Are you trying to figure out which is the best lactation protein powder for breastfeeding? Drinking lactation protein powder is perhaps one of the best lactation drinks for quickly increasing milk supply. But how to you know which breastfeeding protein powder is best for you?
Protein shakes are a safe option for breastfeeding moms and a great way to get the much needed extra protein it takes to produce breast milk. With so many protein powders to choose from it can be hard narrowing it down to just 1.
So in this article, we look at the top lactation protein powders on the market and help break down the factors as to why to choose one over the other based on needs, taste, budget and ingredients.
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What is breastfeeding protein powder?
Breastfeeding protein powder, also commonly referred to as lactation protein powder, is protein powder formulated specifically for the nutritional needs of nursing moms. These protein powders contain combinations of protein, nutrients needed in higher amounts while breastfeeding and herbs that can help support healthy milk supply.
Lactation protein powders are a relatively new invention. Not all products marketed as breastfeeding protein powders are equal, so it’s important to read the ingredient list and look for a powder with whole food protein sources and the highest quality ingredients.
There are many protein powders on the market that are good for breastfeeding – in that they contain clean ingredients and meet the nutrition and protein needs of a breastfeeding mom. The difference between regular protein powders and lactation protein powder is the additional herbs and supplements added to assist in breast milk production.
While many use protein shakes as a meal replacement, lactation protein powder is better used as a lactation supplement in addition to your normal healthy diet while breastfeeding.
Wondering what to eat when breastfeeding? Make sure to sign up for our email list below for weekly breastfeeding diet tips and recipes!
Which is the best protein powder for breastfeeding?
Many nursing Moms wonder – what protein powder is best while breastfeeding?
The answer really depends on a few things.
Here are some questions to ask before buying a lactation protein powder:
- Do you have low milk supply and need to specifically boost breast milk production?
- Are you looking for extra nutrition?
- Are you looking to lose weight postpartum?
- Do you have any dietary restrictions, medical conditions, or allergies? (Vegan, nut allergy etc.)
- Budget – how much can you afford to spend?
- Taste – do you like sweetened, unsweetened, or stevia flavor, chocolate, etc.?
Depending on how you answer these questions it will determine the best protein powder while breastfeeding for you.
What to look for in a breastfeeding protein powder:
Protein Powder for Milk Supply
Are looking for a breastfeeding protein powder because you are experiencing low milk supply? It’s important to look for a protein powder that includes herbs and foods that increase milk supply.
Some common milk boosting ingredients to look for in lactation protein powder:
- fenugreek
- milk thistle
- flax seed
- coconut
- brewer’s yeast
Using lactation protein powder to increase breast milk can be very effective. Most breastfeeding moms can expect to see an increase in production within 24 hours.
For best results, drink 1-2 lactation protein shakes, or smoothies per day.
Read all about how to produce more milk while breastfeeding here.
Protein powder for postpartum weight loss
Drinking protein shakes postpartum can also be a powerful tool in jump starting weight loss after baby. Adding a daily lactation smoothie, or shake into your breastfeeding diet plan is a good way to boost milk supply, your metabolism and start shedding pounds.
Read more about how to lose the postpartum belly here.
Milk Dust vs Majka
The top 2 lactation protein powders on the market are Majka and Milk Dust. Both are Mom created products formulated especially for breastfeeding moms.
They both have tons of positive reviews and lots of Moms recommending them, so let’s break down what makes each one good and why you might choose one over the other.
While nursing my 5th Baby, I used both of these products extensively, tested and compared and I like them both for very different reasons.
Make sure to keep reading and scroll all the way down to get the side by side comparison.
Milk Dust Lactation Protein Powder
Milk Dust was the 1st lactation protein powder I tried. Admittedly, I had never tried protein powder before and was little skeptical to trade in my tried and true lactation teas for another breastfeeding drink.
You can read my full Milk Dust Review and experiment here.
Here’s what I really liked about Milk Dust:
- Boosts milk supply FAST
- Boosts energy levels
- Curbs sugar cravings and you snack less
- Has weight loss formula (that works)
- Contain Greens blend with spinach, chlorella, and spirulina!
- Baby seemed more content after feedings (compared to days when I didn’t drink it)
Over all I’d say that Milk Dust is the best protein powder for breastfeeding and weight loss. The weight loss blend included really helps reduce sugar cravings.
I found if I drank Milk Dust in the morning, I didn’t need an afternoon snack and I still had energy. This helped me lose the postpartum weight fairly easily and I think drinking Milk Dust daily, along with following this program, those first few months really helped.
My only complaint about Milk Dust is the flavor – and even that eventually won me over. There is a distinct sweet flavor from the stevia used as sweetener. Some reviewers say it tastes like “dunkaroos”. Never had those, but initially it was so sweet that I thought I wouldn’t continue to drink it.
But after a few tries and seeing the milk supply boost PLUS how great I felt, it was an easy YES to drinking it daily. Mixing it in this Ultimate Lactation Smoothie Recipe really helped too.
More Milk Dust Recipes
These are some of my favorite breastfeeding smoothie recipes with Milk Dust.
Majka Lactation Protein Powder
I tried Majka protein powder starting when my baby was about 1 yr old and after I had already tried Milk Dust and seen how well it worked.
The first thing that struct me about Majka was it’s neutral taste. When added to smoothies, it doesn’t take over, rather it blends nicely, so it’s less noticeable that it’s in there.
Try these Majka Lactation Smoothies:
Where Majka really shines is it’s nutritional blend and extras. I felt overall healthier, more balanced and more energetic.
Here’s what I really liked about Majka:
- Contains probiotics and digestive enzymes
- Has a Polyphenol Blend
- Over 100% of Daily recommended value of essential nutrients like biotin, folate, copper, vitamin D, A, E, B6, and B12.
- neutral, unsweet flavor (even though it has a few grams of sugar!)
- Baby seemed more content after feedings
Overall, Majka is the best breastfeeding supplement for based on nutritional value. It’s an easy way to add more nutrition to your breast milk, and a good all around health supplement that also helps lactation.
The only downside perhaps is, in comparison to Milk Dust, I didn’t have a huge milk supply boost. It did help, it just wasn’t as noticeable of a difference as it was when I drank Milk Dust. That may come from the difference in the Lactation blend. Everyone has a different reaction to the various foods that boost milk supply, so it’s important to test for yourself and see what works best for you.
Choosing the Best Lactation Protein Powder for You
Now that we’ve gone through the pros and cons of the 2 best lactation protein powders, how do you make the best choice for you?
Take a look at our comparison chart:
Either one is a good option for increasing your intake of protein and for supporting healthy lactation.
Let’s go back to those questions from before –
Need to increase milk supply FAST? Go with Milk Dust
Want to boost nutritional value of your breast milk and overall health? Go with Majka
Need digestive support? Go with Majka
Looking for a budget friendly option? Subscribe and save with Milk Dust or go for one of the ones listed below.
Want help with postpartum weight loss while breastfeeding? Go with Milk Dust
Do you have a nut allergy or thyroid issues? Go with Majka’s fenugreek free formula
Want a sweeter taste? Like Stevia? Go with Milk Dust
Want less sweet/unsweet taste? Go with Majka
Feeling depleted postpartum? Go with Majka’s Replenishing Powder
Take a look at this comparison to help you decide.
Protein plays an important role in a breastfeeding mother’s ability to produce breast milk. Which ever protein supplements you choose, make sure to also focus on healthy eating while nursing. This breastfeeding meal plan includes daily lactation protein smoothies and is a good place to start.
Other good protein powders for breastfeeding
There are actually other protein powder good for breastfeeding. These are brands with good quality ingredients, and are considered safe protein powders.
Boobie Body Breastfeeding Protein Powder – this one has 19 grams of protein and probiotics included. It also contains 0 g of sugar! But what makes Boobie Body so great is it’s budget friendly price, unique flavors and availability on Amazon. I’ve never tried this one, and the reviews are mixed, so that’s why it wasn’t included above.
Orgain Organic Protein Powder – this one is not specifically for breastfeeding moms, but is a good alternative that I like if you are looking for a clean and affordable protein powder that doesn’t taste horrible. It’s also great for the whole family. This one doesn’t include any milk boosters.
Vital Proteins – makes a variety of protein drinks that are safe for a breastfeeding mama and a convenient way to up your daily protein intake. They also include collagen and even have a vegan option.
Check out more drinks for breastfeeding moms here!
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More on Breastfeeding Diet
Here at Birth Eat Love, our goal is to help make healthy eating easier for breastfeeding Moms. Check out more of our resources here and sign up for our email list below!
Lactation Smoothie Freezer Packs
Best Lactation Recipes for Increasing Milk Supply
Foods to Avoid while Breastfeeding
