Going through pregnancy is one of the most difficult periods of a woman’s life as it puts strain on a woman’s body, but it’s also the most rewarding. Pregnant women have to make sure their bodies are getting the nutrients they need for the health and well-being of their babies.
It’s important to take in the correct food and supplements full of nutrients even after birth as women need to nurse their babies until they can eat solid foods. Breast milk needs to have all the vitamins, minerals and protein for a healthy growing baby. Many breastfeeding mothers find it difficult to make sure they are getting all the nutrients their body needs.
A women’s need for clean protein increases when she’s pregnant as a female’s body goes through many changes during this time. That’s why it’s essential to take in additional supplements to help your body with these changes. Some of the best supplements are protein powders which is why adding a breastfeeding protein powder adding to your diet may be helpful.
Although additional supplements can help you and your baby, it’s advisable that you consult a professional before selecting a protein powder. Make sure it’s safe and chemical free to ensure the health of you & your baby. Below we’ll discuss a few important facts as well as list the best protein powders currently available.
Here are the best protein powders for breastfeeding moms:
1. Baby Booster Prenatal Vitamin Supplement Shake
BEST OVERALL
Nutrition Facts (amount per serving):
- Calories: 140
- Total Fat: 2g - 3%DV
- Cholesterol: 40mg - 13%DV
- Sodium: 125mg - 5%DV
- Total Carbohydrate: 9g - 3%DV
- Protein: 20g of whey protein blend
- Calcium: 250mg - 25%DV
- Iron: 10mg - 50%DV
- Potassium 140mg - 4%DV
- B-6: 5mg - 250%DV
- Vitamin D3: 100 IU - 20%
- Folic Acid: 250mcg - 60%DV
Why Use Prenatal Vitamin Supplement Shakes?
The Baby Booster vitamin supplement shake is produced to provide expectant mothers with a healthy quick meal for those busy days. It’s rich in vitamins and nutrients that contribute to the growth & strength of your baby.
Baby Booster protein powder makes its range with only the finest natural ingredients to ensure the safety of you and your baby. The product is free of:
- GMOs
- Gluten
- Preservatives
- Artificial flavoring
- Caffeine
With Baby Boost protein powder you get 20g of your daily protein allowance with each serving. It’s perfect for moms on the go and it comes in flavors you’ll love such as Tahitian vanilla.
2. Protiva Pregnancy Safe Protein Powder
Nutrition Facts (amount per serving):
- Calories: 80
- Total Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 105mg - 5%DV
- Total Carbohydrate: 5g - 2%DV
- Protein: 15g
- Vitamin D: 20mcg (400IU) - 100%DV
- Calcium: 640mg - 50%DV
- Iron: 1mg - 6%DV
- Potassium 74mg - 2%DV
- Vitamin A: 25%DV
- Vitamin C: 80%DV
- Zinc: 35%DV
- Copper: 100%DV
Why Use Protiva Protein Shakes?
Protiva protein shakes can be consumed in the second and third trimester of pregnancy as they are natural products approved by leading physicians. The Protiva protein shake prepares your body for a healthy delivery as well as helps maintains optimal protein levels.
The Protiva protein powder shake provides a healthy alternative when you need a quick snack and you can also use the powder in various recipes. You can make a healthy banana and coffee smoothie or you can sprinkle some of the powder over your morning oats.
3. Mommi PreNatal Protein Shake
Nutrition Facts (amount per serving):
- Calories: 130
- Total Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 120mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 5g - 2%DV
- Protein: 15g of whey protein
- Vitamin D3: 400 IU - 100%DV
- Vitamin E: 30 IU - 100%DV
- Calcium: 122mg - 10%DV
- Iron: 27mg - 150%DV
- Potassium 74mg - 2%DV
- Vitamin A: 2000 IU - 25%DV
- Vitamin C: 60mg - 100%DV
- Thiamine: 1.7mg - 100%DV
- Vitamin B2: 2mg - 100%DV
- Niacin: 20mg - 100%DV
- Vitamin B6: 25mg - 1000%DV
- Folate: 800mcg - 100%DV
- Vitamin B12: 8mcg - 100%DV
- Biotin: 300mcg - 100%DV
- Pantothenic Acid: 10mg - 100%DV
- Phosphorus: 78mg - 6%DV
- Iodine: 150mcg - 100%DV
- Magnesium: 12mg - 3%DV
Why Use Mommi Protein Powder?
Recommended for women who are pregnant and for breastfeeding mothers, Mommi protein powder is a way to consume your daily allowance of vitamins & protein easily with 15 grams of whey protein per serving.
Mommi prenatal protein powder shakes have B-6. This helps alleviate morning sickness and nausea while helping your body absorb the vitamins & protein it needs when you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. Mommi is all natural and free of GMOs, chemicals and added preservatives.
4. Seeking Health Optimal Prenatal Protein Powder
BEST VEGETARIAN OPTION
Nutrition Facts (amount per serving):
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 3.5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 14g - 5%DV
- Protein: 15g
- Vitamin D3: 400 IU - 100%DV
- Vitamin E: 200 IU - 667%DV
- Calcium: 475mg - 37%DV
- Iron: 5mg - 28%DV
- Potassium: 99mg
- Vitamin A: 5000 IU - 63%DV
- Vitamin C: 350mg - 583%DV
- Vitamin D: 2000 IU - 500%
- Vitamin K: 100 mcg
- Vitamin L: 100 mcg
- Thiamine: 5mg - 294%DV
- Vitamin B2: 2mg - 100%DV
- Niacin: 25mg - 125%DV
- Vitamin B6: 20mg - 800%DV
- Folate: 800mcg - 100%DV
- Vitamin B12: 150mcg - 1875%DV
- Biotin: 500mcg - 167%DV
- Pantothenic Acid: 150mg - 1500%DV
- Phosphorus: 78mg - 6%DV
- Riboflavin: 20mg - 1000%DV
- Iodine: 250mcg - 167%DV
- Magnesium: 250mg - 56%DV
- Zinc: 20mg - 133%DV
- Selenium: 200mcg
- Manganese: 5mg
- Chromium: 120 mcg
- Molybdenum: 100 mcg
- Acetyl-L_Carnitine: 500mg
- Betaine HCI: 300mg
- Choline: 250mg
- Red Raspberry: 250mg
- Ginger 10;1 Extract: 200mg
- Inositol: 150mg
- L-Carnosine: 150mg
- Coenzyme Q10: 75mg
- Milk Thistle Extract: 75mg
- Taurine: 50mg
- Lutein: 5mg
- Zeaxanthin: 5mg
Why Use Seeking Health Protein Powder?
The Seeking Health prenatal protein powder has added B-6 and ginger. These ingredients help reduce the effects of morning sickness & nausea which adds some comfort to your pregnancy. It’s also a healthy meal alternative for moms on the move; with each serving having 15 grams of vegan protein.
Seeking Health is made with all natural ingredients free from GMOs and toxins. The protein powder is also suitable for vegetarians as there are no animal products in the ingredients.
A Seeking Healthy protein shake supports immune health and provides your body with the nutrients it needs to help feed your growing baby. This protein shake also comes in a delicious chocolate flavor you can mix with milk, water or fruit juice to drink as a meal replacement or as a quick snack.
5. Milk Drunk Protein Powder for Breastfeeding
Nutrition Facts (amount per serving):
- Calories: 180
- Total Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 400mg – 17%DV
- Total Carbohydrate: 19g - 7%DV
- Protein: 17g
- Calcium: 50mg - 4%DV
- Iron: 2mg - 10%DV
- Vitamin D: 0%DV
- Potassium: 170mg - 4%DV
Why Use Milk Drunk Protein Powder?
Some pregnant women would prefer to have a healthy quick snack that’s also full of flavor. Milk Drunk’s tasty protein powder is full of vitamins, minerals and the protein you need especially when you’re nursing a growing baby. Each serving has 17 grams of protein powder.
The Milk Drunk protein powder has ingredients such as brewer’s yeast, fenugreek, oat flour and flaxseed that have been proven to boost lactation. Milk Drunk is ideal for women who have difficulties producing the amount of milk they need to nurse their babies.
Milk Drunk is also rich in amino acids and has 17g of protein powder per serving. It’s low in calories so you’re able to mix this up as a quick liquid snack when you need a boost.
The protein powder is gluten free and it’s ideal for vegans as there are no animal products in the protein powder. Milk Drunk helps boost your immune system and improves the growth & development of your baby.
6. Majka Nourishing Lactation Support Protein Powder
Nutrition Facts (amount per serving):
- Calories: 122
- Total Fat: 2g
- Total Carbohydrate: 13g - 4%DV
- Protein: 13g
- Vitamin A: 200 IU - 4%DV
- Vitamin C: 5mg - 8%DV
- Folic acid: 400 mcg – 100%DV
- Calcium: 100mg - 10%DV
- Iron: 7.2mg - 40%DV
- Iodine: 362mcg - 241%DV
- Magnesium: 7.4mg - 2%DV
- Zinc: 650mcg - 4%DV
- Copper: 13 mcg – 1%DV
- Manganese: 80 mcg – 4%DV
- Chromium: 17.5 mcg – 15%DV
- Sodium: 125mg – 5%DV
- Flax seed: 1g
- Sweet potato root: 25mg
- L-methionine: 25mg
- Grape seed extract: 180mcg
- Boron: 20 mcg
- Mixed carotenoids: 525mcg
- Majka Protein Blend: 17.7g
- Majka Lactation Blend: 2.5g
- Majka Greens Blend: 3g
- Majka Fruit Blend: 10.8g
- Digestive Enzyme Blend: 500mg
- Probiotic Blend: 75m
Why Use Majka Protein Powder?
Most organic blends have only three natural blends but Majka has up to six different vegetarian protein sources including their greens blend. Majka protein powder also has a unique blend that boosts lactation for breastfeeding mothers that have difficulties producing milk. Each serving has 13 grams of protein powder. This plant based protein power is an excellent choice.
All the ingredients used in Majka come from natural sources that are free of toxins and GMOs to provide a healthy shake for expecting mothers. Majka protein powder boosts your immune system as it’s full of vitamins and minerals that absorb easily into your body.
Majka is also full of probiotics and digestive enzymes that help your body fight against stomach bacteria & contributes to your overall health. The probiotics in the protein shake also aid in alleviating morning sickness and nausea.
The Majka protein shake is free of GMO’s, artificial sweeteners, gluten and soy.
7. Milk Dust Lactation Protein Powder
Nutrition Facts (amount per serving):
- Calories: 100g
- Total Fat: 0.5g – 1%DV
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 85mg - 4%DV
- Total Carbohydrates: 8g – 3%DV
- Protein: 16g – 32%DV
- Vitamin A: 815mcg – 91%DV
- Vitamin C: 6mg – 7%DV
- Vitamin E: 8mg – 52%DV
- Folate: 400mcg DCE – 100%DV
- Vitamin B12: 1.8mcg – 74%DV
- Calcium: 27mg – 2%DV
- Iron: 0.9mg – 5%DV
- Magnesium: 12mg – 3%DV
- Zinc: 0.5mg – 5%DV
- Chromium: 2mcg – 6%DV
- Potassium: 1107mg – 24%DV
- Protein Blend: 16g – 32%DV
- Fruit Blend: 2g
- Energy Blend: 1.6g
- Lactation Blend: 1g
- Sugar Craving Blend: 0.8g
Why Use Milk Dust Lactation Protein Powder?
If you’re looking for a way to increase your milk supply without worrying about gaining weight, then Milk Dust’s sweet-yet-healthy protein powder formula may just be the supplement you’re looking for.
Milk Dust’s formula is packed with plant-based ingredients to give you the essential nutrients required to promote lactation and boost your milk supply back to healthy levels, including 16 grams of protein per serving. What sets this apart from the other protein powders on this list is its ability to help you lose weight. If you’re trying to recover your pre-baby body, then you’ll be glad to know that Milk Dust has specific nutrients that will help you curb your sugar cravings, which come in very handy in maintaining a healthy diet.
Despite the focus on weight loss, Milk Dust protein powder mix is a delicious treat as well. It has a slightly sweet flavor with a hint of berries. This protein powder is an excellent option even if it’s just for the flavor alone. The green color may be off-putting at first, but the taste will make you think otherwise.
BUYING GUIDE & FAQ:
Can You Drink Protein Powders While Breastfeeding?
The answer is yes! You can definitely drink protein powders while you breastfeed. Breastfeeding moms are recommended to take an extra 25g of protein a day. The food and drink you consume make its way from your bloodstream to your breast milk & this is what your baby feeds on. Several companies have developed breastfeeding protein powders to ensure you and your baby are getting the clean protein they need.
Having an extra 25g of protein when you’re nursing helps your baby grow strong and ensures that you as a mother are getting enough as well. Many of these breastfeeding protein powders also have added digestive enzymes which help ensure your body can breakdown and assimilate the protein.
Are Meal Replacement Shakes Safe While Breastfeeding?
A meal replacement is sometimes a way to lose excess weight after birth. On the other hand, it’s definitely safe to consume meal replacements while you breastfeed but they should only be taken to provide occasional quick meals.
It’s advisable that the products you select should be organic as these products are safer for your baby and your overall health.
How Much Protein Does a Pregnant Woman Need?
The amount of protein you need depends on how much you weigh. Some women need as little as 40g of protein a day while other women need over 70g a day. If you’re battling to consume your daily allowance of protein opting for a healthy protein shake makes sense.
On average 20% to 25% of your daily calories should come from protein. You can calculate the protein you need by multiplying your daily calories by 0.20 or 0.25 and then dividing the given number by 4 (protein contains 4 calories per gram). Breastfeeding moms may sometimes need even more protein and nutrients in their diet to keep milk supply at optimal levels.
Can a Protein Shake Help You Lose Weight During Pregnancy?
There are protein shakes meant to boost milk supply, and there are shakes that are specifically made to help pregnant women lose weight without compromising their nutrition. These types of protein shakes can help pregnant women control their appetites and help maintain a healthy diet.
Protein shakes formulated for pregnancies are great for pregnant women to ensure a healthy milk supply and proper nutrition. You can also add additional supplements like Alani Nu Balance that are aimed to promote hormonal balance and weight management.
The More Natural the Better:
As mentioned before, whatever you consume your baby feeds on too, whether you’re breastfeeding or you’re still pregnant. To ensure the health and safety of your baby & yourself opt for protein powders that are:
- GMO-free
- Organic
- No preservatives
- Chemical free
- Contains vitamins
- Gluten free
- Lactose-free
- Ob-gyn approved
- No artificial sweeteners
A balanced diet including clean protein will also help ensure your blood sugar levels do not fluctuate between meals.
Smoothie Recipes for Pregnant Women
Fruit-based smoothies are great for pregnant women. They’re safe and delicious, and they make for great natural options if you have a decent milk supply or don’t want to rely on powder mixes. Here are two recipes you may want to try:
1. Banana Lime Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1 cup low-fat milk
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 lime sherbet
Procedure:
Simply add all the ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. Adjust ingredients according to your desired serving size.
2. Pineapple Basil Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cup frozen pineapple
- 2 basil leaves
- 1 banana
- 1 cup milk
- ¼ ginger
Procedure:
Tear the basil leaves into smaller portions and add them into a blender along with the other ingredients. Peel and grate ginger over the raw ingredients inside the blender for a more even flavor. Blend until smooth.
You can use coconut milk or cow’s milk depending on your personal preferences.
Final Thoughts
As you can see there are so many natural quality protein powders to help breastfeeding moms with so many things including:
- Lactation
- Immune boosts
- Quick snack solutions
- Healthy meal replacements
- Organic vitamins and minerals
The best product on the list that might help you with your pregnancy and breastfeeding is the Baby Booster Prenatal Vitamin Supplement Shake. We pick this as a winner because it helps alleviate morning sickness (that affects 50% of pregnant women) and boosts lactation for nursing moms.
Sometimes morning sickness doesn’t allow you to keep food down so most women lack vital nutrients when they’re pregnant. Your body needs all the vitamins and minerals it can get when breastfeeding & when you’re pregnant so protein powders are viable options for your diet.
Opt for a healthy organic protein powder today to improve your health, boost the growth of your baby and provide the nutrients you need for a comfortable pregnancy & breastfeeding experience. Breastfeeding moms have never had so many great options when looking for a protein powder.
A pregnant woman needs more protein every day. Protein is must-have for a pregnant mom’s diet because you have to supplement your baby with enough nutrients during the developmental stage. An increase in protein intake is necessary during pregnancy along with other nutrients.