Are you a new mother looking for the best lactation supplements? This article will teach you what to search for and what to avoid while shopping for breastfeeding supplements, as well as my selection of the top 13 best lactation supplements to increase breast milk supply on the market today.
Now that you’ve started your new journey of breastfeeding, you’re gonna need a nursing glider/chair, a very comfy nursing bra, and your lactation supplement to help you go through it as comfortably as possible.
You’ll also learn when the optimal time is to begin using lactation supplements. Being a parent is an incredible, changing journey loaded with a range of emotions, highs, and lows. And, as every new mother knows, there is a slew of choices tossed at you when you become a parent for the first time. Should I breastfeed or bottle-feed? Organic vs. non-organic? Sleep training vs. co-sleeping?
One of the most important choices that new mothers must make is which formula to use for feeding. There’s a lot to get accustomed to, as well as possible snags that are difficult to predict ahead of time. Breast milk has been shown to aid in cognitive development and increase immunity in infants. Other studies suggest that breastfeeding does not have to be exclusive for newborns to benefit and that the difference in lengthy health between nursed and formula-fed children are small. All of this is to imply that the choice to breastfeed or not should be totally up to you.
If you are nursing, you may be asking how to increase your milk production or not have enough milk – particularly if you have an insufficient supply, wish to start building up milk to store or have a very hungry infant.
Fortunately, several simple, natural, and risk-free lactation supplements may help you in increasing milk supply. However, determining which supplement to use might be difficult. Don’t worry. We’ve rounded up the best lactation supplements available online for your convenience.
Before we start, make sure to take the advice of lactation consultants before starting with any supplement. lactation consultant can help you decide if milk supply supplements are ideal for your case.
The Best Lactation Supplements
- Pink Stork
- Traditional Medicinals Mother’s Milk Tea
- New Chapter Multivitamin
- Mommy Knows Best Fenugreek
- Brewer’s Yeast Powder for Lactation – Oat Mama
1. Pink Stork
Pink Stork is a completely pure organic herbal extract that aids breastfeeding and helps improve milk production. It is non-GMO, gluten-free, all-natural, soy-free, and dairy-free, among other things. Anise seed powder, fennel seeds, and goat’s rue are some of the plants used in this composition.
Breast milk may be more appealing to certain newborns because of the herb blend’s ability to sweeten it. If your baby likes the taste, he or she may nurse more often, which may help you produce more milk. It’s also made by a woman-owned firm and has gotten hundreds of five-star evaluations.
Pros
- Natural ingredients
- Organic and non-GMO
- Beneficial herbs that may boost milk supply
- Numerous positive reviews
- 30 days money-back guarantee
Cons
- You have to take two pills a day
- Might be expensive
2. Traditional Medicinals Mother’s Milk Tea
This lactation tea is a good option to avoid the hassle of swallowing pills or using a pipette. Fennel, anise, lemongrass, coriander, and blessed thistle are all parts of the herbal combination, which many mothers swear by.
This tea has an anise and fennel taste, so if you don’t like licorice, stick to flavorless supplements instead. The herbal tea also includes spearmint leaf, which may be an issue for nursing mothers.
Pros
- Organic and non-GMO
- Medicinal grade herbs
- Caffeine-free
- A lot of positive reviews
- Low amount of fenugreek
Cons
- The taste may not be for everyone
3. New Chapter Multivitamin
This is an all-in-one postnatal supplement and breastfeeding help.
Taking lactation supplements might cause stomach discomfort for some women, although this is less likely if fermented probiotics are included in the mix. This supplement is safe to take even if you don’t have anything to eat. More than one kind of mineral and a variety of herbs make up the three-in-one mix. It’s great to see a company using organic, non-GMO products.
Pros
- Contains probiotics
- High-quality ingredients
- It shouldn’t make you feel upset
- A good alternative for moms who don’t like tea
Cons
- You have to take three pills a day
4. Mommy Knows Best Fenugreek and Blessed Thistle
Fenugreek seeds and blessed thistle seed are both key ingredients in this supplement. Hence, vegetarians will appreciate the fact that the capsules are vegan-friendly. You’ll need to take this medication twice or three times every day.
Further, it’s possible to take up to six pills a day if you’re taking two capsules at a time. To avoid an upset stomach, it’s best taken with meals. Moreover, the supplement doesn’t contain any artificial colors or tastes, making it more convenient for breastfeeding moms.
Pros
- Suitable for lactose sensitive moms
- Works fast
- Positive reviews of its effectiveness
- Natural herbs to boost the milk supply
Cons
- Expensive, considering taking up to 6 pills a day
5. Mommy Knows Best Goat’s Rue
Adding goat’s rue, a plant native to the Middle East, to a breastfeeding mother’s diet has shown to be a success for many.
However, it’s crucial to note that the research on goat’s rue has been of doubtful quality and control. According to the National Institutes of Health, goat’s rue has been linked to hypoglycemia in women using diabetes drugs. However, since it is devoid of eggs, dairy, wheat, peanuts, and tree nuts, this supplement could be worth a go.
Pros
- Massive positive reviews
- Free of fenugreek
- Contains nutritional herbs
Cons
- Not organic
- Not suitable for diabetic moms
6. UpSpring Milkflow Drinkable Lactation Supplement
Rather than swallowing pills, this drinking vitamin is a simple alternative. Carrot seed and the roots of beet and anise are among the herbs in this blend.
Plus, it’s flavored with berries to make the entire thing even better. This means that you’ll receive an additional dose of hydration, which is always good for milk production. If you like a more fruity flavor, you may substitute juice for the water. Those who are vegan or gluten-intolerant may enjoy this supplement. Moreover, this recipe has no artificial components.
You just need to take one packet each day, which may be a major relief to ladies who don’t want to keep taking vitamins many times a day. If one packet isn’t enough, you may try another one after a few days, but don’t exceed three each day.
Pros
- No pills
- Affordable
- One packet a day may help your milk flow increase
Cons
- It may cause an upset stomach
7. WishGarden Herbs Herbal Supplementation
In the case of mothers who have difficulty swallowing large pills or capsules, these supplement drops may be ideal. If you’re not a fan of the taste, you can just add some juice or water to dilute it. The gluten-free, non-GMO drops are also devoid of sweets and stimulants, which is great for you and your kid.
Additionally, raspberry leaf and fenugreek are just two examples of the organic, wild-harvested components that go into this combination. Mothers who care about the environment will appreciate the company’s dedication to resource conservation. Try these if you’re in the market for a goat’s rue extract. It contains organic, gluten-free alcohol and vegetable glycerine. However, the company’s devotion to environmental sustainability may set this product different from the others.
Pros
- Easy to ingest
- No caffeine
- Easy to absorb by the body
Cons
- Fairly pricey
- The taste is not the best
8. WishGarden Happy Ducts Natural Breastfeeding Support Supplement
Milk production might be affected by obstructed ducts in the mother. It’s preferable to address this issue as soon as possible since blocked ducts might negatively influence your supply.
Fortunately, unclogging the milk ducts may be easier using the herbs in this combination. In addition, the herbs’ assistance might help you maintain a steady supply. Sleep-deprived moms will like that this doesn’t include caffeine, so it won’t disrupt their sleep or that of their infant. Furthermore, it is made out of wild-harvested organic components. Alternatively, one fluid ounce is included in each bottle. You may consume the liquid drops either straight up or in combination with another beverage, depending on your preference.
Pros
- Caffeine-free
- Easy administration
- Fast absorbing
Cons
- Strong floral taste
9. Maxi Health Lactation Nursing Support
This product is for those who don’t mind taking capsules. This vitamin has a lot going for it, even though you have to take nine capsules a day to get any benefit from it.
Further, it is a gluten-free and vegetarian formula. There are no preservatives, colorings, or flavors in this product if you are concerned about your health.
With this mixture, you don’t have to compromise on quality herbs. Anise, anise root, barley grass, fennel, fenugreek, marrow root, nettle leaf, red spirulina, and raspberry are all included in this formula. Moreover, these are extremely appealing to us since their taste is not very strong.
Pros
- Impressive herbal combination
- Easy to swallow
- The taste is not very bad
Cons
- Easy to miss the daily dose
10. Oregon’s Wild Harvest Fenugreek
Organic fenugreek seeds and a vegan capsule are the only components of this breastfeeding supplement. Hence, this low-cost alternative can be appealing to you if you’re on a limited budget and don’t want to spend lots of money on breastfeeding supplements.
This is a great option for new mothers who wish to limit their intake of herbs as much as possible. Fenugreek is one of the most effective herbs for lactation, even if it doesn’t work for everyone. In the beginning, it’s an excellent place to start since it has such a high reputation for helping new mothers.
Pros
- Easy to swallow
- Only two simple ingredients
- affordable
Cons
- You have to take three pills a day
11. Best Naturals Fenugreek Seed Supplement
The sole ingredient in this supplement is the fenugreek seed, making it a good choice if you’d rather try a single herb supplement. In addition, the supplement does not contain any chemical substances or additives, which may assist increase milk production. As a bonus, it doesn’t include any artificial ingredients such as dyes or sweeteners.
Additionally, fenugreek has high levels of vitamin C, vitamin B, and beta-carotene, all of which are beneficial to new mothers. Best Naturals is proudly created in the USA. In addition, this firm provides a portion of its proceeds from each bottle sold to assist underprivileged children in getting the vitamins they need.
Pros
- Affordable
- No artificial sweeteners
- Gluten-free
- May work quickly to stimulate the milk flow
Cons
- You have to take four to six capsules a day
12. Oat Mama Brewer’s Yeast
Oat Mama’s brewer’s yeast is ideal for breastfeeding mothers who like baking and creating snacks. Iron, Vitamin b, protein, chromium, and selenium are just some of the nutrients in brewer’s yeast that your body may employ to boost milk production.
Using the brewer’s yeast, you can cook breastfeeding cookies, smoothies, granola, and oatmeal. Debittering reduces the intensity of the taste. In addition, the back of the packaging includes a recipe for lactation chocolate chip cookies. Furthermore, it doesn’t contain gluten, which is great news if you’re allergic to gluten.
Pros
- Gluten-free
- Tasty recipe
- Not very bitter taste
Cons
- Relatively pricey
13. Pure Mom Lactation Supplement
This organic and non-GMO supplement contains fenugreek, milk thistle, and fennel.
It’s also gluten-free, vegan, and created in the United States. Several moms have reported that this supplement works best when combined with lactation cookies. Additionally, it contains 300 mg milk thistle, which helps increase the milk flow.
Pros
- Organic, non-GMO
- Very positive reviews
- Affordable
- Vegan
- Nutritional natural herbs
Cons
- Fenugreek may cause digestive issues
Lactation Supplements Buying Guide
Consult With Your Doctor
Before you start taking any supplements, you need to be sure you’re getting enough nutrients from your diet. A good way to be sure a supplement is safe for you is to show it to your doctor. To check whether there’s an item you should avoid, they’ll analyze the list of ingredients and your medical history. For example, anyone with a peanut allergy should strictly avoid fenugreek.
Select Your Supplements
As a supplement, some women take various daily vitamins and minerals. There are several galactagogues out there, so it’s advisable to start with one and see how it works before adding an armload to your routine. If you’re still not generating enough milk, you may wish to add another one or two.
Examine the Ingredients
However, even if your doctor says you may take a supplement, you should research the additional qualities of the components you’re thinking about using. Fennel and fenugreek may help you get more of what you need. Due to its high iron content, nettle is a good option if you’re suffering from anemia.
Check the Price
As much as it’s good to save money, it’s still important to purchase a high-quality product. In addition, the greatest lactation supplements might cost a little more. Hence, check your budget and check the various prices offered.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
How do breastfeeding supplements help?
Herbal galactagogues, which are often included in lactation supplements, make them so effective. Some of the most often used galactagogues are those meals, herbs, and other natural products that assist a nursing mother in boosting her milk production. As such, examples of galactagogue foods include oatmeal, beets and carrots, brewers yeast, flaxseed, dark green leafy vegetables, and green papaya.
Moreover, milk production may be boosted by taking lactation supplements routinely, including high doses of galactagogues.
However, despite the lack of scientific proof on traditional galactagogues or herbal supplements’ ability to boost breast milk production, many new moms swear by particular supplements as being quite helpful in dealing with milk supply concerns.
Which lactation supplement is right for you and your child?
When looking for a supplement that could significantly enhance your milk production, there are several factors to consider. The following are some broad pointers that you should follow: Organic and non-GMO supplements are better for your health. However, try to eliminate common food allergies such as dairy and soy by selecting a supplement. Moreover, make sure there are no extra synthetic chemicals or fillers.
If you have ever had a reaction to it, or if you or your baby has digestive issues as a result of taking it, you’ll want to switch to a non-fenugreek choice. Additionally, you should always avoid a few substances when looking for breastfeeding supplements for you and your baby. Among them are Thrash metals Sweeteners that are not natural Additives.
Which kind of herbs may help me produce more milk?
For millennia, herbal treatments have been utilized to treat many medical conditions. There are, however, certain herbs that are superior to others. Some may have no effect, while others may be effective due to the placebo effect. Other factors might have a significant influence on milk production, and milk supply may be increased by using these herbs. The following are the most prevalent herbs for boosting milk supply:
- Fenugreek: Fenugreek should be taken at 5400-7300 mg/day to boost breast milk production. Potential adverse effects include a maple syrup-like fragrance in your sweat or urine, as well as intestinal pain for some mothers. Fenugreek and Blessed Thistle complement each other nicely. For boosting lactation, experts recommend using fenugreek and blessed thistle together.
- Goat’s Rue: A relative of fenugreek, but without the maple syrup scent. Dried leaf supplements are safe to consume, but fresh leaves may be dangerous, so be careful. In addition to being high in iron and a good source of protein, stinging nettle is also known to aid in breastfeeding after childbirth.
- Anise Seeds: Noted for its licorice flavor, anise seeds are commonly regarded as galactagogues. As well as enriching the skin and hair and aiding with digestion, Moringa has also been utilized in several nations to promote breastfeeding production.
- Alfalfa: Prolactin, a hormone that aids in the production of breastfeeding, maybe stimulated by this plant. Alfalfa supports skin and digestion and may help decrease inflammation. Moreover, it has been used for centuries in China and India to maintain healthy milk production. By raising prolactin levels, Alfalfa improves a mother’s milk supply.
If You’re Taking Lactation Supplements, How Soon Should You Begin?
After the birth of a baby, many new mothers are anxious about how much milk they are making. If you had a c-section, it’s important to remember that mature milk supply normally doesn’t begin until 30 to 40 hours after the placenta has been delivered, but this might vary. It is suggested that new mothers wait until their systems have naturally adapted to these demands before using lactation supplements.
Lactation supplements should be avoided for at least five days following the birth of a child. If that’s the case, you should speak with a breastfeeding consultant or your doctor about whether or not you need lactation supplements. To construct a possible nursing strategy, mothers who have had insufficient milk production with past kids may wish to speak with the specialists before birth.
Is it okay to use lactation supplements if you’re nursing?
Generally speaking, yes. However, it’s vital to keep in mind that the FDA does not oversee the safety of dietary supplements. However, there are no set criteria for how much a breastfeeding supplement product should include an ingredient. A supplement may positively affect some moms while having a negative effect or having no effect at all on others. Before using any supplement, it’s a good idea to visit a physician or lactation professional.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a mom-to-be or have been pumping for quite some time, having a lactation supplement might ease the process a lot for you. We’ve examined the best lactation supplements available online. Additionally, we’ve addressed some of the most common questions about breastfeeding. Hopefully, your breastfeeding journey will be smoother and sweeter.
[…] Lactation Supplements are a simple approach to naturally increasing your breast milk production. You may notice a drop in supplies if you’re returning to work. Lactation supplements may help you keep up with your baby’s demand by preventing a drop in your milk production. Your freezer supply will be less often depleted this way. […]