A lot of us new moms experience low milk supply and wonder, what is the best lactation supplement to boost my supply?
Every now and then, we need a little support so don't think you are the only mom with this issue. Support can come in many forms. It can look like your bff who came over with a box of pizza and a bottle of wine during (one of) your college breakups. It can look like your dog happily yipping and jumping when you walk through the door after a trying day at work.
And sometimes? Support can look like a green-hued powder full of natural, lactogenic, and lactation boosting ingredients.
Say hello to... The Lactation Booster
Majka’s Lactation Booster is a versatile powder packed full of all-natural, milk boosting galactagogues and ingredients like turmeric, shatavari, moringa, ashwagandha, black seed, nettle leaves and milk thistle. Because of these ingredients, not only do you get a healthy boost in the quantity of your milk supply, the nutrients you absorb from these ingredients also improve the quality of your breast milk.
In addition to keeping you aplenty in that sweet liquid gold?
The Lactation Booster has ingredients like turmeric that are known to fight against inflammation (particularly in mastitis), calm and soothes your hormones and cognitive system. Our Lactation booster allows busy moms the option to add lactation boosting power to their favorite drinks, foods, desserts, and more!
So, How Does the Lactation Booster Work?
One word: galactagogues.
Contrary to how they sound, galactagogues aren’t little starfighters you find in a galactic video game. Galactagogues are substances that help increase a breastfeeding mother’s milk supply. Because of the natural compounds and properties found in these magnificent milk producers, a woman’s lactation can safely increase in volume.
We talk heavily about galactagogues in articles about herbs that increase your milk supply and if supplements can really help your milk supply. But just because we like you so much, here’s a zippy little summary on some of the key ingredients you can find in our Lactation Booster.
Lactation Booster Key Ingredients
Turmeric
- Most commonly used in India for its lactation purposes
- A golden-colored galactagogue herb used to increase breast milk production
- Contains antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties
- Acts as a natural antidepressant by providing dopamine to the brain (helpful for mothers with postpartum depression)
- May help prevent swollen breast tissue and clogged ducts (mastitis)
Shatavari
- Shatavari is used to enhance the quantity and quality of breast milk
- Treats female health conditions and reproductive issues
- Improve hormonal imbalances and symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Calms and soothes the digestive tract and promotes energy
- Regulates and preps body for fertility making it a good supplement for women who want to maintain milk supply while trying to conceive (always consult your doctor first before taking anything during pregnancy, remember we are all different)
Nettle Leaves
- Nettle supports milk supply while providing essential nutrients, known to contain high levels of vitamins and minerals, including iron, calcium, potassium, folic acid, B vitamins, Vitamin K, and essential amino acids.
- Due to its iron-rich content, nettle has been used to treat anemia and fight postpartum fatigue by building up the blood supply.
Ashwagandha
- Ashwagandha is an herb traditionally used in ayurvedic medicine and it's considered a multipurpose herb as it works on different body systems at once.
- Ashwagandha's ability to balance cortisol (stress inducing hormone) helps in reducing stress and anxiety and bring in a little calmness to new moms.
- Ashwagandha has been shown to significantly help decrease stress levels, this is important for breastfeeding moms as stress can prevent moms from having a good milk supply.
Milk Thistle
- Increases amount of prolactin to help with milk production
- Antioxidant, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties
- Protects the liver and protects against liver-related conditions
- May help with acne due to anti-inflammatory properties
MCT Oil
- Not a galactagogue but still provides the body will excellent benefits
- Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT) are fatty acids
- Increased levels of lauric acid and capric acid in breast milk to help fight infections
- Provides an instant source of energy
- Contains antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties
Moringa
- Moringa is known for its nutritional benefits. It's been used for generations and has been scientifically proven to support lactation and is a great option for those who wish to support and enhance their breast milk supply.
- Moringa is also known to be a good source of calcium, iron and phosphorus.
- Moringa leaves are considered to be a superfood and are packed with essential nutrients.
Black Seed (Nigella Sativa)
- Black seeds are known for their galactagogue properties and milk boosting capabilities. This powerful seed has been taken for centuries both for maintaining health and as a therapeutic medicine.
- In addition to supporting lactation, black seeds are known to help support the immune system, balance thyroid function, boost the immune system and reduce inflammation.
Why Did We Create the Lactation Supplement?
It’s incredibly common for new mothers to feel as if they are not producing enough milk to provide for their newborn during breastfeeding. But even though the issue is common, it doesn’t make it any easier. Why? Because being low in your milk supply has a tendency to go beyond the physical fact and slowly (or quickly) trickles into our emotional and mental views of ourselves.
As new mothers, we want nothing more than to protect and provide for our baby. We love them SO much it honestly feels like our heart might burst into confetti-like pieces. So when we are not able to produce as much milk as we would like for our baby, we feel guilty.
That guilt snowballs into thoughts like:
- Will my baby get sick because I can’t give him enough milk?
- Is my baby’s growth and development going to be delayed?
- It’s my fault she’s always hungry and not getting enough to eat.
- How can I increase my milk supply?
- I can’t do the one thing my body is supposed to naturally do…I am such a terrible mother.
If you feel like this at any level, our heart aches for you, mama. We want you to know, though, these thoughts couldn’t be farther from the truth.
Our co-founders came across this negative spiral of thoughts at the beginning of their motherhood journey. They know how detrimental it can be to a woman’s sense of self, which is exactly why they created the Lactation Booster.
How Can I Incorporate the Lactation Booster into my Diet or Lifestyle?
While each of our products (like our Nourishing Lactation Protein Powder and Lactation Bites) incorporate ingredients that offer support in lactation, they also focus heavily on giving postpartum mothers the nutrition they need to recover. The Lactation Booster was specifically designed with the purpose of increasing milk supply and giving mothers versatile options to give anything—from drinks to food to dessert—a solid boost in lactation support.
Our Lactation Booster is available in the Vanilla Chai flavor. The Booster comes in convenient a 20-serving canister and can be consumed daily.
The Lactation Booster can be taken in addition to any of our products or can be integrated into your daily routine! Our versatile powders can be easily stirred into a vanilla chai lactation latte, the superhero of your morning coconut chai oatmeal, or mixed into your pumpkin spice muffins.
Before we go, we want to remind you of one thing: You are a great mother. Your milk supply does not reflect your ability to be a good parent or provider. You’re here, wanting to better yourself for your baby and your own body, and we will be here to support you at any stage of your journey. So, take heart, mama! You’re doing just fine.
All of products in our Nourishing Lactation Line are meant to safely and effectively boost your supply. Using the best and well researched ingredients available.
SOURCES
Bell, Kim. “The Secret Benefits of Turmeric for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Moms.” Living and Loving, 17 January 2019, https://www.livingandloving.co.za/pregancy-blogs/secret-benefits-turmeric-pregnant-breastfeeding-moms.
Cadman, Bethany. “What are the Health Benefits of Shatavari?” Medical News Today, 6 June 2018, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322043.php.
“Caraway Seeds: Health Benefits and Remedies.” Healthy Hildegard, https://healthyhildegard.com/caraway-seeds/.
Chakravarty, C. “How Milk Thistle Can Help You During Breastfeeding.” Mom Junction, 10 May 2016, https://www.momjunction.com/articles/milk-thistle-for-breastfeeding_00392193/#gref
“Galactagogues - Boosting Milk Supply and Production.” American Pregnancy Association, 18 May 2016, https://americanpregnancy.org/breastfeeding/galactagogues-boosting-your-milk-supply/
Murray, Donna. “Milk Thistle to Increase Breast Milk Supply.” Very Well Family, 11 June 2018, www.verywellfamily.com/milk-thistle-and-increasing-the-supply-of-breast-milk-431599.
O’Brien, Sharon. “7 Science-Based Benefits of MCT Oil.” Healthline, 14 May 2018, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/mct-oil-benefits#section5.
“Shatavari Tincture.” Herb Lore, https://herblore.com/products/shatavari-tincture.
Wells, Katie. “Benefits of MCT Oil.” Wellness Mama, 23 January 2019, https://wellnessmama.com/98671/mct-oil/
West, Helen. “7 Science-Based Benefits of Milk Thistle.” Healthline, 19 January 2018, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/milk-thistle-benefits#section6.