Baby Booster Prenatal Protein Powder is a whey protein option marketed to pregnant mothers to help nourish their bodies and growing baby. As a Pre/Post Natal Fitness Specialist, and founder of Milk Dust, I am a huge proponent of protein powders both during pregnancy and postpartum to ensure adequate protein intake. Both expectant mothers and postpartum mothers need extra grams of protein to support growth, lean muscle mass and lactation. I am going to get into the Baby Booster Prenatal Protein, and go over everything it offers, and everything it doesn't, so you can make the best choice for you. Here's a quick overview of the key benefits of protein during pregnancy, which will convince you to increase the amount of protein you consume while pregnant. I know it did for me!
Key Benefits of Protein During Pregnancy:
Protein is a crucial nutrient during pregnancy as it plays a vital role in supporting both the mother's health and the development of the growing baby. Here are some of the key benefits of consuming adequate protein during pregnancy:
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Fetal Development: Protein is essential for the development of the baby's tissues and organs. It contributes to the formation of new cells, including those of the brain, heart, muscles, and immune system.
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Cellular Growth and Repair: Protein supports the growth and repair of maternal and fetal tissues throughout pregnancy. This is especially important as the mother's body undergoes significant changes to accommodate the growing baby.
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Amino Acid Supply: Proteins are composed of amino acids, which are the building blocks of the body. During pregnancy, a steady supply of amino acids from dietary protein sources is necessary for the synthesis of enzymes, hormones, and other important molecules.
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Amniotic Fluid Production: Adequate protein intake contributes to the production of amniotic fluid, which surrounds and protects the baby in the womb.
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Placenta Development: Protein is needed for the development and maintenance of the placenta, the organ that provides oxygen and nutrients to the baby.
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Immune Function: Protein supports the immune system, helping to protect both the mother and the baby from infections and illnesses.
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Blood Volume and Oxygen Transport: Protein is essential for the synthesis of hemoglobin, the molecule responsible for carrying oxygen in the blood. As blood volume increases during pregnancy, adequate protein intake supports the production of hemoglobin and ensures proper oxygen transport to the baby.
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Muscle Health: Protein helps maintain muscle mass and strength in both the mother and the baby.
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Preventing Protein-Energy Malnutrition: Insufficient protein intake during pregnancy can lead to protein-energy malnutrition, which may result in low birth weight, poor fetal growth, and other adverse outcomes.
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Satiety and Energy: Protein-rich foods can help pregnant women feel full and satisfied, reducing the likelihood of excessive weight gain and supporting energy levels.
It's important for pregnant women to consume a balanced diet that includes a variety of protein sources, such as lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, legumes, nuts, and seeds. A variety of protein sources is always ideal, which is why I formulated Bump Dust as plant-based prenatal vitamin that uses 5 different protein sources, rather than just one like whey. I will get into the Bump Dust formulation below. Protein powder in particular can be used as a great prenatal supplement to increase protein.
What are the benefits of protein powder during pregnancy?
Protein powders are a great, convenient option that pregnant and postpartum mamas can use to get in enough protein for birth recovery, growing baby, getting in enough essential amino acids, and even boosting immune system. What I love about protein powders is that you can make delicious shakes, have a smoothie bowl or just shake it up in a shaker bottle. All of these are convenient ways to use a protein supplement and get more protein in your daily routine. Protein powders, if they are fromulated with the highest-quality ingredients, are a great source of protein for pregnant mamas. Protein shakes and smoothies can help with morning sickness, provide a fast meal replacement when too tired to cook, or act as a nightly dessert that is full of protein and nutrients. That is what I loved about my daily Bump Dust shakes while pregnant with my 4th baby. It helped me keep my energy up, tasted amazing, and reduced my cravings! I will share one of my favorite recipes at the end, that I found to be so filling and delicious.
What is Baby Booster Prenatal Protein?
Baby Booster Prenatal Protein is a whey protein powder with natural ingredients, no artificial sweeteners and uses natural flavors and sweeteners. It offers 20 grams of protein per serving, with additional vitamins that are great for pregnant women. Baby Booster is not particularly allergy friendly because it is a whey protein powder, and it does have corn fiber in the ingredients, so it isn't corn-free as well. It is a caffeine free protein shake that expectant mommas can drink daily to ensure they are hitting their protein needs. Baby Booster is formulated by a board-certified ob, which ensures that it offers the best quality ingredients. Protein is a critical element to proper nutrition during pregnancy, and whey protein does provide an ideal source of protein. Baby Booster Prenatal Powder also offers additional L-Methylfolate (rather than synthetic folic acid), which is what I use in Bump Dust to ensure pregnant mamas are getting in the folate they need for growing baby. Baby Booster is a pregnancy-safe protein powder that also offers additional vitamins like b vitamins, methyl folate and vegan algae DHA sourced from algae, rather than fish which could have contamination of mercury. Baby Booster doesn't offer the complete prenatal vitamin panel that my Bump Dust does, and Bump Dust offers the same addtional vitamins plus more. However, if you like a dairy protein powder, this is a great choice.
Baby Booster can not replace prenatal vitamins:
I formulated Bump Dust to also act as a prenatal vitamin, where Baby Booster does not have enough additional nutrients to do that. Baby Booster prenatal protein is a non-gmo protein, just like Bump Dust, and I would say it is one of the best choices for a prenatal protein powder that is not plant-based. As a new mom, you can't go wrong with Baby Booster Prenatal Protein, but I encourage you to look at Bump Dust, that offers slightly more per scoop, and is plant-based with additional super blends to help you manage weight and cravings.
Bump Dust Prenatal Protein is a plant-based protein alternative:
Bump Dust offers a slightly superior ingredient list because it acts as a prenatal vitamin as well. It is the best protein powder for any pregannt mama that may be sensitive to dairy, and looking for a great vegan prenatal protein formula. Many babies have sensitivities to dairy while breastfeeding, so sticking to a plant-based protein is a great idea. Bump Dust is newer to the market than Baby Booster, but I did formulate it with the help of doctors.
"As a Doctor of Clinical Nutrition and Certified Nutrition Specialist, always seek high-quality, nutrient-dense, clean food products and supplements to recommend to my clients. My mama-to-be and new-mama clients have unique nutritional needs that require extra attention. As any soon-to-be-mamas and new-mamas know, this life stage can make it challenging to meet those needs. Meet Milk Dust products—among the closest things to a “magic wand” for checking multiple nutrient checkboxes with ease, peace of mind, effectiveness, and pure deliciousness!"
DR. CHRISTINE CHERPAK-CASTAGNA, DOCTOR OF CLINICAL NUTRITION, CERTIFIED NUTRITION SPECIALIST
Bump Dust is the only prenatal protein powder that is also a prenatal vitamin:
I formulated Bump Dust to also have the supplement panel that can replace your prenatal vitamin, so you don't have to take both! Bump Dust offers all the nutrients you need in a prenatal vitamin, with additional nutrients like protein and super foods like Spirulina and Chlorella. There are no other formulas on the market that match the nutrient-density that Bump Dust offers, and have the nutrients you need in a prenatal vitamin.
Bump Dust Prenatal Vitamin Blend:
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Bump Dust also offers 55 mg of choline
- 1000 mcg of L-Methylfolate (not synthetic folic acid!!)
- 150 mcg Iodine
- 18 mcg Iron
- Omega-3 DHA from Algae 350 mg,
- 50 mcg of Vitamin D.
These are the nutrients that are super important in your prenatal vitamin, and doctors agree that it can be used as a prenatal vitamin, and it comes with a major bonus of protein and other super foods. It is an excellent source of choline with a variety of multivtiamins that are all included in every single scoop of Bump Dust. The Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake does not offer any of these really important additional ingredients, but they do have an additional line of Ritual Vitamins that you can buy to add on top of your protien powder. That is having to buy two products to achieve the same goal that Bump Dust provides.
Bump Dust targets cravings and helps with weight management:
Bump Dust uses specific ingredients like Turmeric, Cinnamon Bark and Chromium to support blood sugar and prevent cravings. This can really help with weight management, and weight loss after pregnancy, if you can manage your overall weight gain. It is much easier to lose the weight after pregnancy if you don't gain too much, and if you keep your blood sugar levels balanced. Going into postpartum, if your blood sugar is out of whack, it can inhibit or affect lactation. 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. When you blend Bump Dust with fresh fruit, or frozen fruit, it tastes amazing! And you get nutrients!
My favorite Bump Dust Prenatal Protein Smoothie:
This was one of my favorite drinks to drink with Bump Dust. I loved the sweet taste, but also the volume I got by adding spinach. Bump Dust comes in a sweet vanilla taste, to it blends really well with many different ingredients, but this one was really good!
Vanilla Strawberry Super Food Prenatal Protein Shake:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries
- 1 cup fresh baby spinach leaves
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 scoop of Bump Dust Prenatal Protein Powder
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds or flaxseeds
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional for sweetness)
- Ice cubes (optional for extra volume)
Instructions:
- Wash the strawberries and spinach thoroughly.
- In a blender, add the strawberries, spinach, ripe banana, Bump Dust, chia seeds or flaxseeds, almond milk, and honey or maple syrup (if using).
- If you prefer a colder smoothie, you can also add some ice cubes to the blender.
- Blend the ingredients on high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a little water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Taste the smoothie and adjust sweetness if needed by adding more honey or maple syrup.
- Pour the smoothie into glasses and serve immediately.
This Strawberry Spinach Protein Smoothie provides a combination of protein, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants from the ingredients. The sweetness of the strawberries and banana masks the taste of the spinach, making it a great way to sneak in some leafy greens. The chia seeds or flaxseeds add an extra boost of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. This shake was amazing, and you will feel full, satisfied and like you are drinking an amazing dessert.
Feel free to customize the recipe based on your preferences. You can use different types of milk, substitute other fruits, or adjust the sweetness level to suit your taste.
As always, if you are pregnant or have any specific dietary concerns, it's a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet.
