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This post was sponsored by EverlyWell through my partnership with Fit Approach.  As always all opinions and test results are my own.Our sweet baby girl has finally arrived and so has the return to breastfeeding. It also means having to be mindful of what I eat and drink, how hydrated I am and that I am getting enough nutrients to support my body and my growing babes.

That being said I have had my concerns about a few things including my DHA levels.  It’s estimated that 75% of Americans are deficient in DHA and I feared that due to my diet and lack of supplementing that I would be deficient in DHA. 

But what is DHA? 

• DHA is a vital Omega 3 Fatty Acid for a baby’s health as they grow during their first 2 years.
• DHA is crucial in a child’s early development, in particular for their visual acuity and cognitive development

What does the EverlyWell Breast Milk DHA Kit Do?

• Measures a Mother’s DHA Levels.  
• Identifies whether or not your own diet is sufficient to supply your breast milk with a DHA level within the recommended, healthy range for breastfeeding mothers and their babies.

To take the test it was fairly easy all that is required is a few drops of breast milk, which I easily collected in my manual breast pump (this one is a serious game changer). Place a few drops of the breast milk on a sample card, let it dry briefly and then package it up and return it to be tested. Results are then emailed to you in just a few short days.

So what did my results say? 

Let’s just say I have a bit of work to do. I will be having my yearly physically in about three months and I will be making sure to ask to have my DHA levels retested once I have increased my daily DHA intake. 

 

So how does a vegan get DHA?

• Supplements. I personally take (err….I’m getting back to) a vegan omega that includes DHA. 
• Algae. I know not the most appetizing of sources but these days they come in powdered form and can easily be added to a smoothie.

Would I recommend the test? 

I found the test to be really eye opening. I knew that my levels would probably be on the lower side due to my plant based diet but I had no idea they would be so incredibly low. This test has encouraged me to talk more with my doctor about ways I can increase my DHA levels as well as give me the kick in the butt I needed to get back to taking my supplements. 

Receive 15% off your EverlyWell Breast Milk DHA kit with code: RWT15