Are searching for the best supplements for lactation? You are in the right page. To experience breastfeeding peacefully, young mothers must already have enough milk. On the other hand, it must be rich enough to provide the best nutrition for the baby.
Fatigue and an unbalanced diet can deplete breast milk and complicate breastfeeding. In these conditions, taking natural food supplements can help to provide the best possible benefits to the baby.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), exclusive breastfeeding should be maintained until six months of age, when possible, followed by complementary breastfeeding until two years of age.
Breast milk is regarded as the most complete food for the child. It contains all the water, proteins, vitamins, fats, and others essential for its complete and appropriate development.
It also contains substances such as antibodies and white blood cells, which are very important for protecting the child against diseases.
Breastfeeding is also very important for the emotional development of the child, as it promotes a strong emotional bond with the mother, providing her with security and affection, in order to facilitate, later on, her interpersonal relationship and, also, contribute to the child’s development. child’s psychomotor.
For the mother, breastfeeding is also very important because it interferes at several levels, such as:
- Contributes to reducing the incidence of postpartum hemorrhage and anemia.
- It helps to regain weight in the postpartum period to a pre-pregnancy weight value.
- It facilitates the return of the uterus to its normal size (uterine involution).
- Establish and reinforce your emotional bond with your baby.
- It simplifies daily routines: it is always at the perfect temperature and is always ready to serve.
- Reduces the risk of breast cancer, osteoporosis, ovarian cancer, heart disease, among others.
- It delays menstruation, which can be an important factor in spacing pregnancies.
Pregnancy completely messes with a woman’s body. That’s because in addition to belly growth, hormonal changes, micronutrient rates and weight variation influence the development of the baby that will arrive.
After childbirth, the scenario is no different, as breastfeeding requires a constant effort from the body to guarantee the daily production of milk.
Therefore, the use of supplements is very important when breastfeeding. Thus, iron and folic acid are the most important vitamins for a healthy pregnancy.
The first prevents anemia of the expectant mother, while the second reduces the risk of placental disruption and ensures the closure of the fetal neural tube.
But when food is not enough to meet all the body’s needs, doctors recommend supplementation to avoid nutrient deficiency.
Why Are Supplements Important For Breastfeeding?
Because the new mom can burn up to 800 calories a day, the equivalent of half an hour of walking, during intense mammary gland activity.
According to research carried out by the University of Georgia, in the United States, weight loss reaches two kilos a month without effort.
The recommended thing is for the mother to keep the vitamin already prescribed by the doctor during pregnancy.
In addition to folic acid, iron, calcium, zinc, vitamin C, D, E and B complex, it is important to supplement Omega 3, after three months of birth, telogen effluvium, which is intense hair loss, is common.
The mother’s tiredness can still be aggravated by bad nights and the breastfeeding process.
Vitamin supplementation prescribed by the doctor not only helps to minimize these symptoms, but also helps with hormonal changes that can occur in the postpartum period.
The best time to take it is before meals, about 30 minutes. The ideal would be together with juices that have vitamin C because they help to absorb iron.
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Disclaimer: It is always recommended to consult your doctor or healthcare provider before taking any medication, herbs or supplements while breastfeeding.
Best Supplements For Lactation to Increase Milk Supply
The best supplements to select from are gluten-free, soy-free, allergen-free, and prepared with organic ingredients.
Here is a summary of the best lactation supplements to help you pick the one that is suitable for you.
1. Fenugreek
Fenugreek seed has been used to increase milk production since ancient times. The herb contains phytoestrogens which are plant chemicals, comparable to the female sex hormone estrogen. A major compound, diosgenin, has been experimentally shown to increase milk flow.
Human breast milk is the ideal nutrition for babies because of its proven benefits for both the baby and the mother.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends breastfeeding for the first six months of age. Breastfeeding is exceptionally superior, giving mothers and babies distinct and substantial physical, mental and developmental health advantages.
Fenugreek is widely used as a galactagogue substance. A galactagogue is a substance that facilitates lactation in humans and animals.
Fenugreek has established itself as the most used natural galactagogue in the Middle East. In a 2014 study (The Effect of Fenugreek Herbal Tea and Palm Dates
on Breast Milk Production and Infant Weight), 25 women who had recently given birth drank three cups of fenugreek tea daily for two weeks and observed an increase in milk volume in the first few weeks.
2. Sweet Bottoms Organic Moringa Capsules
The Sweet Bottoms Organic Moringa Capsules is a great choice for moms allergic to fenugreek or other herbal supplements. It is formulated with the best organic ingredients and is allergen-free.
One studies have found that moringa is helpful in increasing breast milk supply in lactating moms and anecdotally, several moms have testified to its benefit.
In addition, Moringa oleifera leaves are naturally rich in calcium, vitamins A, E, and K. Making it a full source of vital nutrients for you and your baby.
3. Liquid Gold Fenugreek-free Supplement
The outstanding milk, Liquid Gold Supplement is suitable for moms who experience allergies to fenugreek-containing products.
It includes Shatavari, goat’s rue, and milk thistle – three herbal blends that help and facilitate the production of milk.
Legendary Milk suggests taking 2 capsules, 3 times a daily with food, and advises that women with low blood pressure should ask their doctor before use.
In addition, there are eight globally trusted brands of lactation supplements you can select from!
- Traditional Medicinals Organic Mother’s Milk Tea
- Natal Nourish Breast Milk Enhancer
- UpSpring Drink Mix Lactation Supplement
- Liquid Gold Fenugreek-free Supplement
- Gaia Herbs Fenugreek Vegan Liquid Capsules
- Pure Mom Organic Breastfeeding Supplement
- Sweet Bottoms Organic Moringa Capsules
- Pink Stork Total Lactation Support
You can click the links above to check for prizes at Amazon and other retailers.
4. Pure Mom Organic Breastfeeding Supplement
The Pure Mom Breastfeeding Supplement is packed with an effective herbal blend of fenugreek, milk thistle, and fennel. These three popular galactagogues will stimulate milk let-down and boost your milk supply quickly.
This organic supplement will provide you and your baby with vital nutrients. It is vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, and made with the best globally sourced organic ingredients.
5. Pink Stork Total Lactation Support
This supplement is another powerful combination of fenugreek, funnel, blessed thistle, alfalfa grass, and milk thistle.
Based on report, Breastfeeding moms who take these pink stork total lactation claim that it makes the milk taste sweeter. In other words, your baby will love to feed more, which will, in turn, boost your milk production.
In addition, the powerful herbal combination will work cooperatively to enhance the amount of milk you produce. Though, it is recommended to take note of the ingredients to avoid any allergies.
6. UpSpring Drink Mix Lactation Supplement
As a mother if, you don’t completely understand how women can swallow several pills a day, then this drinkable berry-flavored supplement mix is for you. Just mix one sachet in water, and you’re alright!
The mix is packed with a powerful combination of the popular galactagogues. It is gluten-free and gives you extra hydration since you’ll have to mix it in water.
7. Natal Nourish Breast Milk Enhancer
This supplement facilitates a healthy milk supply with six effective, natural ingredients – fenugreek seed, anise seed, blessed thistle, turmeric, fennel, and red raspberry leaf. they combine to increase breast milk production for mothers who may have experienced a drop in supply.
The Natal Nourish absorbs rapidly, tastes great, and it is easy to use. Just squeeze a dropper on your tongue, and you are alright.
8. Organic Mother’s Milk Tea
As a mother, If you love drink teas, then you’ll love the Mother’s Milk Organic Tea. It is very common among breastfeeding mothers and includes a powerful blend of the best galactagogues.
It has a sweet, distinct licorice taste and a warm cup will relieve you – easing the stress of being a new mom. Conventional Medicinals suggest enjoying 3 to 5 cups per day.
9. Benevolent
This is a liquid lactation organic supplement loaded with unique and high-quality ingredients. This combination is meant to improve a mother’s natural capacity to produce milk based on her lifestyle and habits
Lactation support and supplements aren’t always the magic bullet to increasing milk supply. Which is why, we also highly suggest the right education like this Master Your Milk Supply course by Milkology. It’s a-take-action-fast milk supply detailed guide you won’t regret holding onto.
10. Milk Makers
Milk Makers Lactation Cookie Bites are a great lactation resource for breastfeeding mothers who like to eat! These would be great to keep on your pumping station for a reward snack after a pumping session. They are made with essential ingredients traditionally used to facilitate breast milk supply.
Note: Amazon Prime is risk-free to try and you get discounts and free shipping when you make an order! In addition, you also have access to tons of great movies, music and exclusive deals.
Now that you are well-versed on best supplements for lactation (milk supply), let’s begin learning about how Galactagogues can affect your milk supply and how to use them to your breastfeeding benefit.
What is Galactagogue
According to Wikipedia, Galactagogue also known as a lactation inducer or milk booster, is a substance that promotes lactation in humans and other animals. It may be synthetic, plant-derived, or endogenous. They may be used to induce lactation and to treat low milk supply. Some common known galactagogues are oatmeal, milk thistle and fennel.
These lactogenic foods have been known to help in the production of breast milk in a lactating mother.
Common Galactagogues in Milk Supply Supplements
There are usually a some traditional lactation ingredients obtained in most breastfeeding supplements.
These ingredients are traditional galactagogues which is known to have substantial effects on the production of breast milk.
However, there are still not many scientific research or fact to establish these ingredients as a confirmed means to boost milk supply. Even so, let’s look at some of the popular lactation ingredients (galactagogues), they include:
- Fennel
- Alfalfa
- Anise
- Red Raspberry Leaf
- Fenugreek
- Oats
- Flax
- Goats Rue
- Milk Thistle
- Chia seeds
- Brewer’s yeast
- Blessed Thistle
- Shatavari
- Turmeric
- Garlic
Oats are a very common galactagogue found in most edible lactation supplements, including the apple pie lactation cookie recipe.
For instance, Milkmakers Lactation Cookies uses oats as their major milk stimulating ingredient.
Fenugreek also which is our number 1 is a popular ingredient used in most supplements. It is available in teas, pills, and liquid drops.
You’ll also find flax seed, and brewer’s yeast in most lactation cookies.
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What Ingredients to Avoid While Breastfeeding?
There are certain foods and drinks that you should limit while breastfeeding. As they can affect your milk flow and cause a gradual decrease in the quantity of milk your body produces.
Some women may unknowingly be exposing themselves to diets that can completely hurt their milk supply.
Although, they may not have an adverse affect on everyone, but we believe prevention is better than cure. So you have to avoid them if possible just incase.
Here are some anti-lactation foods to stay away from while breastfeeding to conserve your milk supply.
- Oregano
- Lemon balm
- Sage
- Cabbage leaves (applying them on breast)
- Peppermint
- Parsley
- Alcohol
Now that you are well-versed on common galactagogue in milk supply supplement and how to look for them in lactation supplements.
I also introduced you to 10 of the best lactation supplements to increase milk supply and showed you herbs and supplements to avoid while breastfeeding. Not only that, but you learned where you could buy them.
If you want to read more articles similar to 10 best supplements for lactation (milk supply), we recommend you visit our Women’s Health category.
I Hope This Article Provides A Guideline To Help You Find The Best Supplements For Lactation? Have You Tried Any Of These Supplements? Comment Below!
