What you eat affects what your baby gets.

Some breastfeeding mothers have most likely heard this line once in their lives. There is nothing wrong with ensuring the health and safety of both beings. But to ease the consciousness and fear of some moms who have restricted themselves from eating what they desire, research has shown little correlation between the mothers' food intake and their milk composition. The breastmilk can stand on its own because its purpose is to protect and supply nutrients to the newborn even and most especially during famine. 

Now, this may sound like a statement of relief, but mothers do not run in circles of complacency when it comes to their children. Breastmilk indeed is indispensable, especially in the first 6-months of the baby. Yet, it does not end there. To meet other parenthood duties, the mother must stay fit and healthy. 

Immense hunger and thirst are some of the apparent effects induced to nursing moms. It is because the body utilizes more calories than usual as it produces milk 24/7. Drinking plenty of water and eating lots of fruits and vegetables can help stabilize calorie usage during lactation. Of course, one better way to acquire these nutrients efficiently is through superfood smoothies. 

This article will provide easy-to-prepare smoothies for breastfeeding moms.

Do Lactation Smoothies Work?

For most couples, smoothies have become part of their parental lives. From pregnancy to postpartum, its plant-based ingredients gratify the physical and mental needs of mothers. Another reason also lies with its uncomplicated preparation. It is blended thus easy to slurp and digest, plus its nutritious flexibility suits some breastfeeding diet restrictions. 

If you wonder whether lactation smoothie works? Well, yes. It does! Even more so when mixed with the right elements. Here are 5-smoothie recipes that are worth the shot. 

Blueberry Lactation Smoothie for Breastfeeding Moms

This smoothie for breastfeeding moms helps boost the milk supply. Blueberries are rich in vitamins A and K, as well as calcium and potassium. Compared to other fruits, it provides the highest antioxidants that help bring more infrequent allergic reactions to your baby.  It is also helpful for brain development, healthy bones, heart, and cognitive functioning.

As you breastfeed, you cannot take off the possibility of milk ducts blocking. Among the other ingredients of this recipe include pineapple, a natural inflammatory that can help you ease that disturbance. 

Ingredients

• 1 - 1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk
• 1 cup frozen blueberries
• 1 frozen banana (sliced before freezing)
• ¼ cup almond butter
• ¼ cup rolled oats
• 2 tablespoons flax seeds or chia seeds
• 1 to 2 teaspoons Stevia
• 1 handful of baby spinach
• 1/2 cup pineapple pieces
• 1 tablespoon Brewer's Yeast (optional)

Procedure

1. Toss all the ingredients into the blender
2. Mix for 2 minutes and serve!

Oatmeal and Banana Smoothie for Breastfeeding Moms

Breastfeeding is stressful, especially for first-time mothers. The bizarre and crazy experiences starting to unfold in front of you can yield you so much strain. Studies have shown that immense stress can cause a decrease in breast milk supply. This smoothie for breastfeeding moms contains fiber and B vitamins that boost mood, increase energy, and ward off exhaustion, stress, and anxiety. Moreover, oats are rich in iron, zinc, manganese, calcium, and saponins. Saponins are the substance that brings positive effects to the hormone that increases lactation. 

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cup almond milk
• 1 banana
• 1/4 cup oatmeal
• 1 tbsp peanut butter
• 1 tbsp flax meal
• 1 tbsp brewer's yeast
• 1 1/2 tbsp honey (or preferred sweetener to taste)
• Dash of cinnamon
• Dash of nutmeg
• 2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Procedure

1. Toss all ingredients into the blender until desired consistency
2. Garnish with cinnamon and nutmeg

Tiger Milk Smoothie for Breastfeeding Moms

This smoothie recipe contains full-fat milk, bananas, and brewer’s yeast all mixed in one. Bananas help nursing moms to maintain their electrolyte levels that are beneficial for the flow of breastmilk. Additionally, it contains brewer’s yeast that is not only a popular ingredient in bread making. It is also known as a galactagogue, which implies any food, herb, or medication useful for lactation. 

Ingredients

• 2 bananas
• 4 tbsp live yogurt
• 4 tbsp wheat germ 
• 2 tbsp brewer’s yeast 
• Other superfruits you want to add (strawberries or blueberries)

Procedures 

• Toss all the ingredients into the blender with soy or rice milk
• Blend until smooth, and drink! 

Brownie Batter Protein Smoothie for Breastfeeding Moms

Most mothers are afraid to lose weight because they assume it would affect their milk supply. This smoothie recipe for breastfeeding moms can hit both goals. You can now stay fit while nursing your little one with bare hesitations. 

This recipe contains cashews that help improve breast milk quantity and improve the brain development of babies. Cashews are also rich in nutrients such as protein, calcium, iron, copper, magnesium, and vitamin K. This beverage is even more perfect for sweet-tooth moms who are craving some chocolate treat. 

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup raw cashews
• 1/8 cup cocoa powder
• 1 scoop Vital Proteins collagen (optional)
• 4 large ice cubes
• 1 cup of low-sugar chocolate almond milk or regular almond milk

Procedures

• Toss everything into the blender and enjoy! 

Mega Green Smoothie for Breastfeeding Moms

For nursing mothers, fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods, and dairy are the ideal ingredients to include in every meal. It is incredible how all these superfood components are available in a smoothie for breastfeeding moms. This green smoothie recipe is brimming with spinach and kale, which can sustain the required 500 micrograms needed per day during lactation.  

Ingredients

• 1 ¼ cup of coconut milk
• ½ cup baby kale or baby spinach
• ½ ripe avocado, cut into chunks
• ¾ cup cucumber chunks
• 1 cup of frozen green grapes
• ¼ teaspoon peeled and grated ginger
• Agave nectar, to taste

Procedure

1. Add coconut milk to the blender and toss all the ingredients
2. Blend for 30 seconds until desired consistency and taste. 
3. Add agave nectar if preferred, and enjoy!

Smoothies for Your Lactation Journey 

Whether you are a first-time mom or an experienced one, surmounting pregnancy, labor, childbirth, and now lactation has certainly stretched your body enough. It is imperative to follow a slow phase, and as you go through with the adjustments, make sure not to disregard yourself as your baby will also get affected by whatever actions you take. 

For your nursing journey, you will still have to brave countless challenges. But keep in mind that there is always a smoothie for breastfeeding moms you can trust.