All Blogs | Supporting Your Milk Supply: Exploring Choices for Breastfeeding Moms

All Blogs | Supporting Your Milk Supply: Exploring Choices for Breastfeeding Moms

Supporting Your Milk Supply: Exploring Choices for Breastfeeding Moms

Breastfeeding is a beautiful and rewarding experience that provides countless benefits for both mother and baby. However, concerns about milk supply can be a major source of stress for many new moms. The good news is that there are several ways to help support your body's natural breast milk production and ensure your little one gets the nourishment it needs to thrive.

In this blog post by Upspring, we'll explore various lactation options available to breastfeeding moms, from dietary choices to dietary supplements and additional support methods.

Fueling Your Body: A Lactation-Friendly Diet

A nutritious diet rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and fluids is the foundation for a healthy breast milk supply. Try to consume a healthy diet: lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat protein. It is also necessary to drink adequate water, and it is recommended to drink rather often but in small portions.

Did you know? A review paper published in the American Journal of Obstetric Gynecology (2022),  outlines how both mom’s dietary intake influences breastmilk during lactation along with the nutrients she has already stored in the adipose tissue.  This again speaks to the importance of a healthy, varied diet during lactation (and pregnancy to store up nutrients for mom and baby). UpSpring offers a variety of lactation drinks and supplements formulated with breastfeeding moms in mind. These tasty delights are designed to offer an easy means of increasing fluid and some key nutrients..

Exploring some key herbal galactagogues for Breastfeeding

Mother nature plays a tremendous role in providing plant-based herbal options  believed to help support women around the world in their breastfeeding journey. .  It is suggested that Certain galactagogue herbs  increase the secretion of prolactin, a hormone that supports  breast milk production. Herbs that are available in dietary supplements should be reviewed by your doctor before taking them, especially if you are breastfeeding.

1. Fenugreek: This herb boasts a long and well-established history of being used to promote milk supply. Studies suggest that fenugreek may work by stimulating the production of prolactin, a key hormone responsible for milk production in the mammary glands. Fenugreek can be consumed in capsule, powder, or tea form. Some mothers report a maple syrup-like scent on their body or in the urine; however, it's important to note that this is a harmless side effect that doesn't impact mom or  baby.

It has been traditionally recognized for its effectiveness in supporting milk production and is considered to have a tested record of the same.  Credible companies like Upspring offer fenugreek lactation drinks and supplements to help support breast milk production.

2. Blessed Thistle: This beautiful flowering herb is believed to be traditionally used to help support breast milk , particularly in Europe. This natural breastfeeding supplement can be consumed as tea or tincture and is often paired with other galactagogue herbs such as fenugreek.

3. Fennel: While primarily known for its digestive benefits, fennel may also help with breast milk production. Some studies suggest that fennel may help with latching difficulties due to its calming properties. Fennel seeds can be chewed on, brewed as tea, or incorporated into cooking. Still, by all means, don't use fennel essential oil since it is toxic and should not be taken while breastfeeding.

4. Malunggay (Moringa): If you are a nursing mother, moringa is a plant with a number of nutrients when consuming the leaves. It is very popular in the Phillipines to support breastmilk production.    The leaves can be added as an ingredient of ready meals, or taken as a powder.

It is always advisable to seek advice from a healthcare professional before incorporating any herbal supplements into your diet, especially when pregnant or breastfeeding.

Additional Milk Flow Support: Exploring Supplements

UpSpring has done the thinking and preparing for you by offering  different kinds of lactation drink mixes and supplements containing fenugreek, blessed thistle, and other ingredients to  help support lactation. They're easy to use and provide a few  key nutrients along with the herbal galactagogues to support  to support mom throughout her day and her breastfeeding journey. 

Milkflow® + Electrolytes Drink Mix (Fenugreek-free), Blueberry Açai

This drink mix provides milk supporting  herbs  and electrolyte nutrients to help your body naturally support breast milk. The Blueberry Açai flavor provides a delicious and refreshing way to hydrate  your body while helping to support your milk supply. Electrolytes are essential for hydration, which is crucial for lactation​​.

Milkflow® + Energy Drink Mix, Chocolate

This lactation drink mix contains fenugreek, blessed thistle, and anise, naturaly sourced herbs  to help support a mother's breast milk supply. It also contains B vitamins, including Riboflavin, Biotin, and Vitamin B12, to support energy, , which sleep deprived moms need. . The Chocolate flavor makes it a tasty treat that can be easily included in your daily routine, supporting your body's natural processes to help maintain a healthy milk supply​.

Milkflow® + Immune Support Drink Mix (Fenugreek-free), Elderberry Lemonade

This formula is designed to help support both breast milk supply and immune health. It includes herbs with lactation-supporting properties, such as moringa, blessed thistle, fennel, and anise. Enhanced with vitamins C and D, it helps provide immune support for both mother and baby. The Elderberry Lemonade flavor offers a refreshing way to incorporate these beneficial ingredients into your daily routine

Milkflow® + Immune Support Drink Mix, Orange Mango

Using naturally derived herbs such as fenugreek, blessed thistle, anise, and vitamins like vitamins C and D, the drink mix  helps support both your breast milk supply and your immunity. The Orange Mango flavor provides a tasty and convenient option for including these beneficial nutrients in your daily routine. This drink mix helps helps support you and your lactation naturally​​.

Milkflow® Lactation Supplement Drink Mix, Berry

This supplement is formulated with fenugreek and blessed thistle to support lactation. The Berry flavor makes it a delicious option for moms looking to incorporate lactation-supporting herbs into their diet. This drink mix supports your body's natural mechanisms to help maintain your milk supply in a  convenient tasty way. 

Milkflow® Fenugreek + Blessed Thistle Capsules

These lactation capsules provide a concentrated fenugreek and blessed thistle, two known galactagogues. They're easy and convenient to use and help support breast milk supply without the need for mixing drinks.

Milkflow® Breastfeeding Soft Chews (Berry Flavor)

It comprises fenugreek, blessed thistle, and anise, all packaged in a soft chew with a berry flavor. It is a great option for moms who prefer not to take pills and are looking for a portable and delicious alternative​​.

Final Takeaway

Breastfeeding is a journey filled with unique challenges and triumphs. By focusing on a healthy diet, exploring natural options, and seeking additional support when needed, you can empower your body to provide the optimal nourishment for your baby. UpSpring is here to support you every step of the way. We offer a variety of resources, including informative blog posts, and a range of lactation supplements formulated specifically for breastfeeding moms.

Visit our website at https://myupspring.com/ to explore our full range of lactation support products and connect with one of our lactation consultants today!