Can I Have Whey Protein Powder While Breastfeeding?

When breastfeeding, you’re not just eating for yourself. 

You gotta think about every.little.thing you put in your body because it can potentially be passed to your baby via your breast milk. 

Let’s explore if it’s safe to add whey protein powder to your diet while breastfeeding…

 
 

(this post may contain affiliate links)


Did you know?
Breastfeeding moms requires extra protein.
They have special nutritional needs and require extra protein in their diet to meet the extra demands on their milk-making bodies. (pregnant women in their 2nd and 3rd trimesters require extra protein too!)

What is whey protein?

Whey is one of the primary proteins in dairy products and is the liquid that’s left behind when milk is curdled and strained. (think cheese making!)

It’s usually translucent and yellowish/greenish in color and contains all 9 essential amino acids (the building blocks of protein).

Benefits of adding protein powder to a Breastfeeding diet

Convenient.  It can be hard to get enough protein into your diet.  Protein powder makes it easy to do so.

Healthy.  Many powders contain vitamins and minerals that are difficult to fit into your daily diet.

Versatile. Easy to mix into shakes, smoothies, or recipes.

Filling.  Breastfeeding moms are HUNGRY!  When you breastfeed you require an extra 450-500 calories per day.  Adding extra protein to your diet helps you stay fuller for longer.  Protein powder is a great way to do this!

Good for postpartum weight loss.  Helps you shed the baby weight because protein supports maintaining lean tissue.  Studies show increased intake of protein is linked to faster return to pre-pregnancy weight.

Things To Consider Before Choosing a Whey protein powder

 
 

Not all protein powders are created equal.

For instance, some powders are created for athletes and have supplements and fillers not meant for pregnant or breastfeeding moms. 

Read the label before buying any protein powder.

Look for a whey protein powder that:

  • contains high quality, clean whey protein base

  • has been tested by an independent organization

  • does NOT have any shady ingredients (fillers, synthetic vitamins, artificial sweeteners, high levels of added sugar, additional stimulants like caffeine)


Best Whey Protein for Breastfeeding

Naked Whey has only 3 ingredient.  THREE!!!
It contains 100% grass-fed pure whey protein powder, organic coconut sugar, and vanilla… that’s it!   AMAZING! 

Our 3 FAV Breastfeeding Products

 1. 🌙 The night nursing bra you’ll never want to take off
This nursing bra is the absolute BEST for breastfeeding at night. It’s made of the softest material ever. It’s super stretchy with zero digging.

2. 🤱Sore nipples?
If your nipples are sore at all, these are a total game-changer. Pop them on after feeds and let them work. They heal in a matter of hours and you just pop them on after feeding. Wear them 24/7 in the early days. 

3. 🍪 Breastfeeding hunger is real
Easy-bake cookies with oats, flax, brewer’s yeast (+ chocolate!) to help support your milk supply and satisfy cravings. Warm, fast, and ridiculously good.

Stacey Stewart, C.L.E

Meet Stacey, the brains (and heart) behind Milkology®. As a mom of 3, she knows firsthand how confusing (and let’s be real, overwhelming) breastfeeding can feel. That’s why she’s on a mission to modernize lactation education. She’s here to take the guesswork out of breastfeeding and put the confidence back in YOU.

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