As a new mom, you are faced with many challenges. One challenge that every mother must face is breastfeeding. To top it off, finding the best lactation supplements can be a daunting task.
While breastfeeding your baby can be incredibly rewarding and fulfilling, it can also be very overwhelming at times. Whether you’re just learning how to breastfeed or have been doing it for some time now, there will always come a point in your breastfeeding journey when your supply starts to dwindle down. This is usually the result of stress, sleep deprivation, and hormonal changes in your body after giving birth or starting your period. When this happens most mothers resort back to formula feeding their babies which leads to feelings of guilt and/or failure as well as financial burdens if they were already using formula prior to giving birth due to low supply issues.
Lactation supplements such as Oatmeal and fenugreek are an excellent way for women who experience low milk supply or even those who want more breast milk than what they naturally produce without having an adverse reaction on them or their baby!
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What you should try before you take a breastfeeding supplement
Most breastfeeding mothers see a positive effect from taking a lactation supplement but there is always a risk that you could have a negative effect from the supplements. Here are some things to try before choosing a lactation supplement.
- Stay Hydrated – Making sure that you are drinking enough water will help boost your supply. If you are dehydrated that can cause a decrease in your breast milk supply.
- Breastfeed often – Breastfeeding as often as possible will tell your body that it’s time to make more breast milk. Breast milk is made as demand and then supply system. If you tell your body more often to make more breast milk then your body will supply more breast milk.
- Pump often and longer – If you are exclusively pumping then you can create more demand by pumping longer sessions as well as more often. If you are nursing, you can also pump after each breastfeeding session to increase the demand causing more supply.
- Replace pumping parts – Often the pump isn’t working as efficiently as it could with older parts. Be sure to replace them as needed.
How do breastfeeding supplements work?
The best lactation supplements are called galactagogues which are a group of supplements that can help you make more milk or make your milk flow better.
How long does it take for a lactation supplement to work?
Mothers can notice an increase in milk production as early as 24 hours after taking fenugreek. But it can take up to two weeks to see a change so be sure to try it for at least that long before trying something else. You might not see a change in your milk production if you only take less than 3500 mg per day. So you need to be sure you are taking the correct dosage labeled on the bottle.
How to Choose a Lactation Supplement
Breastfeeding is the best way to feed your baby, but sometimes it can be hard.
There are a lot of different products on the market that claim to help with breastfeeding. Some work better than others and some may even cause problems for you or your baby.
Here are some things to consider when choosing the best lactation supplement for you.
Talk to Your health care provider or lactation specialist
Always talk to your health care provider before starting any new supplement to make sure it is safe.
Meet with a lactation consultant to see if there is anything that could be causing the problem first so you can fix the root cause of the problem. Then they can recommend which supplement is right for you if one is needed.
Research the supplement
Always research a lactation supplement before you try it by checking out reviews from other women, safety information and the most important is dosage. You can never be too safe when it comes to your child’s health.
Consider your lifestyle
If you are always on the go or worry about missing doses of supplements then choose one that can be taken on an empty stomach and is most effective when taken every 3-4 hours.
Consider the cost
Not all supplements are created equally and some may cost more than others but they will not always work better or faster. Make sure to keep this in mind when choosing your supplement.
Read the Ingredients
Sometimes the most essential ingredients are not listed on the front of the label. Look at all of them and make sure they are something that you will be able to take before asking your health care provider about it.
Decide if you would like to take multiple supplements
Some supplements work better when used with other lactation supplements. For example, you can use herbal supplements as well as lactation teas to see more a benefit. If you want to try this then it’s a good idea to ask your health care provider which ones would be best used together and if it is safe for you to do so.
Breastfeeding Supplements to Increase Milk Supply
Fenugreek
This is a very common herbal galactagogue. There has been a lot of research that has shown this to be a very successful lactation supplement, especially for new mothers.
The dosage of fenugreek should be around 1500 mg per day with food in divided doses. It may take up to 2-6 weeks to see results but many women started to notice a change in their milk supply within 24 hours.
Goat’s Rue
This is a widely used herbal supplement for its galactagogue properties. Although there haven’t been many scientific studies on this, many breastfeeding moms rely on this to boost their milk supply.
Flax seed
This is a widely known galactagogue that can boost your milk supply. You can add a tablespoon to your oatmeal or smoothie in the morning.
Fennel Seed
This is also known as an appetite stimulant and can help reduce gas for babies with colic. The dosage should be around 300 mg per day with food in divided doses.
Many women have said that they notice an increase in milk supply within the first day of taking this lactation supplement.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a great lactation supplement for women who are gluten intolerant. It can help regulate your digestive system which will help increase the amount of breast milk that you produce.
Many mothers notice a difference in their supply after 2-3 days of taking oats. It is best to take it with fenugreek or fennel for a better increase in milk production.
Breastfeeding supplements are not meant to replace the amount of food that you eat but they can help your body produce more breast milk.
Best lactation supplement
MAJKA Lactation Cookie Bites
These lactation cookie bites do not contain any GMOs or preservatives. They are also free of gluten, soy, sugar, vegan, and artificial sweeteners.
What makes Lactation Cookie Bites different from other breastfeeding supplements is that they are not only lactogenic but lactose-free as well!
PROS:
They are entirely lactose-free
The ingredients used in these snacks are mostly organic
Made with whole foods
CONS:
The price may be a disadvantage for some
Buy it at MAJKA | Amazon
Best Herb Supplement
Gaia Herbs Fenugreek Seed Capsules
Fenugreek Seeds are a staple in many lactation supplements due to the high concentration of natural galactagogues. Galactagogues have been used for centuries as an effective way to boost milk supply and support breastfeeding mothers.
Fenugreek is great for helping promote healthy breast tissue and glandular function to boost breast milk production. Many moms saw a huge boost in their breast milk supply when taking this.
PROS:
100% organically derived ingredients
Boosts breast milk supply
Made of vegetarian capsules
CONS:
It may cause gas in some people. If you are susceptible to this, make sure to take it with your food.
Buy it on Amazon
Best Oatmeal Supplement
MAJKA Overnight Oatmeal
This is a great option for moms that want a supplement that is fenugreek free.
MAJKA Lactation Overnight Oats are also a great option for those moms that are not too crazy about the taste of fenugreek tea and supplements.
PROS:
It is allergy-friendly and is Vegan/dairy-free/gluten-free/soy-free
There are no artificial ingredients
It is Fenugreek free
CONS:
Some didn’t like the consistency
Buy it at MAJKA | Amazon
Best Cookie Supplement
The Fertile Goddess Lactation Cookie Mix
This supplement is suitable for someone who wants to make their own lactation cookie recipe, as there are many different recipes for this supplement on the Fertile Goddess website. Also, this supplement is a great choice for those that are looking for an organic lactation cookie option made in the USA with farm-fresh ingredients.
The Fertile Goddess Lactation Cookie Mix was a favorite amongst mothers. It had many great reviews and was able to help mothers achieve a boost in their milk supply with no added sugar or artificial ingredients, making it a healthier choice for lactating moms looking to increase their milk production naturally.
One mother that loved this supplement said that her pediatrician recommended this product, which helped her breastfed baby gain weight more quickly than with her previous supply. She also liked that this supplement was all-natural and didn’t contain any harmful ingredients, such as added sugar or artificial flavors.
Another mother that gave the Fertile Goddess Lactation Cookie Mix a good review said she couldn’t believe how delicious these lactation cookies were. She loved that it didn’t have any added sugar and that they were dairy-free.
PROS:
Contains all-natural ingredients
Comes in a resealable bag for freshness
Helps boost milk supply, especially with nursing or expecting mothers
Can be made without chocolate chips
Made with organic ingredients
CONS:
Makes about 1 dozen cookies (So you may have to make multiple batches)
Buy it on Amazon
Best Tea Supplement
Traditional Medicinals Organic Mother’s Milk
Many moms trust this brand during pregnancy with their red raspberry leaf tea. This is also a great tea that can help you as a breastfeeding mom.
The tea uses fennel, anise seed, coriander, fenugreek, marshmallow root, blessed thistle, and milk thistle to help boost lactation. The tea tastes great and is caffeine-free, which makes it safe to drink during all stages of lactation.
This product is highly recommended by lactation consultants and doctors alike and has been a staple for many new moms. Herbal teas are a great option because it can boost your supply and keep you hydrated. It comes with 16 tea bags per box. I love to make a big batch to have iced on hot days.
Some moms are saying “This tea is fantastic. I’ve used it to help me with milk supply and mastitis. It tastes great, and the fact that it’s organic is an extra plus.”
Another mom reviewed saying, “I’ve been drinking this for a week, twice a day (so about 4 cups total), after trying a few other brands and I’ve noticed a significant increase in my milk production. It tastes great, so it’s easy to drink.”
Organic Mother’s Milk tea also contains ingredients that are safe for everyone, including vegans and non-GMO. It’s caffeine-free as well, which makes it a good choice if you’re looking for a milder tea that does not contain caffeine.
PROS:
Safe to drink during all stages of lactation
Made from clean ingredients
Is USDA Organic certification
Has a great taste
CONS:
A bit pricey compared to other brands
Buy it here on Amazon
Best Snack
Pink Stork Lactation Treats
Lots of moms reviewed it on Amazon saying that the taste is great and that it helped boost their breast milk supply. They are very affordable as well. Only $16.99 for a pack of 30 servings.
If you are looking for a tasty lactation supplement to boost your supply, then look no further than Pink Stork Lactation Treats.
PROS:
They taste great
Boost lactation supply
They are very convenient
CONS:
Some mothers on Amazon reported that they did not notice a difference in their breast milk production.
Buy it here on Amazon
Best Protein Powder
MAJKA Green Vanilla Breastfeeding Protein Powder
It’s high in protein with 15 grams of protein per serving! Breastfeeding moms loved the taste. It is packed with B vitamins to nourish your body after giving birth. Made with high-quality galactagogues to boost lactation and increase nutrient density to support wellness throughout breastfeeding.
PROS:
Boost lactation supply
Tastes great and comes in a variety of flavors (Chocolate and Green Vanilla).
CONS:
A bit pricey compared to other products.
Buy it on MAJKA | Amazon
Best Lactation Smoothie Recipe
- 1 cup of frozen strawberries
- 1 banana
- 1/2 cup of rolled oats
- 1 cup oat milk
- 1 tsp brewer’s yeast
- 1 tsp ground flaxseed
- 1 serving of MAJKA Green Vanilla Protein Powder
Place all the ingredients into a high-speed blender and blend on high until thoroughly blended. Enjoy!
Related article: 9 Best Breastfeeding Tips for Boosting Your Supply
Conclusion
If you are struggling to increase your breast milk supply, it may be time to try a supplement. There are many different kinds of supplements available that vary in benefits and side effects. One product I would recommend is MAJKA Lactation Protein Powder because this protein powder tastes great and has been specifically formulated for breastfeeding mothers with ingredients like brewers yeast, ground flaxseed, and galactagogues which can help boost lactation. If you’re looking for an affordable lactation supplement as well as gluten-free, then I recommend that you take a look at Oatmeal. Oatmeal is high in fiber and can help increase breast milk production due to its natural properties.
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