Omega-3 & Krill Oil While Breastfeeding: A Simple Guide
Omega-3, EPA, DHA, phospholipids, astaxanthin – the labels are full of words nobody explains. This is a plain-language guide from a midwife’s point of view, so you can decide what is right for you without wading through jargon.
Why omega-3 matters for moms
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats, which simply means your body cannot make them – they have to come from what you eat. They are widely recognised as part of a balanced diet in pregnancy and while breastfeeding, which is why fish, seafood and omega-3 supplements come up so often in mom conversations.
Many South African moms simply do not eat oily fish two or three times a week, and that is where a daily supplement can be a practical way to help fill the gap – alongside good food, never instead of it.
EPA, DHA and choline in plain language
EPA and DHA
Are the two omega-3 fatty acids you will see on almost every label. They are the forms your body uses most readily, and they are found naturally in marine sources such as fish and krill.
Choline
Is a nutrient that often travels alongside them. It occurs naturally in krill oil, and also in eggs, meat and dairy.
Different products contain different amounts, so it is always worth turning the bottle around and reading what is actually in a daily serving.
Why krill oil
Krill are tiny crustaceans harvested from the cold, clean waters of the Antarctic. In krill oil, the omega-3 is naturally bound to phospholipids rather than sitting as a free oil, and krill oil naturally contains choline and astaxanthin, the pigment that gives it its soft red colour.
The practical reason most moms tell us they prefer it? No fishy aftertaste, and no fishy burps at 2am. The best omega-3 is the one you will actually keep taking.
How to take it safely
For our Premium Krill Oil Omega-3, the recommendation is two softgels daily with food, or as directed by your healthcare professional. Taking it with a meal helps with digestion, and consistency matters more than the time of day you choose.
Store it somewhere cool and dry, below 25°C, and keep it out of reach of children. Speak to SR Adéle or your doctor first if you are on blood-thinning medication, have a medical condition, or are preparing for surgery.
A note on shellfish
Krill is a shellfish. If you have a shellfish or seafood allergy, krill oil is not for you – please do not risk it. Come and chat to SR Adéle and we will talk through other ways to support your omega-3 intake.
This guide is general information and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Shop the range
Our Premium Krill Oil Omega-3 is R450 for 60 softgels, roughly a one-month supply. Collect free from Mediclinic Kloof or Zuid-Afrikaans Hospital, or we will deliver anywhere in South Africa within 5 to 7 business days. Taking the collagen booster too? The Mom Bundle brings both together at R750.