I’ll never forget the first bottle of Materna multivitamins I bought. It was 2007 and I was at the grocery store. I plucked the pink bottle from the shelf without even looking at the competition.
Big B and I had decided that it was time to make a baby, and I knew that it was important to have folic acid running through my body before we conceived.
The statistics were pretty convincing: spina bifida and other neural tube defects happen in the first four weeks of fetal development and taking folic acid before pregnancy can reduce the risks of some defects by more than 70 per cent. But let’s be honest, unless you’re tracking your menstrual cycle so fastidiously that you can feel your eggs dropping, chances are that you wouldn’t even know that early on if you’re baking a bun in your proverbial oven.
It was a no-brainer. I popped Materna like candy every morning. And that was before learning that researchers at SickKids discovered that women taking a multivitamin with folic acid before pregnancy helped protect their babies from tumours and some types of childhood leukemia.
Truth be told, I’m a terrible pill-taker. I was known for taking four birth-control pills at once having forgotten for as many days. Yet once you’re a parent (or on the excited verge of becoming one), you finally understand what it is to want to do anything for another human being. Anything. Armed with research and stats like these, I know few moms who wouldn’t figure out a way to remember to take a prenatal vitamin religiously to prevent any kind of disease or disorder that would keep her child as healthy as possible.
I didn’t stop taking Materna when The K Man was born, either. I knew that a multivitamin with folic acid was recommended by Health Canada for nursing moms. As a huge proponent of breastfeeding, I can’t impress upon you enough how important it is to ensure that your body has enough vitamins and minerals to support your body as it makes the liquid gold that will give your newborn the optimal start in life.
Good nutrition isn’t always the priority when you’re sleep deprived and in the throes of cluster feeding, so add a reminder to your smartphone or leave a perma-note on your kitchen table to remind you to at least take your postnatal-friendly multivitamin.
One thing I think every mom-to-be should add to her multivitamin regime is DHA. Fish oil. While Nestlé currently doesn’t have plans to incorporate DHA into Materna, you need to know that omega-3 fatty acids (especially DHA) does all sorts of amazing things for babies in utero: it helps with brain and retinal development; can reduce the risk of premature birth; and can increase birth weight. And that’s just the upsides for Baby. Mama benefits, too, with some studies citing lowered risk of pre-eclampsia, among other things.
Since fish is the best source of heart-healthy DHA, and we’re warned from eating too much of them during pregnancy thanks to their potentially high mercury levels, a supplement is (in my non-medical opinion) a safer option. So hit up your local health food store and ask for a high-quality DHA or EPA supplement, and leave that bottle beside your pre- or postnatal multivitamin so you remember to take it.
Because, honestly… what’s the downside?
CONTEST
Enter here or below for your chance to win a $150 Nestlé Materna prize pack that includes a LeSportSac bag, Baby Gap bib, a couple bottles of Maternal multivitamins and all kinds of other great stuff!
DISCLAIMER: Nestlé Canada provided compensation for this post. All anecdotes and opinions expressed are solely my own and not influenced by dolla-dolla billz, yo.
oddlittleduc says
I’m currently taking it… 36 weeks pregnant. I’ve been taking it for most of the past 7 years (TTC, pregnancies and breastfeeding for nearly 2 years with all of them).
oddlittleduc says
I’m currently taking it… 36 weeks pregnant. I’ve been taking it for most of the past 7 years (TTC, pregnancies and breastfeeding for nearly 2 years with all of them).
Maegan Morin says
It is so important to have a good vitamin when you are pregnant and Materna is my number one choice!
Maegan Morin says
It is so important to have a good vitamin when you are pregnant and Materna is my number one choice!
Angela Mitchell says
I can’t remember what brand of prenatal vitamin I took with my son but I do remember that for awhile I had to go off them and just take a folic acid because I was sooooo sick for a couple of months and my doctor thought the iron in the vitamin might be contributing to that. I don’t miss that sick feeling!
Angela Mitchell says
I can’t remember what brand of prenatal vitamin I took with my son but I do remember that for awhile I had to go off them and just take a folic acid because I was sooooo sick for a couple of months and my doctor thought the iron in the vitamin might be contributing to that. I don’t miss that sick feeling!
Kristi Renout says
I used Materna during my pregnancies as well!
Kristi Renout says
I used Materna during my pregnancies as well!
Leah says
I wonder if Materna is available in the US — I’ve never seen it. I did start taking a multivit about 9 months before we started trying, so I am now pregnant with a year+ of folic acid supplements behind me. What helped at the start was to put the pills in with my lunch. I filled an old medicine bottle every Sunday night with a week’s worth of vitamins and stuck that in my lunchbox. Now, I’m in the habit.
Leah says
I wonder if Materna is available in the US — I’ve never seen it. I did start taking a multivit about 9 months before we started trying, so I am now pregnant with a year+ of folic acid supplements behind me. What helped at the start was to put the pills in with my lunch. I filled an old medicine bottle every Sunday night with a week’s worth of vitamins and stuck that in my lunchbox. Now, I’m in the habit.
Darlene says
Amazing
Darlene says
Amazing
Jenn Pirili says
Great advice
Jenn Pirili says
Great advice
Pam says
It is so important to make sure that you are taking care of yourself and baby and Materna makes it easy with one pill.
Pam says
It is so important to make sure that you are taking care of yourself and baby and Materna makes it easy with one pill.
Denise says
I will be a first time mother in August and looking to learn.
Denise says
I will be a first time mother in August and looking to learn.
shelly kristianson says
I hadn’t heard of this brand before
shelly kristianson says
I hadn’t heard of this brand before
tennille says
I have used maternity vitamins for years, even when not pregnant.
tennille says
I have used maternity vitamins for years, even when not pregnant.
Stephanie Wilson (@wilson_s16) says
I used materna during my pregnancy too!
Stephanie Wilson (@wilson_s16) says
I used materna during my pregnancy too!
lorna says
Materna is the gold standard in prenatal vitamns
lorna says
Materna is the gold standard in prenatal vitamns
Emma says
I used materna as well and it really helped
Emma says
I used materna as well and it really helped
CHERROY says
I’VE BEEN TAKING MATERNA
CHERROY says
I’VE BEEN TAKING MATERNA
sarah says
im currently on my second bottle of materna.. best recommendation i received for prenatal supplements.
sarah says
im currently on my second bottle of materna.. best recommendation i received for prenatal supplements.
Meghan says
Still taking it with my four month old!
Meghan says
Still taking it with my four month old!
Kate Niven says
Materna is a great vitamin and what my doctor recommends.
Kate Niven says
Materna is a great vitamin and what my doctor recommends.
braya says
I am very interested in trying Materna
braya says
I am very interested in trying Materna
Amy says
I am currently 38 weeks and 6 days pregnant and I still remember when the doctor said to me that I was pregnant and had better start taking a prenatal vitamin. I asked him if I needed a perscription and he said “no, just go to the drug store and ask for Materna” and that was the beginning of this amazing journey.
Amy says
I am currently 38 weeks and 6 days pregnant and I still remember when the doctor said to me that I was pregnant and had better start taking a prenatal vitamin. I asked him if I needed a perscription and he said “no, just go to the drug store and ask for Materna” and that was the beginning of this amazing journey.
Nicole B says
I’m taking Materna currently with this pregnancy!
Nicole B says
I’m taking Materna currently with this pregnancy!
Robert Curtis says
hoping to have a child soon
Robert Curtis says
hoping to have a child soon
jasmine says
i started with materna loved it
jasmine says
i started with materna loved it
jessie c says
so excited for all the babies coming into my family!
jessie c says
so excited for all the babies coming into my family!
phyllis ruszkowski says
would love to try these products
phyllis ruszkowski says
would love to try these products
maria forster says
What a wonderful bag of goodies Materna!!!
maria forster says
What a wonderful bag of goodies Materna!!!
may says
I am still using it!
may says
I am still using it!
Angela says
Materna was easier to swallow than the national drug store brand, and was my first choice to use when I waqs pregnant.
Angela says
Materna was easier to swallow than the national drug store brand, and was my first choice to use when I waqs pregnant.
Kelly Colby says
Have never used this, should look into it
Kelly Colby says
Have never used this, should look into it
Janice says
I’m due in 3 weeks with my first & have been (thankfully) pretty good at remembering to take my vitamins. I haven’t been using Materna but will definitely give them a try!
Janice says
I’m due in 3 weeks with my first & have been (thankfully) pretty good at remembering to take my vitamins. I haven’t been using Materna but will definitely give them a try!
Jade says
I’ve been using materna for my second pregnancy now! No complaints
Jade says
I’ve been using materna for my second pregnancy now! No complaints
Kristen says
I hadn’t been taking my prenatals as I’ve had bad morning sickness, but my iron is low and I am starting again now and plan to continue through breastfeeding.
Kristen says
I hadn’t been taking my prenatals as I’ve had bad morning sickness, but my iron is low and I am starting again now and plan to continue through breastfeeding.
Cyn L says
How palatable are these pills? A lot of multivitamins taste so awful I have to try to down it as fast as I can without it touching my taste buds lol
Cyn L says
How palatable are these pills? A lot of multivitamins taste so awful I have to try to down it as fast as I can without it touching my taste buds lol
Trisha Entr says
This is cool! Every mom should get this!
Trisha Entr says
This is cool! Every mom should get this!
alexis says
only thing I used! it actual helps with my excema proned skin where other vitamins do not 🙂
alexis says
only thing I used! it actual helps with my excema proned skin where other vitamins do not 🙂
nicole gervais says
Were trying for our second, this would b awesome!!
nicole gervais says
Were trying for our second, this would b awesome!!
Alicia says
Pregnant with my first love materna!
Alicia says
Pregnant with my first love materna!
Angela L. says
I have been taking Materna since we started trying for our first, all through tat pregnancy, and breastfeeding her, and then just kept taking it since I knew we’d have another someday…now another on the way and I know I have been taking good care of myself all along!
Angela L. says
I have been taking Materna since we started trying for our first, all through tat pregnancy, and breastfeeding her, and then just kept taking it since I knew we’d have another someday…now another on the way and I know I have been taking good care of myself all along!
kiana gerwautz says
I have never tried materna but have been told to start because im breastfeeding
kiana gerwautz says
I have never tried materna but have been told to start because im breastfeeding
Anita Jardim says
Mom is my favorite name!
Anita Jardim says
Mom is my favorite name!
Tess says
I am expecting my first baby, it’s really exciting and I’m very nervous.
Tess says
I am expecting my first baby, it’s really exciting and I’m very nervous.
Marijo w says
Materna is something I’ve used in all four of my pregnancies. It’s a very trusted brand that I recommend to everyone!
Marijo w says
Materna is something I’ve used in all four of my pregnancies. It’s a very trusted brand that I recommend to everyone!
sarah r says
I used Materna during my pregnancy and refer it to my friends who are pregnant
sarah r says
I used Materna during my pregnancy and refer it to my friends who are pregnant
Athena says
All I hear are great comments about these pills, keep up the good work.
Athena says
All I hear are great comments about these pills, keep up the good work.
Rosemary Breschuk-Chiu says
I’m going to be a first time grandma this summer!
Rosemary Breschuk-Chiu says
I’m going to be a first time grandma this summer!
Eric says
Family doc recommended materna.
Eric says
Family doc recommended materna.
Lauren Jacobs says
I still take my pre-natal vitamin, even though my son is now 9 months old!
Lauren Jacobs says
I still take my pre-natal vitamin, even though my son is now 9 months old!
Dannielle Baynton says
I’m about to start my second pack as well. Used materna with my son too!! Love the product.
Dannielle Baynton says
I’m about to start my second pack as well. Used materna with my son too!! Love the product.
jackie says
first time i head of this brand.
jackie says
first time i head of this brand.
Sunshine G says
I’m just about to start thinking about a second one – time to break out the vitamins again!
Sunshine G says
I’m just about to start thinking about a second one – time to break out the vitamins again!
Dayna Wilson says
I used Materna when pregnant with my son! It worked well. I’m kind of embarrassed to admit that throughout this pregnancy I’ve been super lax when it comes to remembering to take my vitamins. I’m too busy chasing my toddler to think much…oops.
Dayna Wilson says
I used Materna when pregnant with my son! It worked well. I’m kind of embarrassed to admit that throughout this pregnancy I’ve been super lax when it comes to remembering to take my vitamins. I’m too busy chasing my toddler to think much…oops.
michelle tremblett says
Materna is fantastic, I used it with both my kids and I highly recommend it to all my family and friends.
michelle tremblett says
Materna is fantastic, I used it with both my kids and I highly recommend it to all my family and friends.
Sarah N. says
I’m using Materna now and I really like it.
Sarah N. says
I’m using Materna now and I really like it.
Courtney says
These are the current prenatal vitamins that I am taking. Not only are they affordable, (what the heck is up with prenatal vitamins being SO expensive???) but they are also a brand I trust!
Courtney says
These are the current prenatal vitamins that I am taking. Not only are they affordable, (what the heck is up with prenatal vitamins being SO expensive???) but they are also a brand I trust!
Bree says
I used Materna when pregnant with my twins and will again for my next child!
Bree says
I used Materna when pregnant with my twins and will again for my next child!
jackie reid says
I used materna when pregnant and worked awesome.
jackie reid says
I used materna when pregnant and worked awesome.
Crystal Englot says
I used Materna vitamins during my pregnancy, it is very important that women ensure that take very good care of their health for them and baby!
Crystal Englot says
I used Materna vitamins during my pregnancy, it is very important that women ensure that take very good care of their health for them and baby!
Kris Wilson says
Materna was the brand at my doctor’s office.
Kris Wilson says
Materna was the brand at my doctor’s office.
photomum says
Your website looks very interesting, and I will sign up for your emails, thanks.
photomum says
Your website looks very interesting, and I will sign up for your emails, thanks.
Liz Tee says
I still use these vitamins even though my son is 9 months. I am nursing and still need the extra! Also not 100% sure whether we’re done having kids. Ideally these supplements should be taken
Liz Tee says
I still use these vitamins even though my son is 9 months. I am nursing and still need the extra! Also not 100% sure whether we’re done having kids. Ideally these supplements should be taken
nicolthepickle says
I take Materna Vitamins as well. I’ve tried other brands and some leave me feeling nauseous, but so far so good this time around.
They’re so reassuring to me. I want to make sure my baby gets everything she needs even if I can’t get 19 servings of fruit a day.
nicolthepickle says
I take Materna Vitamins as well. I’ve tried other brands and some leave me feeling nauseous, but so far so good this time around.
They’re so reassuring to me. I want to make sure my baby gets everything she needs even if I can’t get 19 servings of fruit a day.
lisa bolduc says
I also used this during my pregnancy.
lisa bolduc says
I also used this during my pregnancy.
angela m says
I used Materna with both my pregnancy’s.
angela m says
I used Materna with both my pregnancy’s.
Athena says
I used Materna during my pregnancy as well, I was happy with it.
Athena says
I used Materna during my pregnancy as well, I was happy with it.
Noa Goldberg says
Great post with important information! So interesting how moms always put needs of their children before their own even before they exist!
Noa Goldberg says
Great post with important information! So interesting how moms always put needs of their children before their own even before they exist!
Tanis S says
I used this before, during and now after pregnancy!
Tanis S says
I used this before, during and now after pregnancy!
Karla Sceviour says
Nestle Materna is the greatest product for expecting mothers,,I have told a lot of my freinds about it and used it myself when I was pregnant with my son.
Karla Sceviour says
Nestle Materna is the greatest product for expecting mothers,,I have told a lot of my freinds about it and used it myself when I was pregnant with my son.
zoraida says
i have never heard of it but would like to try
zoraida says
i have never heard of it but would like to try
Monique L. S. says
I used Materna for about a year before we conceived, and continued after the birth of our daughter.
I did feel it had great benefits to me and my baby. And, oddly, my fingernails look great….must be one of the vitamins.
Mommy Gearest says
OMG – that’s an interesting side effect!
Monique L. S. says
I used Materna for about a year before we conceived, and continued after the birth of our daughter.
I did feel it had great benefits to me and my baby. And, oddly, my fingernails look great….must be one of the vitamins.
Mommy Gearest says
OMG – that’s an interesting side effect!
Judy C (Judy Cowan) says
Nestle Materna is a great product and was my first choice! I have recommended it to many friends.
Judy C (Judy Cowan) says
Nestle Materna is a great product and was my first choice! I have recommended it to many friends.
Jessica says
I used Materna during my pregnancy and was really happy with it.
Jessica says
I used Materna during my pregnancy and was really happy with it.
jessica says
my midwives actually suggested that i take materna throughout my childbearing years – whether or not i am pregnant or nursing – just because it’s a great balance of vitamins!
jessica says
my midwives actually suggested that i take materna throughout my childbearing years – whether or not i am pregnant or nursing – just because it’s a great balance of vitamins!
caroline m. says
I used Materna during my son’s pregnancy and I got great results: a happy, healthy son that we love so much!
caroline m. says
I used Materna during my son’s pregnancy and I got great results: a happy, healthy son that we love so much!