Breastfeeding food supplements

When breastfeeding, it is important to pay attention to your nutritional intake to ensure you cover these additional needs (approximately 500 kcal per day) and to support your health and the healthy development of your baby. 

For some mothers, diet alone during breastfeeding is not sufficient to meet all their needs for vitamins, trace elements, and essential fatty acids — for themselves and their babies. Deficiencies may involve iron, calcium, omega-3s, and vitamin D. 

A post-partum food supplement suitable can then be beneficial for breastfeeding mothers: 

• Post essentials, the supplement specifically designed for the post-partum period and breastfeeding. With its 17 vitamins and minerals, it helps to replenish nutrient levels. It also contains a patented active ingredient, Extramel®, which helps to reduce stress and support wellbeing. It can be taken alongside choline supplements to ensure high needs are met.
• Complete multivitamin : Baby Bump, our pregnancy food supplement can be continued during breastfeeding to help cover your needs and those of your baby. It is an ultra-complete, premium formula containing 14 nutrients in bioactive form, choline (important for your baby's brain) and 200 mg of DHA (which contributes to brain and vision development). The vitamins and minerals it contains help to combat fatigue.
• Iron supplement: Iron Mama, our iron supplement for pregnant women, can be taken post-partum and provides 100% of the recommended daily iron intake in just 1 capsule. With our iron bisglycinate Ferrochel™, our capsules combine optimal absorption with digestive comfort. For a more indulgent option, we have Boost squares, specially designed to combat fatigue. Croquantissime with hazelnuts and almonds is enriched with iron and covers 50% of daily needs.
• Omega-3 : Omega-3s, in particular docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are important for the development of the baby's brain and vision. The DHA content of breast milk depends solely on dietary intake and can vary tenfold depending on the diet. Breastfeeding mothers can take DHA supplements, such as our pregnancy omega-3 suitable for breastfeeding, to ensure their breast milk contains sufficient amounts. Baby Bump contains 200 mg of DHA, and to complement this you can turn to our Crazy nut spread, delicious and very rich in hazelnuts: a serving of 3 teaspoons also contains 200 mg of DHA.
• Vitamin B12 supplement: For mothers following a vegan diet, there is a risk of deficiency in B12 and zinc. It is particularly important to maintain good B12 levels by supplementing. Nutritional support can be sought for optimal monitoring.
• Magnesium: Our magnesium bisglycinate-based product, Mama-gnésium, helps to cover daily needs. A chocolate lover? Our magnesium-enriched bites, Broonies magnésium, will help you boost your energy levels! 

However, do consult a healthcare professional before taking any food supplement during breastfeeding. Not all products are necessarily suitable, for you or your baby. They may contain substances or dosages that are not recommended during breastfeeding. As such, do not reach for just any "VITALITY" or "ANTI-FATIGUE" product. Seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist. This also applies to products with a "BEAUTY" effect — opt instead for beauty care products that are specifically suited to this period!

Breastfeeding mothers have specific nutritional needs that are higher than usual. For example, the need for vitamins A, B6 and C, iodine and zinc increases by more than 50% for breastfeeding women! The concentration of certain nutrients can vary depending on the mother's intake, while others will remain stable at the expense of the mother's body reserves. Good nutrition is essential during this period, but diet alone is not always sufficient (processed foods, soil depletion, etc. all contribute to nutrient loss). Supplementation is worth considering to help limit the risk of deficiency, which can increase fatigue and stress in particular.

A drop in milk production is a very common issue for many mothers, encountered at daily during breastfeeding.

Galactagogues are foods or plants that contribute to increasing breast milk production. Before consuming galactagogues, it is essential to address the root of the problem and understand why your supply is low. Seek advice from a breastfeeding specialist, such as an IBCLC lactation consultant. No product containing galactagogues will compensate for insufficient feeds or a poor latch.

It is also common to have concerns about your supply when milk transitions to autocrine production. When your milk supply begins to regulate (between approximately 8 and 12 weeks after birth, adapting to your baby's needs), your breasts will feel less engorged and may seem softer. It is essential not to confuse this with a drop in supply, but rather to see it as your body successfully adapting to supply and demand.

With the support of a breastfeeding consultant, you can naturally stimulate your milk production — for example by feeding on demand or practising switch nursing. The right support can truly make all the difference! You can book an SOS breastfeeding consultation on the website with our IBCLC lactation consultant.

Some mothers turn to galactagogues during breastfeeding — these are compounds that may help boost milk production. Traditionally, fennel, fenugreek, caraway, and blessed thistle are thought to have an effect. We recommend consuming them in moderation, and avoiding food supplements containing them, as the doses are often high and concentrated. The benefits of moringa are proven in efficacy studies in breastfeeding mothers. In terms of diet, look to oats, flaxseeds, and brewer's yeast, which may help.  

The galactagogue foods can be consumed to help increase milk production in new breastfeeding mothers.

Before thinking about taking a galactagogue: 

- Make sure baby has a good latch (consult an IBCLC if needed)
- Relax and get comfortable
- Feed on demand without watching the clock
- Increase the frequency of feeds
- Encourage skin-to-skin contact

Some galactagogues, such as moringa or brewer's yeast, may help, but be careful not to consume too much. Always consult a healthcare professional before taking a breastfeeding supplement.