Can Breastfeeding Moms Take Protein Shakes?

Women who breastfeed need as much as twice the amount required by non-pregnant, non-lactating women.  Protein being the important content of mother’s milk, it maximizes the milk supply as well as optimizes the growth and development chances of the infant.

There is a plethora of information on protein requirements for young mothers as well as the many choices of easy protein to choose from. If you are not getting enough from your diet, you can go for a protein shake for breastfeeding moms.  However, even though there are many protein shakes available in the market, not all are well suited for nursing women. Since several protein shakes for breastfeeding moms contain a great deal of artificial ingredients in the form of additives, preservatives, thickeners and what not, this can in due course affect the milk that the baby consumes and ultimately, affect the baby’s digestion. So if you are a new mom, here is a little more info before you decide to take protein shakes for breastfeeding moms. 

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Protein requirement for new mums (which you can get from a breastfeeding protein shake) 

Experts recommend nursing mothers to take 20-25 g of protein in addition to their diet. This can be a challenge to most women who do not take enough protein on a daily basis, especially for women who avoid meat, fish, poultry, etc. 

Going by the RDA for nursing women, the protein requirement can be 1.1 gm. per kg of body weight per day. And under such circumstances, protein supplements such as protein shakes for breastfeeding moms (approved by your physician or dietitian) can go a long way in helping you bridge any shortfalls. Due to widespread myths about protein shake consumption; there is a misplaced fear among women especially young mothers with regard to consumption of protein shakes for breastfeeding moms. 

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Here is a list that you can consider to ensure it is safe while going for a protein powder safe for breastfeeding moms: 

1. Protein shakes are drinks that contain high protein sources that are usually a complete protein like whey and are often fortified with additional ingredients for added health benefits. When it comes to protein shakes for breastfeeding moms, they are usually safer.
2. Ensure that the breastfeeding protein shake you opt for gives you at least 25-30 gm. of protein per serving. It not only helps in the basic repair and recovery mechanism in the body but also helps you lose excess fat and helps tone up your muscles. Having a protein rich, healthy diet in combination with regular exercise can help you lose post-pregnancy weight better. A breastfeeding protein shake can help with that. 
3. Follow a very simple rule when going for a protein shake for breastfeeding moms. Keep away from the effects of additives and artificial components. Stay away from products that have a long ingredient list. Longer the list, more is the number of additives present.
4. Through breastfeeding, some of the diet components or substances that make way into your blood can enter the milk. This means, what you consume through diet or your breastfeeding protein shake may have a role to play in how the mother’s milk affects the infant’s digestion. Though certain herbs or medications may show some changes in the content of the milk, they do not lead to any drastic effects. However, it is always better to consult with your dietitian and/ or your doctor before you consume any protein powder safe for breastfeeding moms. 

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Takeaway note regarding protein shakes for breastfeeding moms: 

Maternal nutrition status has a greater impact on the fetal growth during pregnancy as well as after birth during breastfeeding. A good quality and quantity of protein supplementation in balance with the other macronutrients during pregnancy appear to have beneficial effects on the infant’s growth and development and birth weight. However, avoid going overboard with too much protein or an imbalance in the macronutrient composition as it can lead to converse effects on certain aspects of growth. When you consume your breastfeeding protein shake, stay safe and choose the right one. Find the best protein powder safe for breastfeeding moms. 

Add OZIVA Protein & Herbs Shake to Your Diet if your diet is lacking in proteins. It is a protein powder safe for breastfeeding moms. 

If you want a detailed nutrition consultation, drop us a mail at nutrition@oziva.in or call us on 9769298556 and our experts will help you with your fitness goal. If you want to drink a breastfeeding protein shake, we can recommend the right diet to go with it for your infant’s health.