In the old days, mothers who weren’t able to produce enough to feed their babies might enlist a wet nurse, or try a home remedy like herbs or a special tea. Nowadays, a popular way to increase supply is with specially formulated nutritional supplements. UpSpring is a company that makes adding a supplement to your diet delicious and easy.
There are several different options:
- Herbal Supplement Drink Powder (Chocolate, Berry and Chai Tea)
- Cookie Mixes (Oatmeal Raisin, Double Chocolate Chip)
- Supplement Capsules
Prominent in the supplements that I received for review are two natural ingredients known to boost supply: fenugreek and blessed thistle. Fenugreek and blessed thistle have been used by nursing mothers centuries and are the most clinically studied herbs shown to help promote a healthy supply. The herbs are super-concentrated, and you’ll never find artificial ingredients added to UpSpring Milkflow products.
Cookie Mixes (Oatmeal Raisin, Double Chocolate Chip): These only take a few minutes to mix up and they baked in about 10 minutes or so. The recipe on the bag calls for 4 tablespoons of butter, margarine or coconut oil and 1 egg, but I found the batter to be extremely dry as is. There was no way to form them in balls; they would fall apart. I added about two more tablespoons of oil and they formed up well after that. The mix makes about 2 dozen and you can eat from 2-4 each day.
They have a crispy texture, and are very tasty. The double chocolate ones have a nice, rich flavor; I don’t feel like I’m taking a supplement at all. I enjoy one cookie after breakfast and another during the afternoon for a snack. The fact that they also contain iron and folic acid is a big plus for women still in their childbearing years.
Herbal Supplement Drink Powder (Chocolate, Berry and Chai Tea): Just add this powder to 8-10 ounces of water or juice and you have a hydrating beverage that contains 1800 mg of fenugreek. It also contains wholesome ingredients like anise, beets and carrots. I definitely prefer this to taking a lot of pills or capsules. Upspring is gluten-free and uses stevia leaf extract for a touch of natural sweetness.
Here’s a smoothie recipe, courtesy of UpSpring, which incorporates their drink powder. Enjoy this any time of day with the added benefits of protein, vitamins and antioxidants.
- Milkflow Berry Drink Mix (1 packet)
- 1 cup Mixed Berries (Blueberries, Blackberries & Strawberries)
- 3/4 cup Plain Greek Yogurt
- 1 tbsp Honey
- 1 cup Orange Juice or Water
- 1 cup Ice
Directions: Add the berries, Milkflow Berry Drink Mix, yogurt, honey, liquid and ice to your blender. Mix and enjoy!
One thing that some families will have to consider with Milkflow supplements is cost. The 18 count drink powder is $14.97 and that lasts you about 9 days, so the cost really adds up per month if you’re having to use long-term. The cookies, at $19.99 per mix, are also pricey. Two dozen might last you 6-10 days, so a month’s supply will be close to sixty dollars. It would be nice if UpSpring could get the price point lower, making successful breastfeeding more affordable and accessible for families.
Of course, the easiest way to boost production is more frequent feeding, but experienced mothers and lactation consultants know that sometimes a boost may be needed even beyond that. My own supply dropped off last month thanks to a painful plugged duct, and after I got it resolved it was the perfect time to try these products. I noticed results within the first 24 hours, and Camille quickly stopped being fussy and more satisfied.
Now, Fenugreek does not work for everyone. Years ago, when I tried it in capsule form, I remember my lactation consultant giving me a heads up about this fact.
Have you tried any supplements while nursing? What worked for you?
I’ll pass this along to my cousin who just had a baby! I know she’s nursing, so she will love to learn about Milkflow products.
Making sure to have good nutrition and supplements while breastfeeding is important. A company like UpSpring seems to have it right, and I would recommend moms to give it a try.
I formula fed, so this is all new to me. Glad there is help like this for nursing mothers!
My daughter had issues with her milk flow and she took fenugreek supplements and ate a lot of those lactation cookies. Her milk flow improved, but it was still not enough for her baby who was always hungry! Maybe the next time she decides to have another child, I will recommend this brand to her.
These are great supplements for nursing moms. I ran out of milk for my 3 kids.
I could have used this when I was breast feeding. I have the hardest time and have tried just about everything.
It’s nice to know they have products like these out there. I wish I would have known about these when my kids were babies. I’ll have to share this with others.
Those cookie mixes were helpful when my son was younger. An awesome resource for nursing moms!
I have had so many friends that have had to come up with their own recipes and they just don’t have time for it. I am so glad these milk magic supplements are ready and easy!
I’ve heard so many great things about Fenugreek for nursing moms. Products and resources just keep getting better!
A lot of new moms are going to reap the benefits of this. This is quite some good news to be honest. Certainly a must have.
Looks like great products. I’ll have to pass along to my friends who are breastfeeding so they can check it out!
I never had problems with my milk supply but these sound like a good product for many of my friends. I would love cookies while nursing the baby!
When you have 3 kids and you’re low on milk, it’s not easy! I think these supplements are great!
My SIL is giving birth next month. I can’t wait to share your post and this product with her!
Oh my gosh, you need these around when you are having trouble and trying to breast feed!
I know a lot of people who have trouble producing. This is great!
Milkflow is a powerful way to supplement your body during the lactation period. Not many women are aware of its benefits. The product’s herb combo is superb!
I don’t know why I was surprised that there are supplements for breast feeding. I’m glad that there are these natural options for nursing moms.
I have heard this is great for nursing mama’s!
These all sound like great products. They have come a long way with supplements for pregnant and nursing mothers.