Need a Lactation Boost - Treats, Foods and Resources

This post is sponsored my Milkmakers. However, all opinions are our own.

You have made the decision to breastfeed, but you are needing a little (or a lot) lactation boost in supply and/or support. This mama has been there and done that with my twins. The decision to decide to breastfeeding is easy, the process however is a different story. I remember pushing myself for 4 weeks and cringing at the idea of breastfeeding my twins. I finally reached out and got the support I needed to get through and led me to breastfed my twins for almost a year. So, I wanted to share some treats, food and resources for those starting their breastfeeding journey.

Read my breastfeeding story here.

Lactation Treats

One of the ways to boost your supply if you feel you are running low in your supply whether breastfeeding or pumping is with some treats. Treats are the ones that you just grab and go from the store or order from places like Amazon. We recommend the Milkmakers Lactation bars and Lactation Tea. We had the opportunity to try the Chai tea and Chocolate Chip Bars flavors, but sure all the flavors are great.

The lactation bars are eggs, soy, dairy and gluten free. They have no artificial colors, natural flavors and you can read and pronounce all the ingredients. They taste great and are a great snack. You only need 1-2 bars depending on the how much you need an increase in your supply. But I was also have these to maintain supply as well because you need those extra 300 calories as a breastfeeding mama. So, this is a great healthy snack to have.

If you enjoy teas and love Chai tea then you will love the Chai flavor. It also comes in original and coconut. The Milkmakers tea is USDA Organic and vegan. It’s soothing and relaxing tea that will increase your supply as well. With the Chai, we added some milk and honey, but if you like you can do a straight traditional tea with hot water and sugar or honey depending on your preference.

Tip – You can eat these treats while you are pregnant a few days before you give birth or a few days after birth (as you milk usually doesn’t come in til the 3rd day as the colostrum is what your baby gets the first few days). So, this will give you a little lactation boost before your milk actually comes in.

Lactation Foods

You can add foods in your meals that can help boost or maintain your milk supply. Whether you are having breakfast, lunch or dinner there’s something you can have to help you even if it is just one food item you add. Here are just a few simple things.

For breakfast, I love the idea choices of oatmeal or a smoothie. I feel like oatmeal is always great now matter what for helping maintain good health in general for cholesterol, lowering blood pressure, energy boosting and fiber intake. You get better results with the old fashion oats that are not instant. You can add fruit and honey to help if you find the taste bland. I usually have orange juice.

For lunch, a salad is a great choice. You can add lactation boosting foods like spinach, carrots, almonds and papaya. Also, you can sprinkle some sesame seeds or flaxseeds in there as well. You can have a different salad everyday because there is really so much you can add to a salad. If you only want to stick to having spinach and forego everything else or have spinach with tomatoes and cheese and chicken – you have at least one lactation boosting food in your meal.

For dinner, adding sides dishes with sweet potatoes, brown rice or asparagus. Having a main dish with salmon or chicken. Cooking with spices turmeric, garlic or ginger for your meal. Yes, all these things can help you with your supply. You can do them all or pick and choose and switch it up.

It’s simply to get a lactation boost no matter what meal you are eating during the day. Try these lactation boosters – Chocolate Lactation Smoothie or The Best Chocolate Chip Lactation Cookies recipes.

Lactation Resources

If you are breastfeeding or pumping, you should have some resources to support you during this process. Here are a few we think you should have.

A lactation consultant. You should talk to your doctor when you decide to breastfeed, but you really should reach out and have contact information of a local lactation consultant who can help you after you leave the hospital. Ask around, definitely ask your doctor /midwife and insurance company or go to the International Lactation Consultants Association.

In person breastfeeding support group. You may find them in your local hospital. Organizations like the Le Leche League is a group that meets monthly depending on the chapter. Breastfeeding USA also has local chapters that meet in person as well. Online breastfeeding groups as okay, but these groups are led by lactation consultants or certified breastfeeding counselors plus you get to meet other mothers.

Online breastfeeding websites. The Office of Women’s Health is a government website that supports and helps women and has a specific section dedicated to breastfeeding mamas. Kellymom.com is a great website that provides evidence based information when it comes to breastfeeding. There are other online websites breastfeeding but these are our favorite.

Looking for some more breastfeeding information our site. Check some breastfeeding hacks, lactation chip cookies recipe and our breastfeeding must haves.