Probiotics can be helpful for breastfeeding mothers in a variety of ways. In this article, we share our favorite probiotics for breastfeeding moms and other helpful information you should know about taking probiotics while breastfeeding.
For breastfeeding moms, focusing on your health is important. Not only is it necessary for you to be feeling well, but your health can also impact the health of your infant.
In this article, we will explore some of the best probiotic brands specifically tailored to meet the needs of breastfeeding moms. As with any probiotic, it can take some trial and error to find the one that works best for your needs. Working with a nutritionist or functional health professional can help you pinpoint the strains that might help you the most.
Looking for recommendations for your baby? Here are our favorite probiotics for breastfed babies.
1 – Ther-Biotic® Target b2™
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Ther-Biotic® Target b2™ is a renowned probiotic brand known for its high-quality and research-backed formulations. Specifically designed for breastfeeding mothers, this probiotic is sourced from mothers’ milk to ensure quality.
The strain that this probiotic has is Lactobacillus fermentum. This has been clinically studied to possibly help prevent mastitis. This would be a great one for anyone struggling with recurrent mastitis.
2 – Lactation Hub BreastHealth+ Probiotic
Lactation Hub Breast Health Probiotic is crafted to address the specific health concerns faced by breastfeeding moms. The probiotic blend includes strains that may support breast health and promote a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut. By nurturing the gut flora, this probiotic can contribute to the overall well-being of both mother and baby.
It also contains choline, and it’s been designed to specifically address issues with clogged ducts.
3 – Pink Stork Total Lactation Probiotic
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Pink Stork is a brand dedicated to women’s health, and their Total Lactation Probiotic is a fantastic choice for breastfeeding moms. Packed with their proprietary nursing probiotic blend, this supplement aids in maintaining a healthy gut flora for the mother, which can impact both mom and baby’s gut, reduce the risk of digestive issues, and even help with immune help.
This probiotic doesn’t contain any wheat, dairy, soy or GMOs, and it’s just one capsule – which makes it easy to take.
4 – Elactia Biogaia Breastfeeding Comfort Probiotic
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Elactia’s Breastfeeding Probiotic is formulated with the specific needs of lactating mothers in mind. They claim it has been clinically shown to promote breast health during lactation.
The goal of this probiotic is to help decrease discomfort with breastfeeding and lead to more positive outcomes for mom and baby. It is organic, and many of the reviews say that it has helped prevent clogged ducts and decrease breastfeeding pain.
Probiotic strain included: L. fermentum
5 – Needed Postnatal Probiotic
As the name suggests, Needed Postnatal Probiotic is designed to cater to the unique needs of new mothers. This probiotic blend aims to restore gut health after childbirth and promote overall well-being. With strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, Needed Postnatal Probiotics can aid in reducing postpartum digestive issues, boosting energy levels, and supporting a positive mood.
The Needed probiotic blend includes eight different strains chosen specifically for the needs of postpartum women, and it also includes three different prebiotics. It is designed to help with vaginal balance, digestive support, and iron absorption:
Cost: $59 per month, or $44.99 per month with a three-month supply. Use code TBM10 for 10% off.
6 – Love Bug Postnatal Probiotic
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I have been a fan of Love Bug probiotics for a while now, as I felt like we had good success with their infant probiotics. Their postnatal probiotic contains probiotics that have been clinically studied for acid reflux and breast milk production.
It does include fenugreek, which isn’t my favorite galactagogue since some moms do have a negative reaction. It also has milk thistle and fennel seed, in addition to seven probiotic strains, which they claim, “Support your digestive and immune health, support glucose levels already in a normal range, and support mental & emotional function.*”
7 – Mama Bird Probiotics
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The Mama Bird Probiotic is created for both prenatal and postnatal women to help balance gut and mind. It has 15 different probiotic strains in it. The probiotic is made with a time-released capsule, which helps the probiotic to withstand being destroyed in the gut. It’s created by a neurologist and with clean ingredients.
While I don’t believe this one is specifically designed for breastfeeding, if you don’t have an issue you are looking to solve, this can be a good catch-all probiotic.
What to look for in a probiotic while breastfeeding?
When you are choosing a probiotic, here are a few things to consider:
- The strains of probiotics – having tons of different strains isn’t always ideal. Finding a probiotic that specifically addresses that you are having is important
- Lactobacillus fermentum and Lactobacillus salivarius have limited evidence to show protective factors against mastitis
What are the benefits of taking a probiotic while nursing?
There isn’t a ton of research available on probiotics and breastfeeding, or their impact on breast milk. However, potential benefits may include:
- Reduced incidence of clogged ducts
- Better gut health
- Better mental health
- Weight loss
- Digestive regulation
Should breastfeeding moms take probiotics?
Probiotics can be a great option for all humans – including breastfeeding moms! While there isn’t a ton of research available, the research that has been conducted shows that probiotics aren’t likely to pass through to breast milk. Of course, it’s important to discuss any new supplements or vitamins with your trusted healthcare provider.
While many people generally tolerate probiotics well, be aware of these side effects and consider switching to another one:
- Upset stomach, bloating, or gas that doesn’t resolve within a few days (you may want to start with a lower dosage of the probiotic as well)
- Rashes
- Headaches
- Tightness in the chest or throat
What supplements should breastfeeding moms avoid?
Many supplements aren’t well-studied, so you will find the vast majority of the warning “consult a medical professional before using if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.” Despite this, many actually are compatible with breastfeeding. However, here is a list of ones that you should probably avoid.
Probiotics have grown in popularity over the past decade or so, and they offer many benefits. While research is limited on their benefits for breastfeeding, there are some great options to consider, including the ones listed above.
