As a mom of 4, and Pre/Post Natal Fitness Specialist, I love the power of protein powder to consume essential nutrients, increase my milk supply, and help me get back in shape after pregnancy. I've used protein powders to help me keep up my supply and nourish my body postpartum since my first baby 10 years ago! I highly recommend protein powders for new mothers because they taste great, and are really helpful in getting enough protein in! Because there were no lactation protein powders on the market, I knew I needed to create a protein powder that was specifically formulated for lactation and postpartum nourishment.
Before I created Milk Dust, there were no plant-based protein powders that were also lactation protein shakes on the market. As a Pre/Post Natal Fitness Specialist and Certified Nutrition Coach, I had been helping breastfeeding mamas lose weight without losing milk supply for years. I new exactly what I needed to create to help new mamas lose weight, stop sugar cravings, and keep their supply up while losing weight. With the help of doctors, nutritionists and lactation consultants, I crafted Milk Dust is hand-picked nutrients and ingredients to fill in the nutrient gaps that cause low milk supply, sugar cravings and hunger.
Milk Dust has been ranked as the top protein powder by many users and publications over and over, for so many reasons! I am so proud of this product, and I will link all the publications for you to read at the end. For now, I want to get into all the reasons MIlk Dust is the highest rated lactation protein powder on the market. Getting as much protein as necessary is really important while breastfeeding, so let's get down to the best ones on the market.
THE MANY REASONS MILK DUST IS THE BEST PROTEIN POWDER FOR BREASTFEEDING:
MILK DUST LACTATION PROTEIN POWDER INCREASES MILK SUPPLY:
Plain and simple, Milk Dust Lactation Protein Powder is the best for increasing milk supply because it contains a propietary blend of nutrients, herbs and superfoods that are backed by science, research, testimonials and centuries of use for lactation. Milk Dust doesn't just use a lactation blend, but it also targets nutritional gaps and holes that can contribute to a low milk supply.
MILK DUST OFFERS TWO PROPIETARY LACTATION BLENDS WITH GALACTOGOGUES:
Milk Dust provides two propietary lactation blends, one with Fenugreek and one without. Fenugreek is the most researched ingredient for increasing lactation, and has the most scientific studies backing it. The Milk Dust original lactation formula consists of fenugreek. However, there is a small subset of women who can have adverse reactions to fenugreek. Milk Dust also offers a fenugreek-free formula that uses shatavari mushroom as an altnerate ingredient.
WHAT IS IN THE MILK DUST PROTEIN LACTATION BLEND?
The Milk Dust lactation blend consists of these specific ingredients that increase milk supply:
Milk thistle:
Milk thistle is widely used as a galactagogue, and there is a great study that reports a 32% increase in milk supply after mothers used it for 63 days. "Results:Women orally treated for 63 days with Silymarin showed a clear galactagogue role for the product with an increase of 85.94% of the daily milk production (placebo: +32.09%). No drop out, nor unwanted effects were reported in both groups. Compliance and tolerability were also very good…" This is great news, and shows the power of milk thistle for lactation. This is one of the main ingredients in the lactation blend.
ORGANIC RED RASPBERRY LEAF:
Red raspberry leaf doesn't have as much clinical backing on its own for milk supply specifically, but it is amazing in supporting overall hormonal health in women. In addition. red raspberry leaf when combined with other ingredients like fenugreek are shown to increase milk supply in this study. In addition to the lactation benefits, Vitamin B6, found in red raspberry leaves, is a fighter of all things PMS, including mood changes and irritability. In addition, B6 binds to estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, helping regulate these steroid hormones, reducing your risk of cancer. Lactation is a very hormonal-dependent process, so any ingredient that helps balance this process is going to benefit lactation.
Brewer's Yeast:
Brewer's yeast is one of the ingredients that has been used for centuries to increase lactation. This means that there are hundreds of years of anecdotal evidence to support its use. The studies illustrate that it is actually the nutritional enhancement brewer's yeast provides that increases milk supply. This is where Milk Dust differs than other lactation drinks, which I will go into, but Milk Dust also targets nutrients that help increase and support lactation as well. This study states, "Although studies in ruminants indicate that brewer's yeast might increase milk supply, the effect is attributed to improved nutrition (increases in vitamin B and chromium) rather than any specific effect on lactation." Overall, with the centuries of use and amazing nutrient qualities, it is an important part of the Milk Dust lactation protein blend.
Fenugreek seed:
Fenugreek has both anecdotal and evidence-based studies. This means that subjects reported an increase in milk supply based on their own experience when using fenugreek to increase milk supply. "In a US survey, of 122 mothers who used fenugreek as a galactogogue 43% thought it increased milk supply and 5% thought it decreased their milk supply" (study). In addition, fenugreek was included in an overall study of various herbs to increase lactation. "Shatavari, torbangun, fenugreek, milk thistle, and a Japanese herbal medication were the 5 herbal preparations studied. Five trials found an increase in breast milk production. "(study). My favorite study is this one, that shows fenugreek alone increased milk supply against a placebo. Any studies using a placebo are very helpful becuase the comparison shows the power of the product itself. "The NMA results of 4 studies indicated that consumption of fenugreek significantly increased amount of the produced breast milk [11.11, CI 95% 6.77, 15.46] versus placebo. " This is 4 studies, which shows the power of fenugreek alone, and why it is an essential part of the Milk Dust lactation blend.
Fennel seed:
Fennel seed is very similar to fenugreek, and it too has been shown to increase milk supply both anecdotally and in scientific studies. The International Journal of Pediatrics reports that, "Ten studies were included into review. Five studies showed the fennel alone or in herbal tea can increase breast milk and neonatal anthropometry." 10 studies is a lot, and those studies focused on fennel, showing the power of the ingredient by itself to increase lactation.
THE POWER OF THE MILK DUST LACTATION BLEND:
By blending all of these ingredients together, you can harness the power of each of them in slightly smaller doses. This helps mitigate any of the possible side effects, and allows all of them to work together. This is why Milk Dust is so successful in increasing milk supply. It offers the best, most researched ingredients in one blend to really support healthy lactation. Lactation consultants use this, and Milk Dust has been used to help mothers relactate!
"I am constantly looking for supplements and tools to help my ladies. I ordered your sample pack and tested it for 6 days. I can honestly tell you I loved it, I was really impressed with the smell and taste, your lactation blend is great, the product overall exceed my expectations."
- Michele Hodges Lactation Consultant + Lactation Sation Podcast
MILK DUST TARGETS NUTRITIONAL NEEDS THAT INCREASE LACTATION:
The Milk Dust Lactation Protein Powder is top-rated because it is unique in that it targets very specific nutrient needs in postnatal mothers, that can affect milk supply. Basically, I took it one step further and didn't want to just offer herbs that are shown to increase milk supply, I always wanted to fill the nutrient needs that when not met, can negatively affect lactation.
MILK DUST OFFERS ADDITIONAL PROTEIN REQUIRED DURING LACTATION:
For example, protein consumption is directly related to milk volume in studies. A protein supplement was really important for me when creating a lactation product because many mothers, including myself at the time, were struggling to get in enough protein and limit sugar. With cravings, lack of sleep, and hormonal rollercoasters, not many mothers are craving high-protein foods like eggs and chicken. I wanted a protein powder that provided a sweet, delicious taste, but also offered a lot of protein. This study illustrates the increased need of protein during lactation, and a supplement like Milk Dust to fill those needs in a way that tastes amazing and is convenient.
The Milk Dust Lactation Protein Blend is full of clean ingredients and plant-based proteins that provide the essential amino acids necessary to support postpartum lactation. I've found that new moms need a plant-based protein blend because dairy or soy can be irritating to newborns. Plant-based protein powders can also offer additional nutrients that animal based protien powders can not.
THE MILK DUST PROTEIN BLEND IS TAILORED TO BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS:
Each serving of Milk Dust offers 16 grams of protein, and all of this protein comes from natural ingredients. Plant proteins are a safe way to consume extra protein without having to eat a ton of eggs, or even dairy which many people are sensitive to. The best choice when it comes to choosing between safe protein powders. A breasfeeding mom particulalry needs to stick to a breastfeeding protein powder that is free of artificial sweeteners (like Milk Dust), because other protein powders with whey, casein or soy can cause tummy issues in newborns who may have a lactose intolerance. Of all the protein supplements on the market for a breastfeeding mother, Milk Dust has the most comprehensive and diverse vegan protein powder blend. Milk Dust is also tested for heavy metals, and safe for pregnant women (if doctor approved!) These organic ingredients consist of:
Pea Protein Isolate:
Pea protein isolate is a clean protein powder source that offers a complete amino acid profile. Pea protein isolate is particularly beneficial for a breastfeeding mama because it is rich in iron, builds and preserves lean muscle, and helps keep you full! I can't tell you how many breastfeeding mamas struggle with hunger, and pea protein is extremely beneficial for satiation.
Organic Brown Rice Protein:
Brown rice has many benefits for breastfeeding, and it can actually help increase milk supply. According to Babyment, "It is healthy to eat brown rice while you are breastfeeding. First, It has hormone stimulants which boost lactation. That can help increase the secretion of breast milk. Second, brown rice contains chemical that can prevent postnatal depression." The brown rice protein can help you achieve your healthy milk supply, while also helping you get in the proper nutrition.
Organic Pumpkin Seed Protein:
Pumpkin seeds are particularly high in zinc, minerals and good fats that are an amazing superfood for lactation. Pumpkin seeds are also high in fiber and protein, which are a great way to feel full and nourished at the same time.
Organic Chia Seed Protein
Chia seeds are also high in healthy fats, which are important to the quality of your breast milk supply. By offering various seed proteins, there's a wide variety or minerals and healthy fats to increase the nutrient-density of the protein blend. The more nutrients the better for lactation. Chia seeds are iron-rich foods, believed to promote breast milk supply and are also good calcium sources and protein sources along with fats – all of which are essential for breastfeeding mothers.
Organic Flax Seed Protein:
This diverse blend of protein provides as much nutrients as possible, while also helping achieve the daily protein intake goal that is helpful for producing milk, feeling full and also losing the baby weight.
MILK DUST LACTATION PROTEIN POWDER TARGETS SUGAR CRAVINGS AND HELPS WITH WEIGHT LOSS:
Milk Dust takes the cake for the absolute best and safe option for losing weight after pregnancy. Milk Dust is formulated to help stop sugar cravings while breastfeeding through a specific blood sugar blend. Milk Dust uses high quality, science-backed ingredients proven to help with blood sugar regulation and cravings. The propietary blend consists of minerals like chromium, and other ingredients like cinnamon bark that have all been studied for blood sugar regulation and cravings.
Chromium, according to numerous sources, "may be effective at improving the body's response to insulin or lowering blood sugar in those with diabetes. What's more, it may help reduce hunger, cravings and binge eating." Chromium is important in the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates, another important role for achieving an ideal weight. It stimulates a correct balance of fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis, so that just the important fats needed for brain function, hormone balance, and cell membrane development are present in the right amounts. This is partly due to chromium aiding insulin’s action on fats and glucose metabolism. This is why chromium is included in the blood sugar blend to help prevent cravings in the best way possible. Sugar cravings often lead to eating extra calories, which is why Milk Dust helps so much with weight loss.
Cinnamon bark is another magical ingredient for decreasing insulin levels. One study showed that consuming 1 gram (g) of cinnamon extract daily for 12 weeks reduced fasting blood sugar levels and improved markers of oxidative stress in people with type 2 diabetes. Most mamas don't have diabetes, but the benefits on blood sugar levels still exist.
L-Methylfolate, Vitamin B12, Magnesium, and Zinc round out the rest of the blood sugar blend in Milk Dust. These nutrients are really important during lactation and postpartum. Postnatal mamas have higher needs for specific nutrients, and without these, lots of cravings and hunger can result. By filling these nutrient needs, Milk Dust ensures that while breastfeeding, you have the specific nutrients you need to produce a healthy milk supply full of the right nutrients for your baby.
I have a lot og reat smoothie recipes that I recommend to combine with Milk Dust, so you can get in additional important nutrients with your protein powder. The more nutrients you can get in the higher your energy levels, and the easier your postpartum weight loss journey will be! Good protein powders are a great tool or even meal replacement that help you reach your daily nutritional goals. It is a really good idea to eat a high protein, balanced diet with whole foods on top of your shakes, so you know you are getting all the nutrients you need to support breastfeeding. From there, you can dial back your macros and calories if needed to make sure you are losing weight. If your calories are coming from Milk Dust and super, nutrient-dense foods, you won't lose your milk supply as you drop fat.
MILK DUST CONTINUES TO BE RATED TOP LACTATION PROTEIN POWDER BY USERS AND PUBLICATIONS:
You can find lots of reviews and ratings on Milk Dust that illustrate the amazing product is it. All of these were not paid, or asked for, so they are completely unbiased. Remember many bloggers have posts that are sponsored or paid for to feature specific brands.