consumed in adequate amts for your health and supplemented in extra amts as long as you are BFing to make sure baby gets enough. Without it there are certain learning disabilities and neurological disorders that can develop.
David Jude
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I hate taking pills. I remember the DHA pills were awkward; they were big but they were so light it was hard to have control in swallowing them. I got them stuck in my throat many, many times. I feel your pain on that.
That said, while not everyone believes in/takes DHA, I am a HUGE supporter. I haven't read all the research about it, but from the "non-scientific" observations I've made, DHA kids seem to benefit a lot. I don't know if that is true, but IMO, if there is something (DHA) that studies show will (or even might) do more to benefit a child's development, I will try my hardest to suffer through it unless and until it becomes impractical or impossible. That's just my personal opinion.
My doctor said DHA may prove beneficial after the first trimester and it may not, but he said it "can't hurt" to keep taking it throughout the pregnancy and BF-ing. His view (upon which mine is somewhat based) is that if something might have great benefits for the baby, and it definitely doesn't hurt the baby or cause risks to the mother, then it's better to do it. Hope this helps!
I'm 37, DH is 35 -- married since 2009.
1st BFP 02/2011 (first cycle TTC, thanks FAM!), but
2nd BFP 08/2011 (first cycle TTC post D&C, thanks FAM!) - born 05/16/2012.
TTA currently, TTC #2 probably September 2013
Related/relevant medical: 2 ovarian cysts [laparoscopy for one, Depo for other], numerous fibroids (all types) [abdominal myomectomy], abnormal pap - pre-cancer cells [laser surgery failed so cryo surgery], TIA likely caused by Yaz (no more BCP!), 1 miscarriage [D&C after natural m/c failed], C-section for DS. Also diagnosed with sigmoid ulcerative colitis, ocular migraines (aura), depression/anxiety (and severe PPD w/DS). I'm kind-of a mess but my DH loves me anyway....
My chart: http://www.tcoyf.com/members/Michelle763/charts/default.aspx
My doctor didn't think the research was there to support taking it. When you breastfeed you do want to eat well and you'll be giving both you and your baby a huge emotional and physical benefit by nursing.
I've actually even seen it suggested that you wait to take it until you are breastfeeding and not take it in pregnancy so I agree with pp that it's important. That said, you can find it integrated in with your prenatal. That's how I take it. Or there is always the option of just ensuring you are eating DHA nutrient rich foods.
wifey 30 hubby 33. est. 10.12.12
BFP 12.21.12 EDD September 4, 2013 ~ 20 week scan confirmed it's a BOY!
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I plan on continuing both throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding, although I use the VitaFusion gummy omega-3s, and they are so much more palatable. They also don't have the same amount of DHA as other prenatal supplements do, so it's sort of comparing apples to pineapples. (I hate the big pills too!)
Me: 37, Husband: 39, together 3 years, TTC #1. After 8 years of DepoProvera, 6 years of Mirena, finally off BC Dec 2011!
Cautiously optimistic - BFP 2/9 (cycle 16) - EDD 10/19/2013
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I "think" I remember reading somewhere a connection with third trimester DHA and larger head size but I can't find it again. Hmmmm.....
TTC#1 s of 10/06/2012!!
Me: 33 DH: 36. One beautiful fur baby!! One Fur Baby taken too early, RIP Dukie, 4/4/13.
BFP 11/22/2012, second cycle!! Cautiously optimistic! EDD 8/1/2013
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Cableann- I read the same thing on a midwife website, but never found any other information on that. Also, my sister made a good point, that if that was true wouldn't there be a ton of huge headed babies all of a sudden now that taking DHA supplements has become so popular in recent years?