What are the best lactation supplements available on the market to help milk supply? After breastfeeding 5 babies, Ive tried nearly all the ways to produce more milk and the supplements that support milk production.
Are you concerned about producing enough breast milk to feed your baby? This is such a common worry when breastfeeding. While nursing and pumping regularly can help stimulate milk production, you may want to try lactation supplements to give your milk supply a boost.
Here Ill share what I have found to be the best breastfeeding supplements to increase milk supply divided into three categories: pill supplements, tinctures, and drinkable supplements so that you can decide which is right for you.
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Herbal Lactation Supplements
You can choose supplements for breastfeeding that are either one single herb or a combination of multiple lactogenic herbs.
Lactation supplements in pill form are perhaps the easiest and most convenient supplements for breastfeeding moms. No preparation is needed, you just take it with water and get the benefits.
The only downside may be that you have to remember to take them sometimes multiple times a day. With all the demands of mom life with a baby, setting a reminder on your phone is a good way to remember, especially if you experience frequent low milk supply.
1 – Milk Thistle Supplement for Breastfeeding
Milk thistle is a herb that has been used for centuries to help with liver health. It is believed to help boost milk production by promoting healthy liver function.
A review study published in the Complementary Medicine Journal found that breastfeeding mothers who took milk thistle had a significant increase in the volume of breast milk compared to those who did not take milk thistle. In addition, no adverse side effects were reported with milk thistle.
Read more about milk thistle while breastfeeding.
Interested in milk thistle supplements for lactation support? Check out the Natures Way Milk Thistle Capsules, available on Amazon.
2 – Fenugreek Supplements
Fenugreek is a popular herb used to help increase milk supply. Some lactation experts believe that fenugreek contains phytoestrogens, which are plant-based compounds that are structurally similar to estrogen found in a womans body. These compounds may help to increase milk production by stimulating the mammary glands, which are responsible for making milk.
A systematic review and network-meta analysis published in the Phytotherapy Research Journal based on multiple studies to analyze the effectiveness of fenugreek as herbal galactagogues. It found that 122 lactating mothers from these studies had a significant positive effect on their milk production upon consumption of fenugreek compared to the control group.
Learn more in our deep dive on fenugreek while breastfeeding.
Want to give fenugreek supplements a try? These Natures Way Fenugreek Capsules are an affordable, high quality option.
3 – Moringa
Moringa, also known as malunggay, is a plant commonly used in traditional medicine for various purposes, including healthy lactation support. The phytochemicals in it are believed to work by stimulating the production of prolactin, a hormone that is essential for milk production.
A study published in the Journal of Midwifery and Maternity Nursing to investigate the effect of moringa on prolactin levels and breast milk production in postpartum mothers found that the intervention group had a significant increase in the prolactin levels compared to those who did not take the supplement. This suggests that moringa can be used as an alternative treatment for increasing prolactin hormone levels and breast milk production.
Read our in-depth review of moringa for breastfeeding.
Interested in trying moringa supplements for lactation support? Check out the Motherlove More Milk Moringa Capsules, available on Amazon.
4 – Goat’s Rue
Goats rue is a plant that has been used for centuries to help increase milk supply. It works by stimulating the development of mammary tissue, which can help increase milk production.
A study published in the Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice found that lactating mothers who took herbal supplements with goats rue along with some different herbs had an increase in their daily production of milk.
This lactation supplement is often recommended for moms who didnt increase in breast size during pregnancy, delivered prematurely, or plan to relactate or adoptive feed.
If you want to five goats rue supplements for lactation support a try, check out the Mothers Love Goats Rue.
Favorite Herbal Lactation Combos
There are some really good lactation supplements that are different blends of the herbs listed here:
These are good options for nursing moms needing a big boost and looking for a proven formula that increases breast milk production.
Lactation Tinctures
Tinctures for breastfeeding are a good option for Moms looking for a quick and convenient way to get the benefits of lactation supplements without having to swallow multiple pills a day.
The benefit of tinctures is that they are more concentrated herbal extracts that absorb faster than capsules, so you experience the results faster. The only downside to tinctures is that they may have a bitter, or overly herbal taste.
5 – Blessed Thistle
Blessed thistle is a plant that has been used since the early days to help with digestion and milk production. It is believed to work by stimulating the production of prolactin, a hormone that is essential for milk production.
One popular brand of blessed thistle tinctures while breastfeeding is the Florida Organic Blessed Thistle Tincture, available on Amazon.
6 – Shatavari
Shatavari is a plant commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine for various purposes, including lactation support. It is also known to aid in increasing breast milk production by stimulating prolactin production.
In recent years, shatavari is gaining popularity and becoming a common ingredient added to lactation supplements such as Legendairy Milk s Liquid Gold and Majkas Nourishing Lactation Protein Powder.
If you are looking for just Shatavari tinctures for lactation support, get the Herb Pharm Certified Organic Shatavari Liquid Extract.
7 – Alfalfa
Alfalfa is a plant that has been used for centuries to help with digestion and overall health. It is also believed to help increase milk production in lactating mothers.
Certain plant components or phytoestrogens in Alfalfa have similarities with estrogens and can attach to their receptors supporting in increasing milk supply.
Want to try alfalfa tinctures for breastfeeding? Check out Natures Answer Alfalfa Tincture, available on Amazon.
Drinkable Supplements
Breastfeeding drinks are a great way to boost milk supply, hydrate, and get extra nourishment. These drinks contain unique blends of galactagogues and lactogenic herbs making them easy-to-consume lactation supplements.
These lactation supplements can be consumed hot or cold and also customized if you add the supplement to lactation smoothies.
If you are in search of a supplement for breastfeeding that tastes good, you may want to try one of these below.
8 – Lactation Protein Shakes
Protein shakes while breastfeeding can be a convenient way to help increase milk production while also getting essential nutrients.
There are many options on the market, so read our full review of the best protein powders for breastfeeding.
One of my favorite brands of lactation protein shakes is the Majka Nourishing Lactation Protein Powder. It not only supports milk supply, but is also a complete postnatal vitamin.
It contains a blend of lactation-boosting ingredients such as fenugreek, milk thistle, and moringa, as well as essential vitamins and minerals to boost lactation as well as whole-body health for postnatal mothers.
Check out my green lactation smoothie recipe and lactation smoothie freezer packs using Majka!
9 – Lactation Teas
Herbal tea is a soothing and comforting way to help increase milk production.
One of the most popular brands of lactation tea is the Traditional Medicinals Organic Mothers Milk Tea, because of its proven track record. This tea contains a blend of lactation-boosting herbs such as fenugreek, blessed thistle, fennel, and anise, as well as other calming potent herbs such as spearmint and lemongrass.
There are bunches of teas out there to support milk supply, so read our full review of the best lactation teas to learn more about the various options.
10 – Lactation Support Drinks
There are several brands of lactation support drinks available on the market, that are mixes of various herbs mentioned above. Here are a few favorites:
- Majka Lactation Booster - love the vanilla chai flavor of this combo which includes shatavari, nigella seed powder, moringa leaf powder, milk thistle extract and turmeric.
- Greater Than Breastfeeding Support Drink - this one is another favorite. Its a combo of coconut water and fruit juices.
- UpSpring Milkflow Lactation Supplement Drink Mix - this is a really affordable option for moms looking to reliably boost milk supply. It has a blend of fenugreek, blessed thistle, anise, and beet root to promote milk production. But be aware, this one does have added sugar unlike the others above.
While popular lactation supplements can be helpful in increasing milk production, some women may experience an adverse reaction to the above-mentioned supplements. Its important to note that they should not be used as a substitute for proper breastfeeding techniques and regular nursing or pumping.
Which Breastfeeding Supplement is Right for You?
As you can see, there are many effective lactation supplements available on the market, including pill supplements, tinctures, and drinkable supplements.
Milk thistle, fenugreek, malunggay, and goats rue are some of the most popular pill supplements for lactation support, while blessed thistle, shatavari, and alfalfa are lesser known, but also gaining in popularity. Lactation protein shakes, lactation teas, and lactation support drinks are also good supplements while breastfeeding.
Its best to look at your lifestyle and habits and determine which type of supplement you are most likely to stick with and choose one to test. After just a few days most Moms will see results with lactation supplements.
Watch yourself and your baby for reactions to supplements within the first 2 weeks and then make a determination if it is helping. If its not, keep trying supplements until you find one that works for your preferences.
The good thing is no matter, which breastfeeding supplement you choose, of the above options, you have a very good chance of improving your milk production so that you can be successful on your breastfeeding journey. And thats the ultimate goal, right?
Its important to remember that its best to choose lactation supplements that have organic ingredients and vegetarian capsules and that they should be used only in combination with following a breastfeeding diet plan and proper breastfeeding/pumping methods. For more personalized guidance, speak with a healthcare provider or lactation consultant before starting a new supplement regimen.
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