Breastfeeding is one of the most important things a mother can do for her child, and many nursing moms find it difficult to maintain their milk supply while working or caring for other children. A delicious lactation smoothie can provide the nutrients that both the mother and child need to stay healthy and happy. These recipes are packed with vitamins, minerals, and milk boosting foods that can help increase milk production while satisfying hunger.
What is a lactation smoothie?
Lactation Smoothies, also known as breastfeeding smoothies are different from regular fruit and vegetable smoothies because they contain ingredients that help boost breast milk production. The recipes in this article will give you a head start on your morning routine, or provide a healthy snack to make up for the lack of time during the day.
5 Lactation Smoothie Recipes
Here are my favorite lactation smoothie recipes! Sure to please all tastebuds and quick to make!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Lactation Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 2-3 cups milk of choice
- 2 frozen bananas, chopped
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 1 tbsp unsweetened dark cocoa powder
- 1 tsp brewer’s yeast
- 2-3 tbsp peanut butter
- 1 tsp flaxseed meal
Directions:
Blend the rolled oats in the blender until it is in powder form. Add the remaining ingredients and blend on high until it is thoroughly combined.
Cherry Chocolate Lactation Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 2 cups milk of choice
- 1 tsp flaxseed meal
- 2 bananas
- 1 tbsp unsweetened dark cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
- 2 cups frozen pitted cherries
- 1 tsp brewer’s yeast
Directions:
Place all of the ingredients in the blender and blend on high until thoroughly combined.
Berry Blast Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 2-3 cups milk of choice
- 2 bananas
- 1 tsp brewer’s yeast
- 2 cups frozen berries
- 1 tsp ground flaxseed
Directions:
Add all of the ingredients into the blender and blend on high until thoroughly combined.
PB&J Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 2-3 cups milk of choice
- 2 bananas
- 2 cups frozen berries
- 1 tsp flaxseed meal
- 1/4 cup old fashioned oats
- 1 tsp brewer’s yeast
- 2-3 tbsp peanut butter
Directions:
Blend the oats in the blender until it is more of a flour. Add the remaining ingredients and blend on high until it is thoroughly combined.
Tropical Green Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1 cup spinach
- 2-3 cups milk of choice
- 2 bananas
- 1 tsp brewer’s yeast
- 2 cups frozen mango or pineapple
- 1 tsp ground flaxseed
Directions:
Add all of the ingredients into the blender and blend on high until thoroughly combined.
Read my lactation boosting oatmeal cookie recipe.
Lactation smoothie recipe variations
Having a lactation smoothie is a great way to make sure you’re getting the nutrients you need while breastfeeding. However, if you’re looking for a little variation in your recipes, here are a few ideas:
-For something sweet, add maple syrup or vanilla extract.
-To get your chocolate fix by trying to add in some cocoa nibs or dark chocolate chips.
-If you’re not a fan of bananas, try using another type of fruit, like mango or pineapple.
-For an extra boost, add in some more brewer’s yeast or flaxseed meal.
-To add some leafy greens, try adding in spinach or kale.
-For more flavor, try using almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk instead of regular cow’s milk.
-Try using almond butter or any other nut butter instead of peanut butter for a different flavor and some added healthy fats
-I like to use dairy free greek yogurt for an added creamy texture.
-Add more frozen fruit or ice cubes for it to be thick and creamy.
-For added nutrients, add chia seeds or a protein powder.
The lactation smoothie recipes that I’ve provided are just the beginning of how you can make your own drinks. It’s important to find what works best for you to make the ultimate lactation smoothie recipe that will help your breast milk supply.
Read my quick and easy lactation brownie recipe.
How often should you drink a lactation smoothie?
How often you drink a lactation smoothie will depend on your own personal needs, but I would suggest drinking one every day. You can drink two a day if you are wanting to quickly see results.
This will help ensure that you are getting the nutrients that you and your child need to stay healthy and happy. Many breastfeeding moms drink them as a snack or a meal replacement. A lactation smoothie is a great way to make sure that you are getting the nutrients your body needs while breastfeeding.
Making a lactation smoothie a part of your daily routine
Making a lactation smoothie a part of your daily routine is a great way to ensure that you are getting the nutrients you need while breastfeeding. Here are a few tips for making sure that they are a regular part of your diet:
1. Make them ahead of time and keep them in the fridge. This will make it easy to just grab and go in the morning.
2. Pack them in a travel container so you can take them with you on the go.
3. Drink them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They make a great meal replacement or snack.
4. Add them to your meal plan and make sure they are included as part of your daily calorie intake.
Read more about which foods increase your milk supply.
The benefits of lactation smoothies
There are many benefits to making lactation smoothies a regular part of your breastfeeding diet. They can help you by boosting milk supply while still providing you with all of the vitamins and minerals that your body needs. The following are some added benefits:
1. Easily pack the nutritional punch that you need with lactation smoothies.
2. Make sure that you and your baby stay healthy by adding lactation smoothies to your daily diet.
3. Lactation smoothies help to maintain a healthy weight and can even help with losing it if desired.
Read more on how to increase your milk supply by power pumping.
Other ways to boost your milk supply
There are many different ways that you can boost your milk supply. Here are a few of my favorites:
1. Do lots of skin-on-skin with your baby. Holding your baby ups your hormones that will boost milk supply.
2. Nurse frequently and on-demand. The more you nurse, the more milk you can increase milk supply.
3. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. This will help to keep you hydrated and promote milk production.
4. Eat healthy foods. Make sure to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet.
5. Try a lactation supplement like brewer’s yeast or flax seed. These supplements can help to increase your milk supply.
Final thoughts
If you are a breastfeeding mom, drinking lactation smoothies are a great way to make sure that you’re getting the nutrients your body needs while breastfeeding as well as boosting your supply. The benefits of lactation smoothies include ensuring both mom and baby stay healthy, packing in nutritional punch, maintaining weight or even helping to lose weight it if desired! Making lactation smoothies part of your daily routine is quick and easy by just making them ahead of time, packing it in a travel container, adding it to your meal plan, or drinking it as a snack or meal replacement.
Be sure to read The Ultimate List of Breastfeeding Essentials and How Much Milk Should I be Pumping?
