Wondering what to drink to increase breast milk? This list includes an overview of some of the best breastfeeding drinks to increase milk supply plus provide hydration and extra nutrition for you and your baby. Read on to learn how lactation drinks can help your milk supply while nursing.
Staying well hydrated while breastfeeding is important for producing ample breast milk for your baby. Getting in the routine of drinking and eating foods that increase milk supply will make it easier to produce breast milk.
While breastfeeding you need to drink more than you normally would. It is recommended that you drink about 128 oz or 16 glasses of water per day while breastfeeding to stay well hydrated.
The good news is that does not all have to be water. There are many great lactation drinks that can help you stay hydrated and produce more breast milk at the same time.
While you are here, make sure to check out our full guide on what to eat when breastfeeding.
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What's in this Post
What are lactation drinks?
Simply put a lactation drink is any beverage that can support and help increase breast milk production. These drinks usually contain some combination of herbs, foods and nutrients that are known to increase breast milk supply.
Lactation drinks are a fairly new invention, even though the use of herbs and drinks for nourishing breastfeeding mothers has been utilized by midwives and women for many centuries. In recent years, many companies have taken this wisdom and created products specifically for nursing moms.
However, not all lactation drinks are created equal.
The results will be different for each product and for each mother. So its important to test out what works for you and your baby.
Also not all drinks claiming to be lactation drinks are healthy.
Some contain high amounts of added sugar, allergens, and other filler or low quality ingredients.
This list will share some of the best lactation drinks for increasing milk supply and staying hydrated while breastfeeding. Including drinks from around world that are commonly recommended to mothers to help breast milk supply.
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What to Drink to Increase Breast Milk?
If you are struggling to produce enough breast milk for your baby, one of the easier solutions is to consume daily lactation drinks. Drinking 1-3 servings of any of the lactation drinks included in this list is likely to boost your breast milk production within 24 hrs.
These tips for how to produce more milk can help too.
Figuring our what to drink while breastfeeding doesnt have to be overwhelming. Weve sifted through a lot of lactation drinks, read labels, tried them out and found the best options for moms who want nutrition, quality and non boring hydration.
So, what can you drink to produce more breast milk?
#1 – Coconut water drinks for breastfeeding
Coconut water is a natural and healthy choice for breastfeeding moms. Coconuts contains a high level of lauric acid and capric acid which helps boost breast milk and provide nursing infants with more protection against viruses, bacteria, and protozoa. (source)
It is known as a great source of potassium, magnesium and electrolytes which can help you fight dehydration while breastfeeding.
How much coconut water should I drink to boost milk supply?
Many mothers report increase in milk supply after drinking 16 oz to 32 oz (or 1 liter) of coconut water in a day. You can spread this out throughout the day or in one session. And then expected to see an increase in milk supply within 24 hours.
This coconut water is my favorite!
Here are some good coconut water flavors to try:
Read more about the benefits of coconut for breastfeeding here.
#2 – Lactation latte
For moms that love a latte, but have given up, or reduced, coffee consumption while breastfeeding, a lactation latte is a perfect alternative.
While caffeine and green and black tea can be shown to decrease milk supply in some mothers, they are actually ok to drink in moderation.
Read more about drinking green tea while breastfeeding here.
A good way to appease your latte craving without affecting your milk supply is to mix a moderate amount of tea, or coffee with a lactation booster.
Give this lactation latte recipe with green tea a try.
Or try this a breastfeeding coffee latte mix like this one.
3 things to look for in a lactation latte mix:
- vegan, dairy free and gluten free
- contains milk boosting herbs and ingredients
- low in sugar
Read - How to Know if You Need to Cut Caffeine while Breastfeeding
#3 – Breastfeeding protein shake
Protein shakes are safe for breastfeeding and an excellent ways for moms to get extra nutrients for making milk. When breastfeeding protein needs go up. An easy way to get this extra protein is to drink a breastfeeding protein shake daily.
There are quite a few lactation protein powders on the market now. Each brand has a proprietary blend of herbs to help milk supply as well as additional vitamins and ingredients for nutrition.
You can choose a shake based on taste, milk supply or additional benefits like weight loss.
Best lactation protein powders
Check out our detailed side by side comparison of the top protein powders for breastfeeding.
These two weve tested and recommend:
- this one is great for better milk supply and an all-in-one, postnatal vitamin and lactation supplement
- this one is awesome for weight loss and more energy, while boosting milk supply
Read this lactation shake mix review for more details on our test.
#4 – Lactation Tea
If you are looking for a hot lactation drink that is low in caffeine, try lactation tea. Many moms swear by lactation tea for boosting milk supply. Its a great option for cold weather, or an alternative to coffee. Adding ice is even an option!
Read our Guide to the Best Lactation Teas HERE
Most lactation teas contain a combination of herbs that are known to help milk supply. Fennel, fenugreek, blessed thistle and anise are common ingredients in teas for nursing moms.
You can make your own lactation tea or buy one already blended from the ones listed below.
Best lactation teas
- Traditional Medicinal Mothers Milk - a tried and true formula that has been around for many years
- Organic Milk Maid Tea by Earth Mama - love the flavor of this one
- Pink Stork Lactation Tea - this one has added vanilla and stevia
#5 – Lactation Smoothies
Lactation smoothies are refreshing and nourishing drink options while breastfeeding. There are so many yummy combinations of lactation smoothies that you can make.
Just remember to add your lactation boosters for the milk supply benefit.
How to make a lactation smoothie?
- Start with a good base - oat milk, almond milk, coconut milk, or coconut water are good choices
- add fruit of your choice
- add protein - either nut butter or hand full of nuts
- add breastfeeding milk supply boosters - chia seeds, flax seeds, brewers yeast, and/or lactation protein powder
- Blend, enjoy, and make more milk!
You can even combine all the ingredients into lactation smoothie freezer packs to make it easier to get a milk boost whenever you need it.
Try our favorite breastfeeding smoothies!
Ultimate Lactation Smoothie for Making More Milk - with chocolate and strawberries!
Pumpkin Oatmeal Lactation Smoothie
Green lactation Smoothie - a fruity version of the classic green smoothie that helps milk supply.
Banana Lactation Smoothie Recipe - this ultra creamy smoothie for breastfeeding milk supply uses full fat coconut milk and tastes like banana pudding.
#6 – Lactation Lemonade
This is perhaps one of the most refreshing breastfeeding drinks that is perfect for staying hydrated during the summer and warm weather. The original recipe for lactation lemonade was made popular on Pinterest.
How to make lactation lemonade?
- Steep 4 bags of lactation tea in 4 cups of hot water for 10 minutes
- Strain and squeeze the juice of 1 lemon into 32 oz Mason Jar, or tumbler with lid
- Remove tea bags and pour into tumbler
- Add 1-2 tbsp honey (or sweetener of choice)
- Mix and enjoy!
One thing to be aware of - lemons can cause issues for some babies. So skip this one if you are breastfeeding a baby with acid reflux.
#7 – Coconut milk
As discussed before, coconut is an amazing superfood to eat while breastfeeding. Coconut milk may contain even more benefits than coconut water in that it contains more of the fat.
The fats of coconut milk can help:
- increase both your energy
- boost your immune system
- help stabilize blood sugar levels
This is a good type of fat that is important for a healthy breastfeeding diet.
When buying coconut milk there are a few option - canned, shelf stable and refrigerated (usually located near the milk section).
Canned coconut milk provides more fat per serving than the other two, but all are good drinks for breastfeeding moms.
#8 – Chai Latte for Breastfeeding
There are even chai latte mixes made just for breastfeeding moms. The flavors of chai go really well many of the galactagogues that boost milk supply.
This warming drink is great to drink at night before bed to help with night time feeding sessions. The version below is caffeine free!
Ingredients for Chai Lactation Latte -
- 2 cups warm coconut milk (or milk of choice)
- 1 scoop favorite lactation chai latte mix
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
#9 – Oat Milk to Increase Milk Supply
Oat milk is a relatively new lactation drink for nursing moms to try. Eating oatmeal while breastfeeding is known to help milk supply, so it is only natural that moms would turn to oat milk to help boost supply too.
While drinking oat milk is slightly less potent than eating oatmeal, you can still get the benefits of oats for milk supply by drinking this dairy free drink.
How to use Oat Milk for Breast Milk Supply
- Drink as a milk alternative
- Use in lactation smoothies
- Use to make breastfeeding protein shakes
#10 – Jungle Juice for Breastfeeding
Have you heard of jungle juice for breastfeeding? This lactation drink is popular among nursing mums in South Africa.
Breastfeeding jungle juice is a combination of tea, juice, Blackthorn Berry Elixir and rescue remedy. It can help you hydrate while nursing and boost energy. Blackthorn berry is thought be beneficial for feeling energized and revitalized.
Jungle Juice Breastfeeding Recipe
- 6 cups water
- 2-3 rooibos tea bags
- 2 cups apple or berry juice
- 1 pack Rehidrat or Liquid IV
- 2 tbsps Schlehen Blackthorn Berry Elixir (this is very difficult to find in the States, try this as a substitute)
- 10-15 drops Rescue Remedy
- Boil 4 cups of water then pour into a 1/2 gallon jug with the rooibos tea bags. Leave to brew and once it has cooled, remove the teabags.
- Add the rest of the water (chilled) and the fruit juice (chilled) to the rooibos tea.
- Mix in the Schlehen Berry Elixir, Liquid IV and Rescue Remedy.
- Keep in the fridge and consume the 1/2 gallon over the course of 24 hours.
- You can garnish with fruit slices if youd like (this Jungle Juice is kind of like a cocktail thats GOOD for you!).
Original recipe for Breastfeeding Jungle Juice from Baby Yum Yum
#11 – Electrolyte Drinks while Breastfeeding
Staying hydrated is essential for being able to make breast milk on demand. While electrolyte drinks may not have active ingredients that increase milk supply, they do support optimal hydration making them a good drink for breastfeeding moms.
Many moms wonder - do electrolytes help breast milk? Drinking electrolyte drinks while breastfeeding can restore hydration and help breast milk production because you are getting more liquid in. They are especially helpful in preventing dehydration if you live in a hot climate, or if you find it difficult to get in the full 16 glasses of water a day recommended for breastfeeding.
Also read about electrolytes while pregnant.
Best Electrolytes for Breastfeeding
- Majka Hydration Booster (made with coconut, pictured above)
- Upspring Milkflow Electrolyte Breastfeeding Supplement Drink Mix with Fenugreek
- Liquid IV Hydration Multiplier
#12 – Body Armor Drink for Breast Milk
This drink has become very popular among breastfeeding moms. Possibly because it is widely available - you can find it in most convenience stores and groceries in the US. Body Armor is a sports drink that is safe for breastfeeding.
You may wonder - does Body Armor increase milk supply? Yes, the main ingredient is coconut water which helps increase breast milk. It also has electrolytes and B vitamins which also contribute to this drink increasing milk supply.
Best Body Armor Drinks for Breastfeeding
#13 – Pink Drink for Milk Supply
Another popular drink for breastfeeding moms is the Starbucks pink drink.
But does Starbucks pink drink increase milk supply? Yes because the pink drink has coconut milk it can help to increase milk supply.
Though be careful with this one as it does contain 24 g of sugar which is a high amount. But in moderation and on the go, this drink is a good option for increasing milk supply.
By making your own homemade pink drink, you can control the sugar and make a healthier version.
DIY Starbucks Pink Drink for Lactation
- 1.5 cups pink cranberry juice
- 1 cup unsweetened vanilla coconut milk
- 3/4 cup freeze dried strawberries
- ice
- Mix all the ingredients together
- Pour over ice and enjoy!
Original recipe for Lactation Pink Drink
Read more about the best juice for breastfeeding here.
#14 – Atole for Breast Milk
In Mexico and Central America, atole is a popular drink for breastfeeding mothers.
It is said of the tradition of atole for breastfeeding -
As soon as the mother had delivered her baby, the mother or mother-in-law would prepare atole for her. According to them this filled the breasts of the nursing mother with nutritious and abundant breast milk. Nothing, absolutely nothing was better than the atole de maiz. If she kept drinking atole the breasts keep producing milk for one to two years.
ANGEL NUÑEZ
Atole Recipe for Breastfeeding
There are many versions of this recipe with some calling for oatmeal and others the more traditional way with Masa harina. Either way you should get a nice milk supply boost.
Atole de Avena Recipe made with Oatmeal
#15 – Maya Seed Drink
Another lactation drink that comes from Latin America is made with Maya seed, also known as breadnut. Maya seed hails from the fruit of the brosimum allcastrum tree. Its been harvested for centuries by the Maya people and dried and ground into a powder that is used to make tortillas, bread, and a nourishing drink.
The wonders of Maya seed for breastfeeding and postpartum mothers have been passed on for generations in Mexican communities. Not only does it help increase milk supply and nutrients, but Maya seed also helps your breastfed baby feel more satisfied. Try this Mothers Tea made with Maya Seed.
Reasons to try Maya seed to help lactation:
- Convenient - little preparation required, simply mix with hot water, sweetener of choice, and milk
- Tastes like coffee without all the caffeine
- A good source of essential amino acids and minerals like calcium, magnesium, phosphorus.
Learn more about Jnantik Maya Seed Supplement for Breastfeeding
#16 – Creamsicle Lactation Drink
This one is a great homemade lactation drink recipe that includes oat and flax milk. Flax is a great food for boosting milk supply.
Orange Creamsicle Lactation Drink Recipe
- 1/2 cup oat milk
- 1/2 cup flax milk
- 1 cup orange juice
- Add everything to a tall glass or tumbler.
- Stir and enjoy!
The original recipe for Creamsicle Lactation Drink
#17 – Moringa for Breastfeeding
Moringa, or malunggay for breastfeeding is commonly used by moms in the Philippines to increase breast milk.
There have actually been studies showing that moringa helps breast milk supply.
You can drink moringa as a tea, or take it as a supplement in pill form, or even in breastfeeding soup!
Theres a malunggay drink primarily found in the Philippines called m2 malunggay drink. Its a concentrated moringa tea mixed with okra and luya. It works so well for increasing milk supply that a group of Moms in Manila started the M2 Lactation Club to share results and help other Moms.
In the US, it may be easiest to find moringa teas, this lactation booster included it as a main ingredient.
Moringa Teas for Breastfeeding
#18 – Malta drink and breastfeeding
Malta is a drink common in the Caribbean. Because Malta has barley and hops, it is thought to help nursing moms produce more milk. It is non alcoholic and safe for breastfeeding moms.
Many moms say they mix it with condensed milk to make it taste better. But perhaps a better option might be coconut milk which also helps milk supply and is healthier.
How to use drinks to increase breast milk supply?
Overall, all of these breastfeeding drinks are good ways to stay hydrated and will help to increase milk supply.
It generally takes about 6 to 12 hours to start seeing results from drinking a lactation drink. So plan accordingly for when you need your milk supply to be higher.
Choose 1 or 2 lactation drinks a day, in addition to water, to add to your breastfeeding meal plan.
This will help keep you hydrated and give you the nutrients you need to produce breast milk.
Best Drinks for Breastfeeding Moms
After trying all these lactation drinks above, I have to say these are my very favorites (in order!):
- Majka Lactation Protein Shakes
- Coconut Water (Peach mango is the BEST!)
- Earth Mama Lactation Tea
Which breastfeeding drink is the best for boosting milk supply? We want to hear from you, share your opinion in the comments below!
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More Breastfeeding Resources
Here at Birth Eat Love our goal is to make healthy eating easier for busy Moms during postpartum and breastfeeding.
Homemade breastfeeding snack recipes - this ebook has some great recipes that are low in sugar and dairy free for boosting milk supply.
Wondering what foods you can eat that will help increase your milk supply? This post has 11 real foods that you can eat today to make more milk and includes recipes, supplements and product suggestions.
Do you have a colicky or super fussy breastfed baby? There are some foods you may be eating that could be making your baby uncomfortable. Read about a few foods to avoid while breastfeeding here.
Looking for breastfeeding recipes that can help support your milk production? Here are 9 breastfeeding soups that you can make in the slow cooker or instant pot.
Interested in making freezer meals so you can have easy dinners? Check out this freezer meal ebook that has 12 recipes specifically designed to support breastfeeding and postpartum recovery.
Tired of trying to decide what to eat while breastfeeding? Reduce the thinking and stressing about meal time with this simple breastfeeding meal plan.
Trying to find a way to cope with the summer heat? Look no further with These refreshing iced teas
