Using collagen for postpartum recovery is an easy and effective way to boost your nutrient stores and support your healing body. Here’s our round-up of the best postpartum collagen brands to try.
If you’re considering using collagen to support your healing body after birth, you’ll be happy to know we did all the hard work for you.
Below you’ll find our top postpartum collagen brands, plus some information on why collagen is beneficial, if it’s safe while breastfeeding, and what you should avoid when shopping for collagen.
Quick shop postpartum collagen:
- Needed Collagen Protein
- Biomeology Prenatal Collagen Peptides
- Majka Replenishing Collagen Bites
- Provita Nourish Postpartum Collagen Peptides
Editor’s Note: This post contains affiliate links. We will earn a small commission – at no extra cost- if you purchase through one of our links. Only our honest thoughts and opinions are shared in this post.
Why is collagen good for postpartum?
In general, yes! Collagen can be a great option for your postpartum recovery, especially for breastfeeding (more on that below).
Collagen contains amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. Protein is a critical nutrient to help encourage muscle recovery and support joints and tissue throughout the body, and studies show collagen can even help with hair loss and thinning.
And protein from food sources alone isn’t always enough. Glycine is a critical amino acid that is tricky to receive adequate amounts of through food alone but is plentiful in collagen.
Most collagen supplements are made from different animal sources, including:
- Bovine (cow)
- Pig
- Chicken
- Fish
If you are vegan, there are some vegan options (like this one) in the market, but remember that there aren’t many studies on the efficacy of vegan collagen.
Benefits of taking collagen in postpartum
Curious to know why collagen can be an excellent addition to your post-birth healing and recovery? Check out some of the research-backed benefits of taking powdered collagen in postpartum.
1. Improved skin elasticity and hydration
Collagen is a major component of the skin, and its production decreases with age. Studies have shown that taking powdered collagen supplements can improve skin elasticity and hydration, especially in postpartum women.
2. Reduced stretch marks
Collagen can also help to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, which are common after childbirth. One study found that women who took powdered collagen supplements for 12 weeks had a significant reduction in the length and width of their stretch marks.
3. Improved joint health
Collagen is also important for joint health. Studies have shown that taking powdered collagen supplements can improve joint pain and stiffness in people with osteoarthritis.
This can be especially beneficial for postpartum women who may be experiencing joint pain due to carrying and caring for their new baby.
4. Increased muscle mass and strength
Collagen is also important for muscle mass and strength. Studies have shown that taking powdered collagen supplements can increase muscle mass and strength in people who are strength training.
This can be beneficial for postpartum women who are trying to return to their pre-pregnancy fitness level.
5. Improved gut health
Collagen can also help to improve gut health. Studies have shown that taking powdered collagen supplements can reduce inflammation and improve the gut barrier function.
This can be beneficial for postpartum women, who are at increased risk of developing gut problems.
In addition to these research-backed benefits, taking powdered collagen in postpartum has also been shown to improve hair growth, sleep quality, and overall mood.
Overall, taking powdered collagen in postpartum can be a safe and effective way to improve overall health and well-being. That’s why you’ll find our top picks for postpartum collagen below. We’ve made it easy for you!
Is collagen safe for lactating mothers and breastfeeding?
Currently, there are no official studies on breastfeeding and collagen intake, but it’s believed to be safe – and beneficial – for those lactating. If you are concerned, absolutely speak with your care provider.
One website states, “Many women wonder about collagen and breastfeeding. The answer is yes; it is safe to take while breastfeeding. There are no known side effects from taking it. It is a great supplement to help heal from pregnancy and repair any damage done.”
Breastfeeding requires an extra 25g of protein daily to support milk production and lactation. Adding collagen to smoothies, tea, or coffee can boost your protein intake and help you reach your nutritional requirements.
To learn more about postpartum nutrition, check out our expert-written Postpartum Nutrition Guide, featuring over 40+ recipes and nutrition support.
Best collagen for postpartum and breastfeeding
Keep reading to learn more about each company and why they made our list.
At a glance, here are our top four picks:
- Needed Collagen Protein
- Biomeology Prenatal Collagen Peptides
- Majka Replenishing Collagen Bites
- Provita Nourish Postpartum Collagen Peptides
1. Needed Collagen Protein
Designed specifically for pregnancy and postpartum, the Needed Collagen Protein powder contains hydrolyzed bovine collagen (broken down into smaller chains called peptides) from “ethically sourced from the hides of grass-fed, pasture-raised, hormone-free bovines.”
One serving of this collagen contains 15g of protein and is designed to be optimally absorbed in your system.
The Needed Collagen Protein powder has 100+ five-star reviews and seems like a must-have for those preparing for postpartum recovery or who are currently postpartum at any stage.
Why this collagen is great for postpartum recovery:
- Free from dairy, soy, grains, and legumes
- Free from the number of heavy metals found in plant-based protein powders
- Easy to take powder form
- Unflavored taste (add it to anything!)
- Third-party tested for quality
- Easily digestible and absorbed
Save 20% on your first order with discount code HELLOPOSTPARTUM at checkout. Order now.
2. Biomeology Prenatal Collagen Peptides
If you’re looking for postpartum collagen that’s completely colorless, odorless, and 100% additive-free, the Prenatal Collagen Peptides from Biomeology are a fabulous option.
I’ve personally mixed this into oatmeal, yogurt, and my overnight chia seed pudding, all without noticing any extra taste but getting all the benefits of extra protein. With this collagen, you’ll also benefit from glycine and amino acids.
Because the only ingredient in this collagen is 100% bovine collagen peptides, you can rest assured that there are no extra fillers or questionable ingredients. Also, if you’re sensitive to “flavorings,” this one – as mentioned above – is totally tasteless and odorless.
Why this collagen blend is great for postpartum recovery:
- Made in the USA and third-party tested
- Made from pasture-raised cattle
- Verified pesticide-free
- Made with no extra ingredients
- High in protein, glycine, and amino acids
Exclusive savings! Save 23% on your first order with code HELLOPOSTPARTUM at checkout. Order now.
3. Majka Replenishing Bites with Collagen
The Majka Replenishing Collagen Bites differ from the Needed Collagen Protein powder because it’s actually a bite-sized snack that provides vitamins, minerals, and superfoods to boost and support your postpartum healing.
The collagen itself is hydrolyzed bovine collagen and contains 6g of protein per bite. You’ll also find the bites are high in iron and fiber (both a new mom’s best friend after birth).
Overall, real-life users are raving about the Replenishing Bites, and it has an average review of 5 stars and over 47 reviews.
Why this collagen blend is great for postpartum recovery:
- Includes healthy fats to nourish your body
- Rich in protein and iron to fuel your recovery
- Uses high-quality and bioactive ingredients
- Whole foods like dates and raw cacao to satisfy sugar cravings
- Ingredients tested for quality, purity, heavy metals, toxins, etc.
Save 15% on your first order with discount code HELLOPOSTPARTUM at checkout. Order now.
4. Provita Nourish Postpartum Collagen Peptides
The Provita Nourish Postpartum Collagen Peptides is derived from porcine (pigs) and is ethically sourced, tested, and produced. It’s vanilla-flavored and easy to blend into shakes or water.
This powder is also non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free, lactose-free, soy-free, and preservative-free, but keep in mind there are only 15 servings per bag, so you’ll need two bags to last a month.
The Provita Nourish Collagen has an average rating of 4.3, with over 40 reviews on Amazon. And yes, it’s available for Prime shipping.
Why this collagen blend is great for postpartum recovery:
- Made in the USA and third-party tested
- Fast-absorbing and bioavailable ingredients
- Clinically proven to support recovery times
- Safe and effective for breastfeeding
- Supports hair, skin, and nail growth
How to choose the right collagen supplement for you
Still not sure which one is the best choice for you? Here are a few more points to consider before making your final decision.
- Type of collagen (Hydrolyzed or not?)
- Source of collagen (Bovine, porcine, vegan?)
- Form of collagen supplement (do you have a preference?)
- Dosage (or how many servings per bag?)
- Additives (ideally, there are none!)
- Price (what fits your budget best?)
Collagen to avoid in postpartum
When finding the best collagen for postpartum recovery, it’s important to look for brands that stand behind their products and put quality first.
With this in mind, you should avoid collagen products that:
- Contain filler ingredients
- Aren’t tested for heavy metals or toxins
- Are artificially flavored or colored
- Aren’t in the peptide or hydrolyzed form
- Is sourced from an animal you are allergic to (e.g.: shellfish)
Final thoughts on choosing collagen for your postpartum recovery
Proper nutrition is a critical component of recovering from birth. Your body requires energy from food to heal wounds, create milk, and support your energy levels.
Adding collagen to your postpartum recovery plan can be a helpful, supportive way to ensure you take the best care possible after birth.
When deciding which postpartum collagen to incorporate into your daily life, consider your end goal while using collagen, your budget/how much you’d like to spend each month, and how long you plan to take it. These are all factors that can influence your decision.
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