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This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and healthy mama® , but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #gethealthymama http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV
The other day when I was talking to the hubs it hit me, for the last 7 years I have been breastfeeding. That’s a really long time if you ask me! With our youngest who is now six weeks old, we have run into handful of complications when it comes to breastfeeding. The main one being that my little Roo was rapidly loosing weight because my milk supply just was not producing enough. A reader sent us this green lactation smoothie while discussing different ways to up my milk supply. It definitely was an appreciated treat from the monotone of oats and flax seed!
One of the biggest concerns I have heard while talking with new moms is the question of whether or not she is producing enough milk for her baby. Nursing on demand should create an adequate supply, but adding in some lactogenic foods to your diet is a great way to give your body a boost!
This green lactation smoothie is a tasty way to consume some of these lactation-boosting foods! Fruits and veggies high in phytoestrogens, such as dark leafy greens, are believed to promote healthy breast tissue and lactation. Paired with healthy mama® Make the Milk! Tea which is filled with anise, fennel, and fenugreek and adding essential fatty acids and omega-3 fatty acids, in the form of chia seeds and coconut meat, this drink could have you producing more milk in no time.
While on my hunt of how to increase my milk supply I came across the healthy mama® brand at Target. The healthy mama® brand had a ton of products specific for pregnancy and breastfeeding that I had struggled to find elsewhere. Finding an entire shelf dedicated to prenatal care was just amazing! No more endless scavenger hunts for what this mama needs! During this trip I picked up Make the Milk! ($5.99) and Boost it Up ($3.29). Finding an energy drink that is endorsed by a medical advisory board to use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding blew me away. I don’t know about you, but breastfeeding every two hours through the night is exhausting for me…and I am more than missing my pot of caffeine in the morning. Boost It Up Protein Energy Drink was a godsend!
Now, I have a confession to make. I am not a fan of tea. So when I picked up healthy mama® Make the Milk! I was a tad skeptical. I had seriously picked up at least 8 other brands that did not make the cut as they tasted like licorice (which I also do not like). Make the Milk! Lactation Tea was delicious! It is the one and ONLY brand of lactation tea that I can stand to drink on it’s own.
While this tea is AMAZING on it’s own, I did need to find some ways to switch it up. This is also a great smoothie recipe for cooling down from this summer’s heat!
Ingredients
- 1 tea bag of healthy mama® Make the Milk!
- 1/2 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 1/2 cup fresh young Thai coconut meat
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 2-3 soft Medjool dates, pitted
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla flavor
- 2 large handfuls of fresh spinach
- 1 cup frozen strawberries
- handful of ice
Instructions
- Boil water and pour over healthy mama® Make the Milk! tea bag.
- Cover cup and steep for 5-7 minutes.
- Combine the almond milk, chia seeds, coconut meat, dates, spinach, and vanilla in a blender. Blend until liquefied.
- Add in ice, strawberries, and steeped tea. Blend until smooth.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
*If you don't have coconut meat easily available, avocados are an awesome alternative!
*Feel free to use any variety of fruit!
Adapted from Parenting Chaos
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
1Serving Size:
1 grams
Amount Per Serving:Unsaturated Fat: 0g
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FAQs
The mothers in our team swear on green smoothies during breastfeeding and always feel well nourished by their daily smoothie. Now you can add lots of herbs to your smoothie. The only thing we would be careful with is cabbage - it often causes colic in newborns.
What greens are good for milk production? ›
Dark leafy green vegetables such as malunggay, spinach (alugbati), saluyot, lettuce, kale, and broccoli are full of nutrients, especially calcium. They also contain phytoestrogens that may have a positive effect on breast milk production. Research has proven that phytoestrogens can increase breast milk supply.
What is the best drink to produce breast milk? ›
Keep an eye on your urine. A light, pale yellow urine color usually indicates good hydration. Dark yellow or amber urine may indicate the need for increased water intake. Make it a habit to drink a glass of water before and after each breastfeeding session to ensure you're well-hydrated during this critical time.
How long does it take for lactation smoothies to work? ›
To see best results it is recommended to drink a course during a period of one week. While every woman's body is different, most moms notice more milk production after a few days of consumption and able to see an increase of 1-2 oz per side.
How often should you drink lactation smoothie? ›
However, there are two caveats to this therapeutic use: First off, ingredients that boost milk production, also known as galactagogues, need to be used consistently. No matter which lactation smoothie recipes you choose, commit to consuming smoothies three times a week, for at least three to four weeks.
What fruit juice is best for breastfeeding? ›
It is recommended that extra vitamin C is taken during breastfeeding. The extra amount will be provided by an orange or a small glass of orange juice. Citrus fruits, tomatoes, broccoli, blackcurrants and potatoes are important sources of vitamin C. Try to eat some of these foods every day.
What greens should you avoid while breastfeeding? ›
Steer Clear of Caffeinated Greens for Baby's Best Sleep
While small amounts of caffeine are considered safe during breastfeeding, excessive intake can potentially cause irritability, fussiness, and sleep disruptions in some babies. It's advised to avoid caffeinated greens powders when nursing.
What food stimulates breast milk? ›
Make sure you eat a wide variety of these throughout the week:
- Fruits.
- Vegetables.
- Whole grains (oats, brown rice, quinoa, barley).
- Proteins (eggs, Greek yogurt, tofu, chicken, low-mercury fish like salmon, lean beef).
- Healthy fats (nuts, seeds, olive oil, avocados).
So, eating whole grains may increase your breast milk supply. The most common grain that can help increase breast milk is slow-cooked old-fashioned oatmeal. You can also try barley, whole-grain brown rice, oatmeal cookies, or other foods made from whole grains.
What increases breast milk naturally? ›
The main way to increase breastmilk supply is through breastfeeding or expressing milk more than you currently do. The more you feed the more breastmilk your body will produce. Here are some tips to increase your breastmilk supply: Ensure that your baby is attaching well and removing milk efficiently from the breast.
Cranberry is most often used for prevention of urinary tract infections. It has no specific lactation-related uses.
How can I thicken my breast milk naturally? ›
If you consume more protein, it can help to increase your breast milk supply. This means more milk and more protein for your baby, which can then help to make your breast milk fattier. The best way to incorporate protein into your diet is through chicken, lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy, nuts, and seeds.
Is banana good for breastfeeding moms? ›
Can I Eat Bananas While Breastfeeding? Yes, banana is rich in soluble fiber which helps with regular stools and digestion. Banana is also rich in potassium which is a mineral that is often depleted after birth. Bananas are an easy, one handed fruit for breastfeeding.
How can I speed up my milk production? ›
Help your let-down reflex
Hold your baby skin to skin and pump right after. This lowers the stress for both you and your baby and can increase milk supply. Apply warmth to your breasts and use breast massage before and during pumping to increase milk production and the calories in your milk.
How can I increase my milk supply in 30 minutes? ›
End of feeding pump
Pump for 10 min after your baby has finished feeding. The more milk is removed from the breast the more and faster your body will produce milk. Don't worry if not much milk comes out. Continuing doing this will increase your supply.
Are smoothies good for breastfeeding moms? ›
Fortunately, breastfeeding smoothies are a quick, natural (for the most part), and yummy way to get your calories in, while also increasing your milk production for your baby. Smoothies aren't the ultimate solution; however, they can be a component that you can start implementing immediately.
Are green smoothies good for babies? ›
I recommend introducing smoothies from around 7-8 months of age. The first month of starting solids is a great time to tick off fruit, vegetables, greens, iron-rich foods, and healthy fats. It's about easing baby into solids, letting them have fun, and getting them to use to having a meal 1-2 x a day.
What are some foods to stay away from while breastfeeding? ›
Foods to stay away from when breastfeeding include:
- Coffee and tea. Some of the caffeine in the coffee and tea you drink will end up in your breast milk and may make it harder for your baby to sleep. ...
- Cabbage, broccoli, and other “gassy” foods. ...
- Fish. ...
- Chocolate. ...
- Garlic. ...
- Peppermint, sage, and parsley.
By about 8 months of age, most babies are ready for green smoothies. We like to avoid plastic sippy cups and instead use small glass or ceramic cups (I just go to the thrift store for these) for introducing green smoothies and other liquids.
