Taking Care of Yourself While Breastfeeding and Giving Back to Women and Children

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #100MillionReasons #CollectiveBias

When we are breastfeeding we hear so many opinions on what foods to eat, how to boost milk supply and other advice related to our nutrition. I have found there are two things I must do to take care of myself while breastfeeding; take a prenatal vitamin and stay hydrated!

We all know to take our prenatal while pregnant, but it's important while breastfeeding as well. While eating a healthy, balanced diet should give us all of the vitamins and nutrients we need, we know that's not always easy when taking care of a newborn, or in my case chasing two toddlers! Many women do not always get what they need from diet alone.

I will admit, I eat pretty much what I want when nursing, I take medications if needed and I do not sacrifice much. Most foods and medications are perfectly safe while nursing, and women should not feel restricted. Taking care of ourselves is easy if we take a multivitamin or prenatal vitamin and stay hydrated. This will also go a long way to help breastmilk supply.

When it comes to staying hydrated while breastfeeding, it is recommended to drink up to 10-12 glasses of water a day. I admit I sometimes have trouble reaching that goal but I try. Adding lemon or lime to make water a little more appealing helps.

It's easy for me to take my vitamins and take care of myself, but there are many women and children in our country and across the globe who do not have access to such basic necessities. Breastfeeding itself is critical to fighting malnutrition and goes a long way to prevent infant deaths, but women and children also need access to prenatal vitamins and clean water. When women have trouble taking care of themselves and their children, we need to find a way to help.

I recently came across a great way that I can give back, and it's easy to do since I am still taking prenatal vitamins. There is a wonderful organization called Vitamin Angels and right now you can head to Walgreens and purchase Centrum vitamins, and Walgreens will donate 1% of your purchase to Vitamin Angels.

Some facts about Vitamin Angels and the 100 million reasons campaign:

• For over 20 years Vitamin Angels has been helping at-risk populations (pregnant women, new mothers and children under 5) gain access to life changing vitamins & minerals.
• Vitamin Angels is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide at-risk mothers and children life-saving vitamins and minerals.
• In 2014, Vitamin Angels reached 40 million children in 45 countries and are distributing 300 million vitamins in 2015.
• Vitamin Angels gives you 100 million reasons to take your vitamins - Walgreens and Vitamin Angels are teaming up to bring 100 million mothers and children the essential nutrients and vitamins many of us take for granted.

As someone who advocates for women, children, and breastfeeding this organization and campaign really touches me. The fact that I can help out just by buying the vitamins I am already taking makes it a no brainer.

And, in case you need more motivation to get your Centrum vitamins from Walgreens (and contribute to Vitamin Angels) I've got one more reason... When you spend $30 or more on eligible Centrum products you'll receive 10,000 Balance Rewards points.

I am excited to share this opportunity to give back with you! I purchased my prenatal vitamins for myself, I bought some for my kids, and whether you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or a mom on the go this is something we can all easily do to give back.

Can you help me spread the word about this easy and great way to give back to such a wonderful organization, Vitamin Angels, that helps women, children and babies all over the world? Thank you!