Last updated on August 7th, 2025 at 05:39 pm
Struggling with low breast milk supply and wondering if you should be taking supplements for nursing to support your breastfeeding journey? You’re not alone! This is a question I get all the time.
The Key to Nutrient-Dense Breast Milk
You’re not going to find your typical milk-boosting supplements here. Why? Your typical milk boosting supplements won’t do anything if you’re lacking in other areas. Instead, I’m going to share with you how to make sure your breast milk is as nutrient-dense as possible for your baby while also supporting your postpartum recovery. Even if you’re struggling with a low supply, you’ll still be giving your baby the nutrients they need.
P.S. If you are struggling with low supply, it’s best to work with both a lactation consultant and a Certified Nutrition Consultant & Health Coach. A lactation consultant can help you with latch issues, pumping, etc., while a Certified Nutrition Consultant & Health Coach can support you on the nutrition side of things to increase your supply.
Why You Need a Holistic Approach to Breastfeeding
There are so many options and information out there when it comes to supplements for breast milk production, and it can be hard to know exactly which ones you should be taking (if any!).
First, let me say it’s always a good idea to work with a trained practitioner when choosing supplements to ensure that the supplement and dosage are right for you and that there are no contraindications. Taking supplement advice from a paid IG influencer, a mom Facebook group, or your well meaning friend isn’t the best idea.
That being said, there are a few supplements for breast milk supply I generally recommend to boost production and support nursing. In this blog post, we’ll explore my top three supplements for breast milk production that can help with milk supply and support your overall well-being.
If you’re looking for a more personalized supplement protocol, my signature 1:1 Postpartum Recovery Program, may be just what you need! You’ll get the support to nourish your body and confidently provide for your baby.
Top Supplements to Support Breast Milk Production and Postpartum Recovery
Why Prenatal Vitamins Are Essential After Baby
The first essential supplement I always recommend during breastfeeding is a high-quality prenatal vitamin.
Many women stop taking their prenatal vitamins after giving birth, but they’re just as important, if not more so, in the postpartum period (and I don’t just mean the first 6 weeks!). Prenatal vitamins are formulated specifically to support a woman’s nutritional needs during pregnancy and help replenish her stores after delivery.
Why is this important? Postpartum recovery takes a toll on the body, and breastfeeding further depletes essential nutrients like folic acid, iron, and calcium.
Here are a few reasons why continuing a prenatal vitamin is beneficial for breast milk production:
- Supports postpartum recovery by replenishing key vitamins and minerals.
- Promotes healthy breast milk supply.
- Helps maintain energy levels while caring for your baby.
If you’re taking a one a day prenatal vitamin, that’s not going to cut it. They’re almost always lacking in quality nutrients and have unnecessary or even harmful additives. Here are some of my recommended prenatal vitamins.
The Power of Probiotics for Nursing Moms
The next important supplement for breastfeeding mothers is probiotics.
Breastfeeding plays a huge role in shaping your baby’s microbiome. The beneficial bacteria that your baby gets from your breast milk significantly impacts their gut health, immunity, and overall development, influencing their health all the way into adulthood.
Probiotics can help you increase the amount of good bacteria in your milk. In fact, studies show that consuming probiotics can more than double the levels of immunoprotective compounds in breast milk!
Why should you consider probiotics while nursing?
- They strengthen your baby’s gut microbiome, which improves digestion and boosts their immune system.
- Probiotics lower the risk of allergies, asthma, and skin conditions like eczema.
- For babies born via C-section or those exposed to antibiotics, probiotics are even more beneficial in restoring gut health.
Taking a daily probiotic supplement or incorporating probiotic-rich foods into your diet (like yogurt, kefir, or fermented vegetables) can have amazing benefits for both you and your baby. You can find my favorite probiotics here.
Omega-3s: The Brain-Boosting Supplement You Need
Last but definitely not least are Omega-3s, especially DHA and EPA. These essential fatty acids are critical for both maternal and infant health, especially when it comes to brain development.
Studies have shown that nearly 100% of pregnant and breastfeeding women don’t meet their daily requirements for Omega-3s, leading to depleted stores. This can impact both a mother’s brain health and the quality of her breast milk.
Why are Omega-3s essential for breastfeeding?
- They support your baby’s rapidly developing brain (your baby’s brain grows 64% in the first 90 days!).
- Omega-3s passed through breast milk can improve your baby’s cognitive development, memory, and attention.
- They help reduce inflammation in both mom and baby, supporting postpartum recovery.
When choosing an Omega-3 supplement, look for high-quality fish oil that contains both DHA and EPA. Here are some of the Omega-3 supplements I recommend most often.
Supplements Are Just One Piece of the Puzzle
When it comes to boosting breast milk supply and supporting nursing, supplements like prenatal vitamins, probiotics, and Omega-3s can definitely play a role. However, remember that supplements are just that—an addition to a healthy, nutrient-dense diet. Without the foundations in place, you’ll struggle to boost your supply. The advice you see in mom groups, it doesn’t matter what you eat or my breast milk was mostly made up of Oreos and my baby is fine, isn’t the best advice.
How Supplements Have Helped My Clients
I’ve seen firsthand how these supplements along with proper nutrition can make a difference. One of my clients struggled with low energy and concerns about her milk supply after her second baby. She started taking a high-quality prenatal, along with probiotics and Omega-3s, and within a few weeks, she noticed her energy levels improving, her digestion was better, and her milk production was more consistent. Not only did she feel more confident in her ability to nourish her baby, but she was also recovering more quickly postpartum.
If you need more guidance on your breastfeeding journey or want to know more about a personalized supplement plan, join me inside my Postpartum Program designed to help you nourish yourself and your baby.
Disclosure: If you make a purchase through one of my links, I may earn an affiliate commission. It’s at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting this blog.
Krystal Sanchez, CNC, CHC — Certified Nutrition Consultant & Health Coach specializing in fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, and children’s health. Founder of Live Well With Krystal, LLC
