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As a breastfeeding mom, it’s important to nourish your body with the right nutrients to support milk production and energy levels. That’s where this Postpartum Smoothie Recipe for Breastfeeding Moms comes in! It’s packed with ingredients that are specifically chosen to support breastfeeding moms and the unique nutritional needs that come with them.
I don’t know about you, but I always end up with old bananas that got ripe faster than we could eat them. I always buy a big bunch thinking of all the ways I could eat them but then I usually forget. The best way to utilize them before they are too far gone are either using them up for banana bread (which is another great recipe) or storing them in a ziplock for smoothies! I love frozen ripe bananas because they add a good sweetness to your smoothie and make them cold & thick without adding any ice.
How To Freeze Bananas:
You can freeze bananas at any stage but I like freeze them like right at the point I wouldn’t eat it by itself. I like fresh perfectly ripe banana but once it starts to get a little brown and soft I send them to the freezer.
- Start by peeling them open and then slicing off the ends.
- I like to break them in half so they are not too long and better for breaking up servings.
- Place them in a freezer bag and remove all the extra air from the bag
- Freeze them overnight and they should last up to a month in there!
What Ingredients Make This Postpartum Smoothie Recipe for Breastfeeding Moms So Powerful:
Bananas
Bananas are a good source of nutrients that may be beneficial for breastfeeding mothers. They are high in potassium, which can help regulate fluid & electrolyte balance in the body and may also help with muscle function. Bananas are also a good source of carbohydrates, which can provide a quick source of energy which is essential in this Postpartum Smoothie Recipe for Breastfeeding Moms. In addition, they contain vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin B6, and magnesium, which may be helpful for overall health. Making a banana smoothie can provide a convenient and tasty way for breastfeeding mothers to increase their intake of these nutrients along with their calorie intake to help with hunger pangs while breastfeeding. However, it’s important to note that it’s important for breastfeeding mothers to have a varied and balanced diet to ensure that they are getting all the nutrients they need.
Oats
Oats are another important ingredient in this smoothie. They’re a good source of fiber, which can help with digestion and keep you feeling full and satisfied. Oats are also a good source of iron, which is important for maintaining energy levels. They are a rich source of complex carbohydrates, which can help to increase milk production. Oats also contain a good amount of iron, which is important for preventing anemia during lactation. Some studies have also suggested that oats may have specific galactagogue effects, which means they may help to increase milk production in lactating women. I love adding oats to any meal I can while postpartum!
Sunflower Butter
I use sunflower butter because my daughter has a peanut allergy so we all made the switch to a nut free butter. After doing so, I found that sunflower butter is a lot healthier and has many of the same benefits. One difference is that sunflower butter is typically lower in saturated fat and calories than peanut butter. Below I linked my favorite because there are some that are fine but there is one that makes me not miss peanut butter because it is so good! Sunflower butter is a tasty addition to this smoothie and it’s a good source of healthy fats and protein. These nutrients are important for supporting milk production and overall health. Sunflower butter is also a good source of vitamin E, which is important for maintaining healthy skin and supporting the immune system.
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are high in fiber, which can help with digestion and may also help to reduce constipation, a common concern during lactation. They are also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for brain and eye development in infants and may also have anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, chia seeds are a good source of protein, which can help with tissue repair and maintenance, and they contain a variety of vitamins and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, which may be beneficial for overall health.
Flax Seeds
Flaxseeds are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for brain and eye development in infants. They are also a good source of fiber, which can help to promote regular bowel movements and prevent constipation. Additionally, flaxseeds contain a variety of other nutrients that may be beneficial for lactating women, including lignans (which may have estrogen-like effects), protein, and vitamins and minerals. Some studies have also suggested that flaxseeds may have specific galactagogue effects, which means they may help to increase milk production in lactating women.
Hemp Hearts
Hemp hearts are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are benefit brain and eye development in infants. They are also a good source of protein, fiber, and a variety of vitamins and minerals. Some studies have also suggested that hemp hearts may have specific galactagogue effects, which means they may help to increase milk production in lactating women. In addition to the potential benefits for lactation, hemp hearts may also have other health benefits, including improving heart health, reducing inflammation, and improving blood sugar control.
Why should I drink a lactation smoothie?
Lactation smoothies make a perfect snack or meal for nursing mothers because they can provide a quick, convenient and tasty way to increase their intake of nutrients that may be helpful for lactation and overall health. These nutrients can include protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats, and a variety of vitamins and minerals. You can pack the smoothies with ingredients such as milk, nuts, seeds, and fruits which are a great source of energy and nutrients like this Postpartum Smoothie Recipe for Breastfeeding Moms. Additionally, lactation smoothies can be a good way to hydrate, as many of the ingredients used in these smoothies contain a significant amount of water.
When you should drink a lactation smoothie
The best time to drink a smoothie is first thing in the morning, after a full night of nursing. Another great time is in the afternoon for a little mid-afternoon pick me up. I have never really loved a smoothie in the evening, since that is my time to earn my treats after a long day. So instead of just a banana, oat and sunflower smoothie, I would throw in some chocolate milk to make it more like a treat, which you can obviously do at any point during the day if you are into treats like me!
Other fruits you can add to a this Postpartum Smoothie Recipe for Breastfeeding Moms:
Papaya would be a great option to throw into your smoothie because it has a subtle sweet taste and some people believe that papaya can help to increase milk supply because it contains a enzyme called papain, which is thought to have milk-stimulating effects. However, there is limited scientific evidence to support the use of papaya as a galactagogue, and more research is needed to fully understand its potential effects on milk production.
Another fruit you could toss in to your smoothie, without chaining up the flavor too much, would be apricots. Apricots are a good source of beta-carotene, which may help to increase milk production. They could also be consumed fresh, dried, or as a juice.
What other foods can help support lactation in breast-feeding moms?
There are several fruits that are thought to be galactagogues, which means they may help to increase milk production in lactating women. These include:
- Fenugreek: Fenugreek is a herb that is commonly used as a galactagogue. It is available in supplement form, but can also be consumed in the form of seeds or a tea.
- Fennel: Fennel is a plant with a licorice-like flavor that is sometimes used as a galactagogue. It is available in supplement form, but can also be consumed in the form of seeds or a tea.
- Oats: Oats are a good source of complex carbohydrates, which may help to increase milk production. They can be consumed in the form of oatmeal, oat bran, or as an ingredient in baked goods.
- Brewer’s yeast: Brewer’s yeast is a type of yeast that is rich in B vitamins and other nutrients. It is sometimes used as a galactagogue and can be consumed in the form of a supplement or as an ingredient in baked goods.
It is important to note that individual responses to galactagogues can vary, and it is always a good idea to speak with a healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet.
Satisfy your hunger and nourish your body with this deliciousPostpartum Smoothie Recipe for Breastfeeding Moms. Made with a blend of nutrient-rich ingredients like oats, flax seeds, bananas, sunflower butter and hemp hearts, this smoothie is specifically designed to support lactation and provide the energy & nutrients you need after giving birth. Whether you’re looking to increase your milk supply or just want to nourish your body with wholesome ingredients, this smoothie is a great choice. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make, so you can enjoy it any time of day. Give it a try and see how it can support your postpartum wellness journey.
Postpartum Smoothie Recipe for Breastfeeding Moms:
Ingredients Needed to Make This Postpartum Smoothie:
- 1 frozen banana
- 1/2 cup oats
- 1 1/2 tablespoon sunflower butter
- 1 cup milk (dairy, almond, or soy will all work- I love ripple pea milk for extra protein or coconut to help with hydration)
- 1 cup ice
- 1 tablespoon of chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon of hemp hearts
- 1 tablespoon of flax seeds
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon of maple syrup
Simply add all of the ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Linking my favorite blenders on the go! The Vita-mix is life changing and will make you feel like you are getting a smoothie at a smoothie shop every time! However, if you are looking for something more budget friendly or you are just on-the-go more than this NutriBullet might be a better fit. You can adjust the amount of milk to achieve your desired consistency. This smoothie is a delicious and nourishing way to support your health as a breastfeeding mom. Enjoy!
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