The postpartum lactation journey can come with difficulties. Sometimes your milk supply does not exactly match what your baby needs.
Milk supply can be low because of medical reasons, like complications during birth or other underlying conditions.
Whichever the case, lactation supplements can help with your milk production.
You might be turned off by the idea of downing supplements when you’re breastfeeding, but there ARE healthy options out there.
To make your life easier, we’ve compiled a list of the best lactation supplements in 2021.
Read on to find the best option for you.
Image | Product | Features | Link |
---|---|---|---|
|
Pump It Up Happy Healthy Hippie |
|
Check Price |
Maxi Lactation Pure & More Maxi Health |
|
Check Price | |
Fenugreek Seed Capsules Best Naturals |
|
Check Price | |
Fenugreek Organic Supplement Oregon’s Wild Harvest |
|
Check Price |
How Lactation Supplements Work
Lactation supplements, formally called “galactagogues,” contain herbs and vitamins that boost up your prolactin. Prolactin is the hormone responsible for the production of your breast milk.
Although not well-researched, women all around the world have been using lactation supplements for centuries...and with great success!
To increase your chances of producing more milk through lactation supplements make sure that you are:
- Drinking enough water
- Getting a LATCH evaluation
- Pumping and massaging your breasts
- Getting enough sleep.
- Picking the right lactation supplement.
And that brings us to our next point...
How to Choose a Lactation Supplement
All moms are different, so you can’t take a one-supplement-fits-all approach. We wish it was that easy!
These tips should help you narrow down the best choice for you:
See a lactation consultant. Breastfeeding specialists can determine which lactation supplement you should be taking. They also examine your baby’s latching and milk intake.
Check for allergies. Examine the list of ingredients in each supplement and see if you have any allergies, like nuts, fruit, or gluten.
Consult your doctor. This should preferably be the same doctor that followed you throughout your pregnancy. He/she knows your medical history and can better determine if any of the ingredients in the supplement can be harmful to you or your baby.
Start with small doses. When you’re trying out a new lactation supplement, it’s best if you start small so that you can check for any unwanted side effects.
10+ Best Lactation Supplements of 2021
#1. Pump It Up
Pros: |
Cons:
|
|
|
Pump it Up is our absolute favorite lactation supplement. Your breasts feel fuller, your milk supply comes faster, and your baby is always left satisfied. It’s vegan-friendly and also gives you relief from postpartum symptoms.
It comes with a combination of natural herbs that yield no side effects. Pump It Up is manufactured in a CGMP facility to assure quality control. This lactation supplement is tried, tested, and trusted by moms.
#2. Maxi Health Lactation Pure & More
Pros: |
Cons:
|
|
|
Maxi Lactation Pure & More enhances milk production without the need for other drugs. The formula is non-synthetic, pure, and potent. It features a mix of herbs so you’re bound to find something that works for you. The packaging features a whooping 270 capsules, which is sustainable for an entire month.
#3. Best Naturals Fenugreek Seed Capsules
Pros: | Cons: |
|
|
Fenugreek is a green herb found in the Middle East. The herb supports women’s post-natal health and is safe to use. Fenugreek is used as a dietary supplement for nursing moms and it’s potent, especially in seed powder form. Best Naturals Fenugreek Seed Capsules don’t contain any allergens and support healthy cholesterol and glucose level in addition to lactation.
#4. Oregon’s Wild Harvest Fenugreek Organic Herbal Supplement
Pros: |
Cons:
|
|
|
#5. Happy Ducts Organic Herbal Lactation Support Supplement
Pros: |
Cons: |
|
|
If you suffer from plugged ducts, this supplement can keep your lymph system moving and can support your body in lactation. Happy Ducts is bio-available and comes in liquid form, so you can customize your drops to your needs. WishGarden is also committed to sustainability and has an ethical supply chain, so you can make sure you’re not harming the planet while boosting your lactation.
#6. Pink Stork Total Lactation
Pros: |
Cons:
|
|
|
Pink Stork, the company behind Total Lactation are women-owned and women-run. In addition to fenugreek, this lactation supplement contains thistle and fennel, all beneficial for natural support and maintenance of breast milk flow. The capsules are small and easy to swallow, and the recommended dosage is two per day.
#7. UpSpring Milkflow Lactation Supplement Drink Mix
Pros: |
Cons: |
|
|
Pump It Up is a 100% plant-based supplement that supports you by:
- Promoting faster let downs (milk release)
- Supporting abundant milk supply so baby feels full and content
- Aiding relief from the tummy irritants that frequently trigger gas
- Promoting relief from postpartum symptoms for less stress, more happiness, and a wonderful new mom experience
Try it risk free with our 60-Day Money Back Guarantee.
The UpSpring Baby Milkflow lactation supplement has fenugreek AND blessed thistle. What sets it apart from other lactation supplements on this list is its hydrating effect. You can mix the concentrated formula with water, fruit juice, or add it to your smoothie. That also means you can’t take it as-is, but it’s a good alternative if you react negatively to taking supplements in pill or capsule form.
#8. Traditional Medicinals Organic Mother’s Milk
Pros: |
Cons: |
|
|
If you’re a fan of tea, you’ll love this lactation supplement. It comes in compostable tea bags for easy consumption and contains no natural flavors. Packed with fennel, blessed thistle, anise, and fenugreek, Organic Mother’s Milk from Traditional Medicinals is loved by moms for over 40 years. Their herbs are medicinal-grade and come from ethical trading partnerships.
#9. NusaPure’s Milk Thistle Extract
Pros: |
Cons: |
|
|
Milk thistle has been used for over 2000 years to support liver health. One study found it also increases levels of prolactin, which increases milk production. If your body reacts badly to fenugreek or anise, you may find milk thistle as a good alternative. NusaPure’s milk thistle supplement is a good place to start.
#10. Mommy Knows Best’s Goat’s Rue
Pros: |
Cons: |
|
|
If milk thistle doesn’t work for you or your baby either, goat’s rue is another good alternative. Goat’s rue is a potent herb known for breastmilk supply increase for many nursing moms. This supplement from Mommy Knows Best is free of peanuts, tree nuts, egg, soy, and gluten. It’s also GMO-free and GMP certified.
Conclusion
You wouldn’t be a nursing mom if you didn’t worry about your milk supply at some point. Especially with the added pressure of being the sole provider of nutrients for your baby.
You can rest assured that there are many great supplement alternatives out there that can help you in your nursing journey.
We hope you found something that suits you and your baby on this list. We want to remind you to see your doctor or a lactation specialist to mitigate any unwanted side effects, especially if you’ve had complications or allergies in the past.
Stay healthy and strong!