When it comes to exclusive pumping, one of the biggest challenges that moms face is maintaining an adequate milk supply. It is no secret that breast milk is the best food for babies, and every mom wants to provide the best for her little one. But if you are here, like me, you probably have a low milk supply. In my case, I decided to explore different supplements and ingredients that could help me increase my milk supply.
When doing my research, I found a plethora of articles about women trying a supplement, and suddenly, the floodgates opened and they’re now producing breast milk by the gallon. Wow, sign me up! Well in this blog post, I will be sharing my personal experience of trying various supplements like Goat’s Rue, Oatmeal, Beer, Milk Thistle, and Brewer’s Yeast, but with much less dramatized results. Sorry, ladies!
1. Oatmeal:
I started my journey with oatmeal as it is a natural galactagogue, which means that it stimulates the production of breast milk. I made sure to have a bowl of oatmeal every morning, and I found that it helped me to feel full and satisfied, which is important when pumping exclusively.
2. Milk Thistle:
Milk Thistle is an herbal supplement that is known for its liver-protective properties. It’s also believed to help boost milk supply. I decided to go for Milk Thistle tea, but unfortunately, I didn’t notice any increase in my milk supply while taking it.
3. Brewer’s Yeast:
Brewer’s Yeast is a nutritional supplement that is rich in B vitamins and minerals like iron and zinc which are essential for optimal milk production. Although I have read anecdotal evidence that it boosts milk supply, and therefore I should hurry up and add it to all my smoothies and baked goods, I did not notice a significant difference in my milk production.
4. Ovaltine:
A popular chocolate drink from the 1960s-1980s, Ovaltine contains vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for lactating moms. It is rich in calcium, iron, and vitamin B complex, which are essential for milk production. As suggested by a NICU nurse, I often added Ovaltine to my oatmeal or made a chocolate drink, and it helped to increase my milk supply.
5. BOOBIE Body Protein Shake:
BOOBIE Body Protein Shake is packed with ingredients known to support lactation and boost milk production. It contains organic superfoods like moringa and turmeric and is also loaded with essential vitamins and minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium, and B vitamins. This shake comes in a variety of flavors and tastes delicious! I found that the combination of these superfoods, including adding some Ovaltine was effective in boosting my milk supply. However, I had to be consistent with taking this supplement, as I did notice a drop in my milk supply when I forgot to take it for a day or two. I only used it for 1 month because all these supplements were starting to add up.
6. Goat’s Rue:
I tried this herb as a recommendation by my lactation consultant to stimulate the production of breast milk. I did get a slight increase in output however, the downside of this supplement is that it has a bitter taste, so I had to mix it with another flavor to make it tolerable.
7. Dandelion:
I tried this in a tincture form mixed with oats and Chinese herbs prescribed by my acupuncturist. Dandelion is a natural diuretic that helps to remove excess fluid from the body. I found that my milk supply increased slightly with this supplement, and it also helped me to reduce water retention. However, be careful with the dosage as an excessive amount of Dandelion can cause dehydration which will negatively impact your milk supply.
8. Shatavari:
Shatavari is an Ayurvedic herb that is also known for its lactation-boosting properties. It is also believed to have a calming effect, which was a bonus to help me relax and reduce stress. I took this herb in combination with the Dandelion tincture and Goat’s Rue and noticed an increase in milk supply.
9. Beer:
Beer is also believed to increase milk production. Who doesn’t want a reason to drink a Beer? Well maybe me! I didn’t drink beer until I started my breastfeeding journey. While some studies have shown that the hops in beer can stimulate the production of prolactin, a hormone that is essential for milk production, it is important to drink alcohol in moderation. I found that having a cold beer occasionally did help me to relax and increase my milk supply slightly or maybe it was just psychological.
In conclusion, as a mom who exclusively pumped for over a year, I found that no magic pill or supplement could increase my milk supply overnight. However, trying various supplements did help me to maintain a steady milk supply over time. I continued Goat’s Rue, the dandelion tincture and Shatavari throughout my pumping journey, in combination with a positive mindset, relaxation techniques, increased hydration, and most importantly perseverance.
So mama, explore what works best for you, and don’t forget that your emotional state and self-care also play a vital role in milk production. With that said, cheers to all moms who are doing their best to provide the best nutrition for their babies and to all the ups and downs that come with it!
See you next time for more fun tips and tricks for navigating motherhood like a pro.
Disclaimer: I want to emphasize the importance of consulting with your physician or lactation consultant before taking any supplements. Your health and your baby’s health are of utmost importance, so please seek professional advice before trying any new supplements.
