First Impressions is a series that (re)introduces and reviews new brands to My Subscription Addiction, drawing from readers' requests for an insider's first look. Interested in seeing more reviews from this brand, or have another box in mind that you'd like to see reviewed? Let us know in the comments.
Needed was created in 2017 by two nutritionally-trained mothers to close the critical gap in perinatal nutrition and set a new science-backed health standard for women, their families, and our earth. The company spent over 3 years developing their prenatal and a Complete Nutritional System™ for conception through new motherhood and beyond. Today, Needed offers one of the most complete perinatal nutrition systems on the market with a wide range of targeted support for egg and sperm quality, lactation, stress, sleep, and hydration. The company’s products and educational content are designed around the latest research and clinical insights from the more than 4,000 women’s health practitioners that it works with. Needed is also committed to delivering a radically better Earth for future generations and is a Certified B Corp, Certified Climate Neutral, Certified Plastic Neutral, and a member of 1% for the Planet.
This review is of Needed's The Complete Plan (Collagen Protein, Prenatal Multi Powder, Pre/Probiotic, and Omega-3) along with their Cognitive Support and Stress Support supplements.
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes).
Quick Backstory
I have an obsession with health supplements of all kinds, especially those that are created for postpartum health since I have two kids under 2. So, as you can imagine, I jumped at the chance to try out Needed when the opportunity became available. I actually tried out Needed's prenatal powder last year and LOVED it, so I absolutely had to try out more of their products this time around. Needed gifted me The Complete Plan which comes with their Prenatal Powder, Collagen Protein, Omega-3, and Pre/Probiotic plus their Stress Support and Cognitive Support supplements. Here's my experience trying out this incredible postpartum health supplement stack along with my honest thoughts and results.
What's Inside The Box
Prenatal Multi Powder (Vanilla) - Starts at $48.99 per month
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Quick recap - in my previous pre/postnatal supplement review, I mentioned how I read Real Food for Pregnancy by Lily Nichols RDN and The Postnatal Depletion Cure by Dr. Oscar Serrallach during my first pregnancy. Both books were incredibly informative about the exact nutrients and quantities I needed to take before, during, and after pregnancy. So I felt extremely prepared when it came to navigating the supplement world regarding prenatal and postnatal health products. And, this is why I knew Needed was defintiely a brand I had to try.
Needed's Prenatal Powder comes with 24 vitamins and minerals PLUS several antioxidants. While that's pretty wild, what jumped out to me the most was their inclusion of vitamin D3, vitamin K2, folate, choline, magnesium, iodine, and selenium in such generous (but optimal) dosages. BTW, next time you shop in a popular large-scale food and general merchandise discount store (i.e. Walmart, Target, etc.) I encourage you to take a closer look at some of today's popular "budget-friendly" brands (usually gummies). You'll notice that these specific nutrients are typically found in much lower quantities, and are sometimes nonexistent. (I've included a picture of the Supplement Facts label above for reference.)
Let's move on to the form and taste. I'll admit that I wasn't sure how I'd like powder vs. capsule form as I've pretty much taken capsules for everything since I started using supplements over 10 years ago. However, the powder was delicious - I can thank the organic MCT, vanilla, and monk fruit extract for that. It also mixes very well into just about anything. I typically divide my daily 2 scoops up, mixing 1 scoop with my morning protein shake and mixing the other with water later in the day when I need an energy boost or feel depleted.
All the above sounds great, but how did I feel after using this prenatal for a few weeks? Much, much better! Since I swim year-round, lift weights, and occasionally take up a cycling class here and there, I defintiely need some extra nutrient support. Not to mention, I'm exhausted after watching my littles all day so the thought of having to train without getting in my daily dose of vitamins terrifies me - so I make sure to take them every single day.
Collagen Protein - Starts at $34.99 per month
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Ok, did anyone else think that the whole collagen craze a few years ago was ridiculous? It seemed like every health store (both in-person and online) stocked their shelves with any collagen product they could find and sold them for every health problem imaginable. So, for a long time, I thought it was all a scam. But then I got pregnant and learned otherwise! I had no idea just how crucial collagen actually was for mothers, especially those whose diets are deficient in collagen/glycine-rich animal foods.
Lily Nichols shared the following info about collagen in her book:
I’m a big fan of gelatin and collagen during pregnancy, as these are the most concentrated sources of glycine. Glycine is a conditionally essential amino acid during pregnancy, meaning that you must consume enough of it in your diet to meet your body’s needs.
The role of glycine in pregnancy includes: development of your baby’s skeleton, teeth, internal organs, skin and nails; support of your stretching skin, growing uterus and placenta, and helping your circulatory system adapt to the demands of pregnancy.
For women who don’t have much glycine in their diet already (fairly common since eating top food sources has become rare), a gelatin or collagen powder makes a lot of sense. Just ensure that it’s sourced from grass-fed animals.
Ok, it's great for prenatal health, but what about postpartum? Yes! Collagen is one of the best supplements you can take for supporting healthy joints, pelvic floor tissue, and skin elasticity. Needed's team of perinatal practitioners has also shared that collagen is also incredibly beneficial for postpartum recovery and breastfeeding.
But now for the test - how has Needed's grass-fed, pasture-raised hydrolyzed bovine collagen impacted my health? So far, I've managed to keep my milk supply strong and steady, and it seems like some of my stretch marks are fading away a bit better. I've also noticed that my hair has a bit more shine and that my nails are growing much faster than before. Since I started taking this product a few months after my son was born I didn't get to test it out in regards to postpartum healing, but I will say that I do take 1-2 scoops per day to get in some extra protein and protect my joints.
Omega-3 Softgels - Starts at $34.99 per month
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Ok, so I totally said this in my last postnatal review, but I'll say it again: I almost always prefer using cod liver oil over a mix of anchovies, sardines, and mackerel (this product). I was expecting to be met with an unpalatable fishy taste, but it was very minor and the capsules were somewhat sweet so that helped me get them down. Since Omega-3s are so good for mothers' brains and support overall health, I'm totally willing to deal with a little fishiness each day while I finish up this supplement - especially when this product delivers 2,200 mg of total omegas per serving. However, would I choose this product over my usual cod liver oil again? I'm unfortunately going to have to say no - but it's defintiely better than what's found in most stores.
Stress Support - Starts at $34.99 per month
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Ok, this product was my favorite in this entire postpartum bundle! I've dealt with anxiety for almost my entire life, but it's been much worse and more frequent ever since I experienced postpartum psychosis after having my daughter nearly 2 years ago. While I'm no longer in psychosis, the after-effects of PPP have lingered around for quite some time, even though things have gotten better gradually. All that to say I was really looking for a product that would give me some emotional relief on tough days - this was the one!!!
I'll admit that I'm not sure which specific ingredients I can attribute this effect to the most, but the blend contains Shatavari, Holy Basil, Milky Oat Straw, Ashwagandha (I think this is probably the main reason), Rhodiola, and Schizandra Berry. I take this product as needed, so if I'm having a morning where my thoughts are racing or I'm irritated over the littlest things I'll take 2 to start, and then 2 more a few hours later. I will sing my praises for this product forever, and I promise this isn't an attempt to shill or overexaggerate its benefits.
Cognitive Support - Starts at $45.49 per month
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Let me start by saying this supplement has a great blend of nootropics and botanicals (Alpha-GPC, Ashwagandha, Bacopa monnieri, Coffee Fruit Extract, Organic Lion's Mane, Organic Reishi, Phosphatidylserine, Lutein, Zeaxanthin. However, I haven't noticed much of an effect thus far compared to products like Stress Support. I'm assuming this supplement may take a bit longer to really notice its impact, however, I'll keep taking it due to how solid the ingredients are and the fact my mental health needs as much support as it can get. For now, I can't say it's done much. But in the future? Only time will tell!
Pre/Probiotic - Starts at $41.99 per month
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Similar to the above, this is a solid product, but it's going to take some time to really notice the effects. It would be unfair to give feedback on this product yet as probiotics and prebiotics take up to several months for results, but I love that Needed included strains that support vaginal health, digestive comfort, and iron absorption. I'll keep taking this over the new few weeks and report back with my findings...
The Verdict
Needed's postnatal bundle and supplements have made a huge difference when it comes to helping me keep up my milk supply, boost energy, and remain calmer and more focused. While it hasn't been long enough to notice a significant difference on certain products (i.e. Pre/Probiotic and Cognitive Support), their Prenatal Multi Powder, Collagen Protein, Stress Support, and Omega-3 products HAVE impacted my health for the better. If I had to choose my favorite product, I'd say it's a tie between their Prenatal Multi Powder and Stress Support - the first is my daily staple, whereas the second is amazing to take as needed for when my brain is foggy or I feel down in the dumps and need to turn things around ASAP.
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