If you are a breastfeeding mom, you know that it is important to make sure that you are getting enough nutrients to support your milk production.
While there are many great foods that can help with this, sometimes it is helpful to take supplements as well.
In this blog post, we will list some of the best supplements for breastfeeding moms based on our ranking criteria!
Please keep in mind supplements are lightly regulated by the FDA. Their stated claims have no guarantee. They aren’t cures or treatments for any diseases.
Food is your best source of nutrition, especially for breastfeeding and a healthy milk supply! Please check with your doctor before starting any supplement program.
Please note we include items that we trust will be useful to our visitors. If you click one of the links on our site, we may get a commission.
Finally, be sure to check out the frequently asked question section below our top picks – let’s dive in!
Best Lactation Supplements
Best Overall Top Choice – Traditional Medicinals
Best of Postnatal Multivitamin – Naturelo
Postnatal Multivitamin Runner-Up – New Chapter
Best of Fenugreek Seed – Nature’s Way
Best Overall Top Choice
Price = $26.99
# of Servings = 32
Price per Serving = $0.84
Product Reviews = 4.5/5 (15,651 reviews)
Serving Size = 1 tea bag
Taste / absorption = Licorice
Labeled Effect = Promotes breast milk production
Food Allergens = Fennel
Pros = Amazon’s Choice for “breast feeding”, high quality blend of herbs
Cons = 4-6 tea bags per day recommended for best results
About Organic Mother’s Milk Women’s Tea
Organic Mother’s Milk Tea has been clinically tested and has been Amazon’s Choice for “breast feeding” for over a year.
The tea is also USDA certified organic, Non-GMO verified, Kosher, and caffeine free. Plus, the compostable tea bags make it easy to enjoy a cup of tea while being eco-friendly.
However, 4-6 tea bags per day are recommended for best milk flow results, which is a lot of tea each day!
Made by Traditional Medicinals
Located in California, United States. Certified B Corporation which means Traditional Medicinals adheres to higher standards for safety, quality, transparency, and sourcing. According to ReviewMeta.com, Traditional Medicinals gets 4.5/5 average adjusted rating 12,405 verified reviews.
Start = 1974
Revenue = 36 Million
Employees = 324
Mission =
Third Party Certifications = USDA, Certified B-Corporation
Third Party Reviews = 4.5/5 average adjusted rating 12,405 reviews
Best of Postnatal Multivitamin
Price = $35.96
# of Servings = 60
Price per Serving = $0.59
Product Reviews = 4.6/5 (1,251 reviews)
Serving Size = 3 Capsules
Taste / absorption = Postnatal
Labeled Effect = Designed to meet the specific nutritional needs of breastfeeding moms
Food Allergens = Safe
Pros = Amazon’s Choice for “postnatal multivitamin”
Cons = 3 capsules
If you’re a breastfeeding mom, you know how important it is to get the right nutrition for both you and your baby.
Postnatal Multivitamin is specifically designed to meet the nutritional needs of nursing mothers, with a formula that covers all of your daily requirements for essential vitamins and minerals.
It has essential vitamins like A, C, D3, E, K2, and B complex, and minerals like Iodine, Zinc, and Selenium.
It’s also made with bioactive ingredients that are easy for the body to absorb and gentle on the stomach, including active B vitamins and chelated minerals like iron, zinc, and selenium.
Finally this postpartum lactation formula includes a blend of organic herbs to boost milk production, including Fenugreek, Blessed Thistle, Fennel, Stinging Nettle, and Alfalfa.
However, the 3 capsules per serving is higher than average.
Made by Naturelo
Located in Washington, United States since 2013. According to ReviewMeta.com, Naturelo gets a 4.2/5 average adjusted rating of 1,315 verified reviews.
Start = 2013
Revenue = 5 Million
Employees = 25
Mission = To give whole food nutrition from nature with love
Third Party Certifications = GMP
Third Party Reviews = 4.2/5 average adjusted rating of 1,315 reviews
Postnatal Multivitamin Runner-Up
Price = $29.67
# of Servings = 32
Price per Serving = $0.92
Product Reviews = 4.7/5 (2,838 reviews)
Serving Size = 3 Tablets
Taste / absorption = Unflavored
Labeled Effect = Support lactation, energy & mood
Food Allergens = Soy
Pros = High quality blend of herbs, minerals and vitamins
Cons = Higher price per serving, 3 capsules
About Postnatal Vitamins Lactation Supplement
Postnatal Vitamins & Lactation Supplement is a 3-in-1 formula including a multivitamin, multimineral, and multiherbal blend that’s designed to support breast milk supply, energy levels, and mood.
Plus, it’s gentle on your stomach and fermented with beneficial probiotics.
Made with certified organic vegetables and herbs, Postnatal Vitamins & Lactation Supplement is also Non-GMO Project Verified, vegetarian, and certified kosher and made by a reliable company that’s been around since 1982.
Made By New Chapter:
Founded in 1982, New Chapter manufactures organic dietary supplements. According to ReviewMeta.com, New Chapter has 4.2/5 average adjusted rating 8,417 from verified reviews.
Start = 1982
Revenue = 61 Million
Employees = 300
Mission = Mission to revolutionize natural wellness
Third Party Certifications = NSF
Third Party Reviews = 4.2/5 average adjusted rating 8,417 reviews
Best of Fenugreek Seed
Price = $7.49
# of Servings = 50
Price per Serving = $0.14
Product Reviews = 4.4/5 (10 reviews)
Serving Size = 2 Capsules
Taste / absorption = Unflavored
Labeled Effect = Traditional lactation support
Food Allergens = Safe
Pros = Pure Fenugreek seed extract
Cons = Fewer reviews
Fenugreek is an annual Mediterranean and Asiatic herb with aromatic seeds that have been used for centuries as a culinary spice and food soothing to the stomach.
Today, fenugreek is still revered for its unique flavor and health benefits, and is used in cuisines all over the world. Fenugreek is a traditional herb used for lactation support and to increase milk supply.
While there aren’t as many reviews, Nature’s Way is an established company. So if you’re looking for a supplement without the fluff that utilizes an effective and traditional herb this is a great choice.
Made By Nature’s Way
Nature’s Way is one of the most popular supplement companies. It’s been around for decades, and according to ReviewMeta.com, has a 4.2/5 average adjusted rating from 80,981 verified reviews.
Start = 1969
Revenue = $98 million
Employees = 500
Mission = help people everywhere live healthy lives
Third Party Certifications = GMP, NSF, ISO, GMO Free
Third Party Reviews = 4.2/5 average adjusted rating from 80,981 verified reviews
What factors do we use to rank supplements?
1 – Price: What’s the price of the supplement? What’s the cost per serving?
At Eating Enlightenment we value quality over price. However, all else being equal, then price comes into consideration.
2 – Reviews: How many reviews for each product? What’s the average rating? How many third party reviews?
We strongly believe in third party reviews. Many supplement companies list positive reviews on their website, but third party reviews include negative comments. We always go with third party reviews.
3 – Reputation: How reputable is the brand behind the supplement? How long has the brand been around? What’s their mission?
We believe that a company’s intention is highly important and should be one of your top purchasing decision factors.
4 – Taste / Absorption = What’s the taste? How quickly does your body absorb the supplement? Do reviews mention any negative side effects like an upset stomach?
5 – Perceived Therapeutic Effect = What beneficial effects or feelings does this supplement promote?
6 – Food Allergens = Does the company provide allergen info?
7 – Science / Certifications: Does the company list transparent scientific studies on their website? Do third party certifications test the company’s supplement for quality control? How many certifications does the company have?
8 – Pros/Cons: What are the pros and cons of each supplement? How is the supplement unique? For what situations is this supplement best?
Who benefits most from breastfeeding supplements?
There are many different types of people who can benefit from taking breastfeeding supplements. Some women may not be able to produce enough milk on their own, while others may want to increase their milk production.
Breastfeeding supplements can also be helpful for women who are returning to work and need to pump breast milk. Additionally, supplements can help boost the immune system of both mother and child.
When should I take breastfeeding supplements?
Whichever supplement you choose, it is important to take it at the right time. For example, if you are taking a supplement to increase milk production, you will want to take it before breastfeeding. If you are taking a supplement to boost your immune system, you will want to take it after breastfeeding.
It is also important to follow the instructions on the supplement container because these will give you the necessary info.
Risks
Additionally, there are some risks associated with taking breastfeeding supplements. These include:
Allergic reactions
Gastrointestinal upset
Breast pain
Diarrhea
Tips for breastfeeding
Stepping back on the breastfeeding bandwagon after a long hiatus can be tough.
You may have forgotten how to latch your baby on, or you may be dealing with engorgement or sore nipples.
Or, if you’re a new mom you might not be sure where to get started too.
Here are a few tips:
Try different positions until you find one that is comfortable for both you and your baby. The football hold and cradle hold are two of the most popular positions.
Use a breast pump before breastfeeding to stimulate milk production and help your baby latch on.
Use lanolin cream to soothe sore nipples.
Drink plenty of fluids and eat a healthy diet to keep up your energy levels.
Get plenty of rest when possible.
You may also want to get your blood tested just to see if there are any vitamin deficiencies or if something is wrong. Read our reviews of the best online blood tests for overall health.
How soon after taking breastfeeding supplements will it get better
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as each mother and baby are different.
Some mothers may see an immediate difference in their milk production after taking a supplement, while others may need to take it for a few days or even weeks before seeing any results.
If you are considering taking a breastfeeding supplement, be sure to speak with your healthcare provider first to ensure that it is safe for you and your baby.
Best Supplements for Lactation – Summary
Taking a breastfeeding supplement can be helpful for many mothers who are struggling to produce enough milk on their own.
However, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider before taking any supplements to check you and your baby will be safe.
Additionally, be sure to follow the instructions on the supplement container carefully so that you know when and how to take them.
One final note – be sure to check out our complete database of supplement reviews so you can find the best supplement for your personal situation!
If you are not sure how to research supplements to conduct your own review, read our ultimate beginner’s guide to supplements and vitamins here.
