7 Milk Production Supplements For New Moms
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We’re not just editors, we’re also moms. Over the years, we’ve researched and tested clean supplements that make pregnancy and parenting a bit more manageable — and these are our favorites for supporting milk production.
Those tender postpartum months come with a number of firsts for you and your newborn, and there’s perhaps no greater learning curve than nursing. While it may come naturally for some moms and babies, it’s a major stressor for others. The pressure to nourish your child can feel daunting, no doubt, and stress and anxiety are considered the number one reason why many moms see a dip in their milk supply.
While there’s no proven cure for increasing that supply, many moms have noticed an improvement in their supply after taking milk production supplements. These come in all forms, including capsules, powders, tea drinks, and cookies.
What’s the difference between postpartum supplementation and lactation supplements?
While a prenatal vitamin is a daily dose to benefit baby, postnatal or postpartum vitamins are for you. For the latter, you’ll want to look for supplements with vitamins and minerals like folate, iron, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids. If you’re breastfeeding or pumping, research shows that continuing your prenatal is beneficial.
It takes several days for your milk supply to come in, and you’ll first start producing a nutrient-dense, thick yellow substance called colostrum. Also called “liquid gold,” you want to give your body time to adjust, which is why it’s best to wait until you’ve established your supply. And if you’re worried about how much milk you’re producing, a lactation supplement is something you can also try. For example, Bird&Be’s postpartum vitamin pack gives you the option to add a Lactation Boost to your order. It doesn’t replace your postpartum supplementation, but rather supports stimulating your milk flow and increasing breast milk production.
What should I look for in a milk production supplement?
Historically, ingredients such as brewer’s yeast, milk thistle, and marshmallow root have been used by moms on their nursing or pumping journeys. These are known as galactagogues, a catch-all term for herbs, foods, or other supplementation thought to promote or increase milk production.
In the supplements we’ve selected below, you’ll find ingredients such as moringa and shatavari, which may increase prolactin levels. There are some with saffron and ashwagandha, which is considered an “indirect galactagogue” or “secondary galactagogue” because it may improve your supply through stress reduction.
Keep in mind that this evidence is primarily anecdotal, and it’s always best to consult with your healthcare provider before adding a supplement to your diet. The Cleveland Clinic also says certain lifestyle adjustments, like focusing on eating a healthy diet, having skin-to-skin contact with baby, and managing anxiety, may also help. Milk supply and milk flow are two different concerns, so making sure your baby is latching properly could be the root of the issue. For any nursing questions, we recommend consulting with a certified lactation consultant.
As with all supplements, we’ve sourced products that are third-party tested and made with organic ingredients to better support you and your baby.
Our criteria:
Our editors have personally tested and researched clean prenatal vitamins to select the best organic, natural, and nontoxic formulations, with input from thousands of customer reviews. We update this list regularly with emerging favorites that meet the criteria below.
CLEAN & ORGANIC INGREDIENTS | The supplements on this list have been third-party tested for quality and efficacy.
SCIENCE-BACKED | We’ve only noted products with expert-driven research and testing to make sure they’ve been properly vetted.
If you’re trying to conceive or pregnant, our prenatal vitamins guide can support you at each stage. We’ve also rounded up the best crib mattresses, convertible cribs, crib sheets, and diapers, so you’re fully prepared once baby arrives. And to learn more about combination feeding or switching to a formula, we’ve curated a list of our editors’ favorite organic baby formula brands.
1. WeNatal Milk + Mood
Best For | Mood support
Functional ingredients | Organic moringa, organic shatavari, milk thistle, saffron extract, active B6, phosphatidylcholine
Pills per day | Three
Price | $70 for a 30-day supply
You don’t just want to nourish your body and your baby’s, but you also want to feel good — which is no easy feat postpartum. That’s where WeNatal comes in, providing science-backed formulas with clean, third-party tested vitamins. WeNatal has supplements made for both partners and all stages, from preconception to postpartum. Milk + Mood has several galactagogues, including moringa, shatavari, and milk thistle, plus saffron extract and active B6 to support mood.
The brand notes that this is made to complement, not replace, your prenatal or postnatal vitamin. It should never be taken during pregnancy, and it’s best to check in with your doctor before adding it to your routine. We recommend pairing it with one of our go-to postpartum supplements, WeNatal For Her. To level up your postpartum supplement stack, there’s also this four-in-one welcome kit, complete with WeNatal For Her, Milk + Mood, Omega DHA+, and Rest + Digest Magnesium.
Customer Review | “I feel amazing. Love that I have this supplement as a complement to my WeNatal for her to fuel my body and mind during this beautiful season of breastfeeding. Love it!” – Daphne (Read more reviews.)
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2. Bird&Be Postnatal Vitamins + Breastfeeding Support
Best For | Premade supplement packs
Functional ingredients | Moringa leaf powder, blessed thistle extract, fenugreek extract
Pills per day | Six total, two for the Lactation Boost
Price | $64 for a 30-day supply
Mom’s mental load feels extra heavy during postpartum, but Bird&Be simplifies the process with these premade supplement pouches. Simply pull one out of the box, open the packet, and take everything you need at once. This third-party tested supplement pack includes an optional Lactation Boost, a two-capsule daily dose with three well-known galactagogues: blessed thistle, fenugreek seed, and moringa leaf.
In fact, this curated pack is a favorite of Bird&Be co-founder and COO Breanna Hughes, who says it “takes the stress off of what I’m eating and gives me reassurance baby is getting what it needs.” The brand has a “conventional meets naturopathic” philosophy, and their team of experts has reproductive endocrinologists and naturopathic doctors.
The third-party testing section of their website gives you instant access to their independent testing results from Light Labs to verify the safety and efficacy of each formula. The brand is also Clean Label Project Certified, meaning their products have gone through rigorous testing to follow California’s strict Prop 65 law.
Customer Review | “Love the convenience of this vitamin pack – the prepackaged set helps make sure I get all the vitamins I need and works well for a busy mom of two. Perfect in the postpartum months when you want to keep things simple, quick, and efficient!” – Alix S. (Read more reviews.)
3. Gaia Herbs Lactation Support
Best For | Ingredient transparency
Functional ingredients | Organic fenugreek seed, organic marshmallow root extract, organic fennel seed, organic raspberry leaf, organic blessed thistle
Pills per day | Three
Price | $28 for a 20-day supply
Founded in 1987, Gaia Herbs has continued its mission to grow and source high-quality ingredients — and share each and every detail with their customers. They grow many of their herbs on their Regenerative Organic Certified farm in Brevard, North Carolina, including the organic marshmallow root extract found in their Lactation Support capsules. The brand recommends taking one pill with food three times per day, and each one contains several popular galactagogues, like fenugreek and blessed thistle.
If you’re curious about where these supplements are made, and where each ingredient is sourced from, Gaia provides a search bar under the “Know Your Gaia Herbs” tab. There, you can learn more about third-party testing, quality assurance, and ingredient sourcing. For even more reassurance, the brand has been a certified B Corp since 2018, and if you’re not happy with your order, you can request a full refund up to 45 days after the ship date.
Customer Review | “This helped keep my milk supply up while I breastfed. I used this for about 10 months. Definitely recommend this to any nursing mamas!” – Tara N. (Read more reviews.)
4. Needed Postnatal Vitamins Plan
Best For | Targeted support plans
Functional ingredients | Ashwagandha, saffron extract
Pills per day | Seven total, two for Stress Support
Price | $74 for 30-day supply (with 40% off your first order)
Filling in nutritional gaps, while also supporting your lactation, has never been easier thanks to Needed. The brand’s standard involves rigorous testing and making sure each ingredient is verified and approved by one of their experts. They’re also backed by a number of certifications from non-profits like B Corp and Clean Label Project (among others). Driven by clinical research and insights, it’s no wonder some parents have said the Postnatal Vitamins Plan gave them their best postpartum experience yet.
You can shop and save by plan, and the postpartum-targeted pack has three supplements: a prenatal multivitamin (with original or citrus flavoring), omega-3s for recovery and to “support nutrient-dense breast milk,” and Stress Support with one Ayurvedic galactagogue (shatavari) and two secondary galactagogues (ashwagandha and saffron extract). Your first order of the set is 40% off, guaranteeing a lower-cost commitment for your first month of supplements. After that, you can subscribe and save with shipping every four to 12 weeks.
Customer Review | “I love this postnatal vitamin package. You can’t beat the quality and source of ingredients. I love that I don’t have to think much about my supplements because this has most of what I need (plus I supplement iron and vitamin c). This is my third postpartum and best I’ve felt and I attribute some of that to these vitamins!” – Morgan M. (Read more reviews.)
5. Miracle Mama Miracle Milkookies
Best For | Moms with a sweet tooth
Functional ingredients | Oats, flaxseed, brewer’s yeast
Pills per day | Two cookies
Price | $36 for a one-week supply
It’s rare to find a sweet treat that boasts benefits for you and your baby. Entrepreneur Whitney Rowell, the founder and “Chief Mama Officer” of Miracle Mama, set out on a mission to provide nutritious and delicious supplements for fellow moms trying to juggle everything in their lives. With a twist on her beloved oatmeal chocolate chip cookie recipe, she crafted her own viral lactation “kookies.” These tasty pick-me-ups are baked weekly, and made with three galactagogues: Oats, flaxseed, and brewer’s yeast. For best results, the brand recommends eating two cookies per day.
There are several flavors and styles to choose from, depending on your taste and dietary needs or restrictions. Choose from items like Whitney’s classic oatmeal chocolate chip soft-baked cookies, dairy-free oatmeal walnut cherry soft-baked cookies, or vegan-optional mini crunchy cookies (with three to four cookies per serving!). Buy them for yourself, or send a sampler gift box to a loved one.
Customer Review | “These cookies are truly delicious as standalone treats. On top of that, I can tell I’m building up my milk supply as I’ve been snacking on them the last 3 weeks.” – Jessica L. (Read more reviews.)
6. Boobie Mom’s Miracle
Best For | Gummy supplements
Functional ingredients | Moringa, turmeric, cinnamon, elderberry, zinc, biotin
Pills per day | Three gummies
Price | $20 for a 20-day supply
Started by registered nurse, international board-certified lactation consultant, and NICU nurse Wendy Colson, Boobie Superfoods hopes to provide lactation-boosting benefits to as many moms as possible. If you’re partial to snacks versus capsules, the Mom’s Miracle gummies address three common postpartum problems: low milk supply, hair loss, and lack of immunity. Just three purple bears per day can give you lactation support with galactagogues moringa, turmeric, and cinnamon. Plus, elderberry provides immunity and biotin helps with hair, skin, and nails.
The gummies are one of many lactation supplements made by the team at Boobie. Each serving of the Boobie Milk to the Max Superfood Lactation Bar (in oatmeal chocolate chip, peanut butter, or blueberry muffin) packs 5 grams of protein, along with organic moringa leaf, organic cinnamon, organic shatavari root, organic turmeric, flaxseed, and whole grain oats. Or try their Lactation Oat Cookie Bites (in birthday cake, brownie fudge, or chocolate peanut cone), an on-the-go snack recommended to take in tandem with the bar.
Customer Review | “I love these gummies. They have helped my milk supply and boosted my energy. Definitely going to be buying them again.” – Pamela F. (Read more reviews.)
7. Ritual Postnatal Multivitamin
Best For | Improving breast milk quality
Functional ingredients | Vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, folate, vitamin B12, biotin, choline, iodine, magnesium, zinc, omega-3 DHA fatty acids, boron, vitamin K2
Pills per day | Two
Price | $56 for a 30-day supply (without a subscription)
When Ritual’s founder and CEO, Katerina Schenider, found out she was pregnant, she went on the hunt for a clean prenatal vitamin made with traceable ingredients. Coming up short, she ultimately decided to create her own, which led to the mom-trusted, expert-approved Ritual Prenatal Multivitamin. Crafted with a citrus essence, these capsules provided moms with everything they and their babies needed, in a more palatable, dare we say delicious pill.
For the postpartum stage, the brand offers the Postnatal Multivitamin, designed to help with immunity, brain health, breast milk content, and lactation. Omega-3 fatty acids are there to make your breast milk more nutrient-dense, and in a clinical study, moms saw improved breast milk quality. So while it doesn’t contain the same galactagogues we see in other lactation supplements, there are specific vitamins and minerals added for this phase of motherhood.
Customer Review | “The OG clean-sourced, trustible, high-quality vitamin regimen. I’ve had 3 children with Ritual’s pre and post natals (and have sampled their other supplemental products as well). The price is worth the results.” – Customer (Read more reviews.)
Blake Bakkila is a freelance writer and editor with eight years of experience covering topics including baby and parenting, food, health, pop culture, and interior design. In addition to The Good Trade, her work has appeared in the digital publications of Architectural Digest, Sunset, Good Housekeeping, and more. She highlighted the best, most game-changing baby and parenting products as the former senior commerce editor at What to Expect and BabyCenter, and she’s also held editorial positions at Good Housekeeping, Health, Real Simple, and People. Blake holds a bachelor’s in journalism from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. When she’s not typing, you can usually find her watching anything on Bravo, entertaining her son Rhode, and conducting field research on the best ice cream in Southern California.
