Body Armor for Breastfeeding Plus Surprising Ways To Increase Supply
Last Updated on October 6, 2023 by Avi Steen
Are you a mom trying to breastfeed plus juggle all the other roles life has thrown your way? I know firsthand how tough it can be to make sure you’re taking care of yourself while being a parent โ especially if you are breastfeeding.
The good news is that there are tools out there to make your motherhood experience more enjoyable and even increase your milk supply!
From drinking body armor for breastfeeding to surprising tips and tricks that boost production, this blog post will give you tangible strategies for tackling those exhausting days with confidence so you can start feeling like yourself again.
Keep reading to learn more about how support from outside sources can help on your journey toward successful breastfeeding.
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Body Armor for Breastfeeding
Body Armor is a hydration drink that blends plain coconut water and electrolytes. Similar to Gatorade, it is designed to support athletes in their workout routines.
But what makes Body Armor drinks unique is that it also has been trending in breastfeeding groups and forums. It has many great nutrients for any breastfeeding mom, such as:
- Filtered Water
- Coconut Water
- Potassium
- Vitamin C
- Magnesium
- Vitamin B5
- Vitamin B3
- Vitamin E
- Zinc
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin A
- Folic Acid (Vitamin B9)
- Vitamin B12
But the second most prevalent ingredient in this hydration drink is sugar. Because of its high sugar content, some breastfeeding mothers, like myself, look for healthier alternatives to curb sugar cravings.
Why Does Body Armor Increase Milk Supply?
There has been no scientific proof that Body Armor indeed increases milk supply, but many breastfeeding moms feel it helps them in various ways.
Electrolytes
The most popular theory is that the electrolytes help to restore the nutrients lost during nursing sessions, which can then lead to increased milk production. Electrolytes include potassium, magnesium, and sodium. All of this helps to regulate the bodyโs water balance as well as normal muscle and nerve functioning.
Vitamins
Body Armor also contains a variety of vitamins that can help with breast milk supply. Vitamins A, B5, and B6 are important for the development of healthy milk ducts and cells.
Vitamin C helps to support the bodyโs immune system, while Vitamin E increases blood circulation throughout the body, which can aid in low milk supply.
Nutritional Support
Additionally, some mothers have reported feeling more milk comes in after drinking Body Armor, likely due to the nutritional support it provides. Many breastfeeding mothers lack optimal nutritional support, and this beverage can help replenish essential nutrients. Nutritional support includes eating enough calories and drinking enough water for your specific body’s and baby’s needs.
How Fast Does Body Armor Increase Milk Supply?
In my experience, after drinking Body Armor, it took a couple of hours to increase my supply. I found that in my next feed, the haakaa I was wearing while breastfeeding had an increased amount of milk compared to previous sessions and days.
But the true question should be, is body armor good for milk supply?
While body armor may seem like the holy grail for increasing supply, the sugar content is not ideal. A healthier alternative could be an electrolyte-rich smoothie with natural ingredients like banana and spinach.
Healthier Alternatives to Hydration Drinks for Breastfeeding
As a breastfeeding mom, youโre always searching for ways to stay hydrated and energized during the day while postpartum. While sports performance hydration drinks might seem like an ideal solution, there are often better options out there that can help keep your body fueled without the unwanted ingredients or high sugar content.
Pure Coconut Water
Coconut water is the ideal hydration solution for breastfeeding moms. Itโs loaded with electrolytes, minerals, and vitamins that can help keep your body functioning properly while providing you with a natural source of energy. Coconut water also helps promote healthy milk production- something all nursing mothers need.
Green Smoothies
The best hydration drink for breastfeeding, in my personal opinion, is a green smoothie. Itโs packed with healthy nutrients from natural ingredients and can help provide the energy boost you need without all the added sugar.
A great green smoothie includes leafy greens, like kale or spinach, vitamin-rich fruit, like bananas or berries, and healthy fats.
Cold Pressed Juice
Another great option is cold-pressed juice. Itโs full of natural vitamins and minerals that can help support the body during breastfeeding. Plus, it often contains no added sugar!
Some great cold-pressed juices for breastfeeding will include berries for antioxidants, ginger for digestion, and spinach for its iron content.
Different Ways To Increase Milk Production
There’s no one way that will work for all breastfeeding mothers, but there are some things that can be done to help provide the body with the nutrients it needs to increase milk production.
Stay Hydrated
Breastfeeding moms need to stay hydrated, and drinking enough water is essential for healthy milk production. Make sure to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day.
Eat Nutritiously
A diet full of whole foods that contain the right nutrients can help increase milk supply in mothers who are exclusively breastfeeding. Foods like oatmeal, leafy green vegetables, and melons are also beneficial.
Nurse or Pump Frequently
Often, the best way to increase milk production is to completely empty your breasts to signal your body to make more. Try nursing or pumping every 2-3 hours.
Try Mother’s Milk Tea or Other Supplements
Mother’s Milk tea is a popular herbal tea that often helps to increase supply. Other supplements like fenugreek and blessed thistle can also help increase milk supply.
When it comes to increasing milk production and staying hydrated, there are many options out there for breastfeeding mothers. Staying hydrated by drinking at least 8 glasses of water per day is essential for a healthy milk supply.
Eating a nutritious diet full of whole foods can also help increase the amount of breast milk produced.
Also, nursing or pumping frequently, as well as trying herbal teas and supplements like motherโs milk tea and fenugreek, may be beneficial in helping boost your body’s natural ability to produce more milk.
Ultimately, finding what works best for you and your baby will take some trial and error, but with patience and perseverance, all breastfeeding moms should find success in meeting their nutritional needs!
Wrapping Up
In a nutshell, think of the body armor drink for breastfeeding as your trusty sidekick on this wild motherhood adventure! But there’s more to boosting your milk supply than just the gear.
It’s about those unexpected tricks up your sleeve, like eating your favorite snacks, guzzling water like it’s going out of style, sneaking in some chill-out moments, and getting a little backup from lactation pros and fellow moms.
When you mix your body armor with these cool hacks, you’re basically becoming a milk-producing superhero. So, keep rocking that breastplate, mama, and let’s keep that milk flowing for your little one.
Cheers to happy and stress-free breastfeeding!
Octavia Steen is an NBDA certified fertility doula, health coach, certified fitness nutrition specialist, aspiring missionary with the COGIC, and owner of Mother Mindset. She helps future and current mamas become more consistent in faith + fitness and grow closer to God so they can create a healthier lifestyle from the inside out!