As some of you who have been following this blog for awhile know, we welcomed a baby boy into the world last year. Well, that bouncing baby boy is now a running, jumping, singing 15 months old! And… we just welcomed his baby sister to the world in June. That’s right, two under the age of two!
Whew! This mama is TIRED! Life has been pretty fast paced, and a bit hectic at times, since she was born.
With my previous two pregnancies (2000 and 2012), I really did not take very good care of myself–maybe it’s because I was working full time or maybe it was just because I was younger. But THIS pregnancy, I took very good care of myself. Throughout this pregnancy I attempted to maintain a good nutrition and exercise plan and ended up gaining very minimal weight. I felt wonderful and energized.
Now, at 4 weeks post-postpartum, I have decided to continue my fitness and (for the most part minus my new found frozen custard obsession) nutrition regimens. I have even been breastfeeding little princess.
I was doing great with nursing right up until about a week ago when I started having issues with my milk supply. Bummer! But, it happens.
So, I decided to do a little research on various “lactation” helpers that are out there. I found all sorts of pills, powders, liquids, and teas available to help boost my supply. There was so much out there, I had no idea where to even begin. But, I knew I wanted something a little more comprehensive–an all-in-one if you will.
For the most part, all I could find was 200 variations of the traditional lactation cookie recipe. But, with my healthy eating, a cookie was not going to cut it–I did not want or need the extra calories. So, I set out to create my own lactation smoothie recipe based on my research and a whole lot of experimentation (believe me, the first few test recipes were gross).
Below is a new twist on the traditional lactation support recipe. So, if you’re having issues with your milk supply not coming in or drying up, try this lactation smoothie recipe. You can consume 1-3 servings per day of this lactation smoothie to boost your milk supply. I must say, it is quite tasty. Enjoy!
Quick and Healthy Lactation Smoothie
A quick and healthy lactation smoothie to help increase milk supply.
Notes
If the smoothie is too thick for your liking, add additional water.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon raw almond butter
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/2 cup cooked oatmeal, cooled
- 1 cup frozen strawberries (you can substitute for other berries as well)
- 2 tablespoon Brewer's Yeast powder
- 1 teaspoon flaxseed meal, grounded
- 1 banana, frozen
- 6 oz Fat Free Greek Yogurt (flavored)
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in the blender and puree until smooth.
- Freeze or refrigerate remaining for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Facts
Quick and Healthy Lactation Smoothie
Serves: 3
| Amount Per Serving: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 232 | |
| % Daily Value* | ||
| Total Fat 8.4g | 12.3% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0 | |
| Trans Fat | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 | |
| Sodium | 0 | |
| Total Carbohydrate 31.7g | 10.3% | |
| Dietary Fiber 7.3 g | 28% | |
| Sugars 12.2 | ||
| Protein 11.4g | ||
| Vitamin A | Vitamin C | |
| Calcium | Iron | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
The Moxie Mama
Post updated on May 7, 2020
hey there! I want to try your recipe however, i’m allergic to almond butter. what could i use as a substitute?
thanks!
Any nut or seed butter will do. Are you allergic to peanuts?
Can coconut oil be used in place of almond butter?
No because almonds have been shown to increase milk production.
Hello I was wondering where or what isle would I find raw almond butter? Would wal-mart or Fry’s carry it? Thanks!
You can get it at Whole Foods. Most grocery stores to not offer the raw almond butter. This is the brand I use http://www.amazon.com/Tree-Life-Almond-Butter-Natural/dp/B001SBCDVO
Thank you! :)
Is the oatmeal measured before or after you cook it?
I cooked it and then let it cool. I have had other readers tell me they just put it in uncooked.
I cooked it and then let it cool. I have had other readers tell me they just put it in uncooked.
There is a very distinct, and almost acidic aftertaste to this shake. I can’t figure out what ingredient would cause this to happen, but it is overwhelming the other flavors in the shake. I think a tablespoon of honey or agave nectar would be a good addition to negate the bitterness that it so prevalent in this otherwise delicious shake!
It is most likely the brewers yeast. You can get the kind that is not bitter but it costs a little bit more. Hope this helps.
i was wondering if there was a substitute possibly for the yogurt bit? my little one urinates blood when i have any kind of yogurt.
You can try an almond milk based yogurt instead.
There is also a spoonable cheese just like yogurt thats lactose free, non gmo, no artificial sweeteners, etc. It’s called Ellie Quark. It’s delicious! It would be great! ?
Possibly stupid question but is brewers yeast powder the same as brewers yeast? Or is it finer/altered?
Yes it is. You can also get it in capsules.
Hello, about how often would you recommend drinking one of these? I guessed one a day, just wanted to ask can’t wait to try it!
I drank one a day and it helped increase production.
Can I skip out on the raw almond butter?
Almonds help with lactation. You can skip out if you are allergic but the smoothie won’t work as effectively.
No you need the almond butter (or raw almonds) to increase milk production.
I’m finding I don’t like the grittiness of nuts in my smoothies… I think you could skip the almond butter here and just munch on a handful of almonds on the side instead!
I made this for lunch and am pumping more than I have at a session in days! Real or placebo, I don’t care… whatever works! :-P
A few notes: I used raw oats but let them soak in the soy milk (used instead of water) while I gathered the other ingredients. Out of almond butter, so I subbed 2T whole almonds (same thing, really). Upped the flax seed to 1T. And I didn’t have any yogurt, so I used 6oz soy milk (almond milk would be better, but I’m out of that, too). The consistency turned out great.
Oh, and I definitely recommend splurging on the debittered brewer’s yeast. Even the “reduced bitterness” kind is horribly unpalatable if you’re sensitive to bitter tastes.
That is so great. I am glad that it is working for you. The debittered brewer’s yeast is a bit more expensive but it definitely makes it taste better.