September is the most common birth month in the USA! If you or someone you know has recently given birth, you likely know about the benefits of DHA during pregnancy. But did you know that even after giving birth, supplementing DHA has dramatic benefits for both mom and baby?

Best for mom and baby

Essential fatty acids are not synthesized by our bodies, so we must get them through our diets or supplements. It can take six months before conception for these fats to build up in a woman's body. Multiple pregnancies that occur close together can also deplete DHA stores.

DHA is crucial for fetal development of the brain, eyes, immunity and nervous system, particularly in the third trimester. A deficiency in essential fatty acids in new mothers is associated with risks such as postpartum depression.

Pre- and post-partum

Your baby's need for DHA continues through two years of age as their brain continues to development. After birth, new mothers should continue to take enough DHA to pass it on to their newborns through breastfeeding, or select baby formulas that contain ample amounts.

Sufficient DHA levels during pregnancy is associated with improved behavior, attention span, focus and intelligence in babies. Studies show that babies who are born to moms with higher blood levels of DHA at birth had much better attention spans even into their second year of life.

Other benefits of higher DHA levels include lower chances of developing allergies, a better immune system and improved outcomes for babies who are born pre-term.

Pure and baby-safe

Many women avoid fish while they are expecting due to legitimate concerns about heavy metals and other ocean-borne contaminants. Sadly, this means that many women don't get enough DHA when they need it the most.

Innovations in essential fatty acid technology, including extracting DHA from algae, provide an answer to these concerns. DHA from algae is completely pure and safe from heavy metals, PCBs, dioxins and other contaminants from the ocean.

Algae-based DHA can be expensive for its scarcity and each serving typically provides only a few hundred milligrams. For those who prefer fish oil, look for a high DHA concentration and molecular distillation for purity.