The #1 BEST Protein Powder for Breastfeeding Moms 💪

Protein is a nutritional powerhouse.

And when you’re breastfeeding, it can benefit both you and your baby. Here is my favorite way to make sure you are getting enough for the both of you!

As a breastfeeding mom, your body is working overtime. Not only are you healing from pregnancy and birth, but you’re also producing nutrient-rich milk to nourish your baby. Getting enough protein plays an important role in supporting your recovery, maintaining your energy levels, and sustaining a healthy milk supply.

But here’s the challenge: busy moms don’t always have the time to cook lean proteins or prepare elaborate meals (which is why I am a huuuge fan of prepping for postpartum ahead of time if possible). That’s also where protein shakes and the right lactation protein powder come in. The right protein supplements can be a convenient way to boost your daily protein intake, fill nutritional gaps, and support your body during this intense season of life.

In this blog post, we’ll cover:

• Why protein is essential for breastfeeding mothers

• What to look for in a clean protein powder

• Red flags like artificial sweeteners, heavy metals, and artificial ingredients

• Why I recommend Needed Prenatal Collagen Protein as the best protein powder for breastfeeding moms

Why Protein Matters for Breastfeeding Mothers

Protein is more than just fuel—it’s a building block for your body and your baby’s growth. When you consume an adequate amount of protein, you’re helping your body:

• Repair connective tissues after birth

• Support muscle recovery and strength

• Regulate hormones and immune system function

• Provide essential amino acids that pass into your breast milk

• Sustain your energy levels during sleepless nights

According to the American Pregnancy Association, most breastfeeding mamas need an extra 25 grams of protein per day compared to their pre-pregnancy needs. That can add up to well over 100 grams of protein daily, depending on your size, activity level, and whether you’re exclusively breastfeeding

Getting this much protein from whole food protein sources like chicken, fish, beans, and eggs is possible, but not always realistic—especially for busy moms. That’s why adding a safe protein powder is often the best way to meet your nutritional needs conveniently.

What to Look For in a Protein Powder While Breastfeeding

Not all protein blends are created equal. To be honest, a lot of them are filled with a lot of additives, fillers, and less-than-nutritious ingredients. As a breastfeeding mother, you want to choose the right protein powder that is nourishing, clean, and free from harmful added ingredients. Because a lot of what you eat personally is going to make it's way into your breastmilk! 

Here’s what to look for:

• Clean ingredient list: Stick to powders with organic ingredients and natural ingredients you recognize.

• No artificial sweeteners: Skip sucralose, aspartame, or saccharin. These may have negative effects and can pass through to breast milk.

• Third-party testing for heavy metals: Especially important with plant-based proteins.

• Digestive support: Some powders add digestive enzymes to reduce bloating.

• Balanced nutrients: It is a good idea to look for blends with essential vitamins like vitamin B, vitamin C, and fatty acids that support a healthy milk supply.

Why Needed Prenatal Collagen Protein Is My Top Choice

I have been exclusively recommending NEEDED products to my perinatal friends for a couple of years now. And personally have been taking their supplements for just as long (their prenatal is one of the only ones I’ve ever tried that notably made me feel better when taking). Not only do they include all the important nutrients that you need during these stages, but they also provide them in the OPTIMAL ranges-- not just the minimum recommended amounts. 

And when it comes to choosing the best protein powder for breastfeeding moms, my recommendation stays with NEEDED and their Needed Prenatal Collagen Protein.

Here’s why:

1. Designed for Moms in the Perinatal Season

Unlike generic protein powders, Needed created this collagen protein specifically for pregnant women, new moms, and breastfeeding mothers. During these phases, your body needs extra support through nutrition. This protein blend supports both your recovery and your breast milk production. So, basically a win win 👏

2. Collagen as the Main Ingredient

Collagen is a powerhouse when it comes to rebuilding connective tissues, supporting hair and skin health, and improving joint strength—all things your body craves after pregnancy. It’s also a rich source of essential amino acids that contribute to both maternal wellness and a healthy milk supply.

Collagen helps with:

• Repairing tissues stretched during pregnancy and delivery

• Supporting postpartum weight loss by promoting satiety

• Enhancing skin elasticity and reducing hair loss

• Maintaining energy levels when combined with proper nutrition and prenatal vitamins

3. Free From Common Red Flags

For anyone that has visited this blog before, you know I am all about a balanced​ approach to wellness and nutrition, and am never one to promote fear over a certain ingredient. But I am a huge advocate for being educated on what ingredients you are consuming and making an informed decision on what is best for you.

Personally, we try to avoid these ingredient guidelines most of the time. This looks like avoiding purchasing foods with these ingredients, but not stressing about it too much on special occasions or going out to eat. 

• No artificial sweeteners

• No artificial ingredients or unnecessary fillers

• Tested for heavy metals

• Made with clean protein powder standards you can trust

4. Convenient for Daily Use

And maybe my moooost favorite feature of all-- the convenience. (and all new mamas said amen!) It mixes easily into smoothies, coffee, oatmeal, or baked goods. For busy moms, it’s a convenient way to sneak in extra protein without altering your whole daily routine.

How Much Protein Do Breastfeeding Moms Need?

Most experts recommend around 1.1 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. For a 150-pound breastfeeding mom, that’s about 75 grams daily. But some nutritional experts who specialize in perinatal and lactation recommend that amount as a minimum. This is an area where you really need to tune into your own body and see what makes you feel most nourished and energized. 

Adding one or two scoops of Needed Prenatal Collagen Protein (with about 15–20 grams of protein per serving) is an easy way to hit your daily protein intake goals while still eating a variety of other whole food protein sources.

How to Use Needed Prenatal Collagen Protein

I am a big advocate for food-first nutrition. This looks like creating a solid foundation of nourishment with whole foods before ever supplementing. For the case of protein intake while breastfeeding, this can include lots of animal-based proteins and high-quality dairy products. These are some of my favorite recommendations because they provide the greatest bang for your buck!

If you follow a vegetarian diet, this may look like well-cooked legumes to support digestion, nuts, seeds, and protein-rich grains like buckwheat and oats. 

But again, you are filling the majority of your protein requirement with nutrient-dense food... and then supplementing with a nourishing lactation powder.

Here are some simple ways to incorporate it into your breastfeeding journey:

• Make a cup of nourishing protein hot chocolate with added collagen

• Blend into a smoothie with fresh fruits and healthy fats like avocado or nut butter

• Stir into coffee or tea for a protein-rich start to your day

• Mix into yogurt bowls or overnight oats

• Add to baked goods for a good choice of snacks that support your nutritional needs

Related Reads:

• My Favorite Whole 30 Protein Powder Recommendations

Final Thoughts

Your body deserves support while nourishing your baby. Choosing the best protein powder safe for breastfeeding can feel overwhelming, but the good news is that Needed Prenatal Collagen Protein takes out the guesswork.

It’s clean, thoughtfully formulated, and designed with breastfeeding moms in mind. By incorporating it into your daily routine, you’ll give your body the essential nutrients and adequate amount of protein it needs for healing, energy, and sustaining a healthy milk supply.

Because when a breastfeeding mama is well-nourished, her baby thrives too.

✅ Pro tip: Always confirm with your lactation consultant or healthcare provider before adding supplements, especially if you have allergies, sensitivities, or concerns about your breast milk supply.

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