Moringa And Breastfeeding

Move over Fenugreek, there’s a new lactation supplement on the market that may help provide even greater benefits in milk production for breastfeeding mothers.

Moringa has become a wildly popular supplement for breastfeeding moms who need support with their milk supply and need it quickly.

But is it really all it’s cracked up to be? Read on about moringa and breastfeeding to find out more.

Is Moringa The Superfood For Moms?

Moringa Oleifera is a tree native to North India and commonly used in herbal medicine. The leaves of the Moringa tree are believed to provide many health benefits including increased milk production during lactation.

Some describe Moringa as being a superfood because of its strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

It can be found in a variety of forms in the United States, including powders, capsules, and liquid supplements. These are typically made of the Moringa leaf that is then dried and made into powder form.

Because of the many benefits of Moringa, many supplement brands will add Moringa to their superfood powders.

While these can be great for many adults looking to boost their overall nutrition, lactating mothers need to be wary of herbal ingredients and extract while breastfeeding.

Some southern and western states may be able to grow Moringa Oleifera as it thrives in a warmer climate but traditionally it’s found in India. In fact, India is the largest producer of Moringa in the world. (Source)(Source)

Moringa leaves are an excellent source of many vitamins and minerals including vitamin B6, vitamin C, iron, riboflavin, vitamin A, and magnesium. The pods are also nutritious however, they are not as rich in vitamins and minerals as the leaves but they do contain a rich source of vitamin C. (Source)

In addition to improved milk supply, research studies have found Moringa may be helpful in lowering blood sugar levels due to the presence of the plant compounds Isothiocyanates. Isothiocyanates are typically found in cruciferous vegetables and are also believed to help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. However, most of these studies were conducted on animals and further human trials are warranted. (Source)

Other studies suggest Moringa may be beneficial for those with high cholesterol levels. Both human and animal trials have found that Moringa leaves may provide similar cholesterol-lowering effects as some foods, such as flaxseeds. Moringa is also considered a rich anti-inflammatory which may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. (Source)

How Is Moringa Used For Breastfeeding?

Many research studies have found Moringa Oleifera leaves can help to increase breastmilk volume during lactation. Not only can you use Moringa for breast milk production, but it also provides essential nutrients needed during breastfeeding.

Moringa breastfeeding supplements work by increasing prolactin, the hormone that stimulates milk production. (Source) 

Lactation consultants all over the U.S. are learning about the benefits of using Moringa for breastfeeding mothers. To get the best effects from moringa, many experts recommended steeping moringa lactation leaves in water and consuming them as tea.

How Quickly Does Moringa Increase Milk Supply?

Some studies suggest the benefits of Moringa on milk supply occur within just 24 hours of taking Moringa supplements.

Unlike other supplements for milk supply, Moringa is considered safe and studies have not found any adverse side effects in human trials when taken as directed for up to 6 months. (Source)(Source)

For best results, take Moringa daily but do not exceed the maximum dose directed on the label.

Take Moringa during the time of day you feel your milk supply is the lowest. For example, if you struggle with a low milk supply in the morning, take your Moringa supplements with breakfast.

Is Moringa Safe For Mothers Breastfeeding?

While caution is always advised when introducing supplements during breastfeeding, Moringa is considered safe and effective for breastfeeding mothers.

There have been no adverse side effects reported from taking Moringa for lactation however, it may stimulate blood clotting. Those at risk for blood clots may want to avoid taking Moringa. (Source) 

Always speak with your doctor or healthcare provider before adding any supplement to your routine, especially if you are taking any medications for a chronic condition. Children and women who are pregnant should not take Moringa.

While Moringa is believed to be safe for breastfeeding mothers, it is still best to get clearance from your physician, especially if you plan to take a supplement that contains additional ingredients besides Moringa that could be potentially harmful during this time.

Bottom Line

Moringa Oleifera leaves are considered a safe and effective supplement to naturally boost milk supply in breastfeeding women within a short period of time.

Unlike other lactation supplements, Moringa is not associated with any adverse health effects but is rather nutritious and may provide additional health benefits on top of just improving breast milk volume.