I spent 4 years of my life breastfeeding, so I know just as much as any breastfeeding parent that it can be really hard to take care of yourself and your supply while also trying to figure out how to care for your little one. Sometimes, your health and personal need to be put on the backburner for a while. Breastfeeding can be draining, and the hangries hit hard, sometimes. One solution that's becoming increasingly popular for moms is finding a protein powder that you like, or at least can stomach, and add that into your routine as filler.
It turns out that the reason you might be feeling so depleted and hungry is because your body is running low on energy, aka mommy fuel. Tara Bassi, M.S., C.N.S., L.D.N, C.H.H.C., explains to Best Products, “During the lactation period, women are required to consume about 500 extra calories per day and an additional 25 grams of protein per day. These additional requirements are crucial for optimal milk production, healing post-childbirth, and overall energy.”
When you're in the first throes of parenthood, remembering to brush your teeth can be a challenge — which means that finding time to make and eat multiple meals feels Herculean. Throw in a couple of older kids to the mix, and your time is fleeting.
More and more breastfeeding parents are choosing to supplement with protein powder, and while it's by no means a substitute for mealtime, it can help keep you full and increase your protein intake.
What to Look For
Bassi says that you should avoid allergens and be sure to consider any sensitivities you may have. Choose simpler formulas that aren't loaded with sugar, sugar alcohols, or high fructose corn syrup. Organic is always best, but there aren't a ton of options in that category. Other than that, it's really all about one thing: taste.
As a mom, a CrossFitter, and a marathon runner, I've tried about a zillion protein powders. To be perfectly honest, most of them are awful, chalky, residue-leaving pseudo shakes that I simply cannot choke down. But they've come a long way — and the fact that there are protein powders specifically designed with breastfeeding parents in mind is a testament to that. Because I am a thorough editor, I fell on this sword and tested each and every powder on this list (along with many that did not make the list that will forever live on in my nightmares). Having said that, I can genuinely assure you that every protein powder on our list tastes downright pleasant.
And none of them have any weird fillers or ingredients that you wouldn't want to feed your child. I chose only plant-based, whey, or collagen proteins that are allergen-free or allergen-sensitive powders for this list.
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1
Added Choline
Essential Protein Daily Shake Pregnancy & Postpartum
I was so worried this was going to be absolutely awful. Most of the protein powders that have something extra, like the choline found in this formula, are gross — but not this one.
As I said, it's packed with choline, which is an essential nutrient for pregnancy and breastfeeding, and it has 20 grams of pea protein per serving. It comes in at 115 calories per serving. I added it to oat milk and blended it with a bit of instant coffee because I'm a monster.
This collagen protein powder is genuinely unflavored — and I mean that in the best way. I usually stir it into my coffee with oat milk or my chai from Starbucks, and I can barely tell it's in there. This is especially odd because it's a nutrient-rich protein powder for breastfeeding that has 14 grams of protein per scoop and 60 calories.
Collagen protein is incredibly popular right now, and this one is designed for pregnant and nursing parents in mind. But really? The flavorless thing is the real boon.
This is a plant-based protein for breastfeeding and pregnancy that has all sorts of goodies that somehow don't make it taste like mud. And if you close your eyes and dream really hard, it sort of tastes a little like a chocolate frosty.
Seriously though, this has 19 grams of protein, plus 6 grams of fiber and tons of nutrients designed with your whole body in mind.
I'll admit that I was drawn to this brand purely for the pretty label. But I also love the brand, so I was willing to give it a go. Chocolate whey protein with 20 grams of protein per 90 calories with additional collagen peptides and other nutrients, this protein packs a punch.
It's also one of the most affordable on this list. I suggest blending it with some milk and ice, maybe adding a banana for texture and flavor.
Pure simplicity. This formula has only a handful of ingredients, and that's fine by me. It's pretty neutral-tasting, but it is more suited for blending in a smoothie than a coffee drink.
It has 9 grams of protein per 60 calories, so it's a light, easy powder to add to a snack to bump up the satiety level.
When I read that this was made of porcine collagen, I was a little worried about the flavor. Would it taste like lard? I'm pleased to report it does not — I was delighted to find out that it tastes just like vanilla protein powder.
A protein powder designed to nourish your postpartum body. It has 16 grams of protein per 80 calories, plus a good amount of vitamin C for your body.
An organic option that is full of pea protein, veggies, and nutrients, and it tastes good. It has 22 grams of protein per 130 calories, plus kale, quinoa, berries, and more. It's weirdly complex, but made of the simplest ingredients.
I think you could definitely call it a “dehydrated and rehydrated salad” and get away with it. I also like this one in a smoothie, but it’s just fine in coffee with oat milk, as well.
Cat BowenParenting EditorCat Bowen is the parenting editor at BestProducts.com where she researches all of the best products for families from pre-conception through their teen years, focusing on matching scientific evidence with real-life needs.
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