Human milk contains all of the protein, fat, carbohydrates, minerals and nutrients a healthy newborn baby needs for growth and development, according to La Leche League International. Breastfeeding mothers provide their infants with antibodies that boost immune systems and essential fatty acids that promote brain and eye health. The vitamins in human milk depend on the types and amounts of vitamins the mother consumes. Breastfeeding mothers should only take prenatal vitamins after childbirth if prescribed by the doctor.
Fat-Soluble Vitamins
Your body absorbs fat-soluble vitamins with the help of bile acids, fluids your body uses to absorb fat. Your body stores fat-soluble vitamins to use when needed. According to the American Pregnancy Association, the fat-soluble vitamins in human milk are vitamins A, D, E and K. Vitamin A is important for your baby's eye health, vitamin D is essential for bone health and vitamin E helps build and protect the body's tissues, lungs and red blood cells. Vitamins help blood maintain its ability to clot.
Water-Soluble Vitamins
Your body absorbs water-soluble vitamins easily and does not store large amounts, which means you must replace them regularly. Your kidneys remove water-soluble vitamins your body does not use. Water-soluble vitamins in human milk are vitamin C and the B vitamins, niacin, pantothenic acid and riboflavin, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Vitamin C helps your baby's body fight infection and strengthens his gums and muscles. The eight B vitamins are critical to the body's metabolism, including formation and transportation of red blood cells and oxygen.
Prenatal Vitamins
Because your diet determines the content of your breast milk, your doctor might prescribe the continued use of prenatal vitamins to ensure your baby gets all the essential vitamins. The Food and Drug Administration lists 13 vitamins essential to human growth and development. These vitamins include: vitamins A, C, D, E, K, and the B vitamins, which include B-6, B-12, biotin, folate, niacin, pantothenic acid, riboflavin and thiamine.
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