Ever wondered if oat milk, the dairy-free darling of coffee shops, could be a secret weapon for boosting milk supply?
While the science isn’t totally settled, there’s a buzz among breastfeeding moms about its potential benefits. Let’s dive into the oat milk and milk supply connection.
The Buzz from Breastfeeding Moms
A lot of moms swear by oat milk, claiming it helped them make more milk.
This has fueled the idea that oats, whether in a warm bowl of oatmeal or a creamy latte, might be a natural galactagogue (a fancy word for something that helps with lactation).
In fact, a recent study shows it’s the most commonly used galactagogue among breastfeeding moms in the US! [1]
Why Oat Milk Might Work
There are a few reasons why oat milk might be a milk-making superhero:
- Iron Power: Oats are packed with iron, a mineral that’s super important for milk production. If you’re low on iron, your milk supply can dip, so eating iron-rich foods like oats could help. [2]
- Beta-Glucan Boost: Oats also contain beta-glucan, a type of fiber that may raise levels of prolactin, the hormone that’s key for making milk. [3]
- Chill Out: Ever had a warm bowl of oatmeal and felt instantly calmer? Oats are known for their soothing properties, which could help breastfeeding moms reduce stress. And less stress often means more milk.
The Science Side
While the anecdotal evidence is exciting, scientists haven’t fully confirmed oat milk’s milk-boosting powers.
Most of what we know comes from moms sharing their experiences and traditional wisdom.
That said, the effect of oats in increasing milk production in lactating COWS has been studied for decades! [4]
But, of course, humans are NOT cows.
So, Should You Try It?
Even though the science isn’t 100% there yet, the stories from moms and the traditional use of oats are pretty convincing.
If you’re hoping to increase your milk supply, adding oat milk to your diet could be worth a shot.
Just remember to chat with your doctor or a lactation consultant first to make sure it’s the right move for you and your little one.
Key Takeaway
While oat milk isn’t a magic milk-making potion, it might just give your supply a little nudge.
The evidence is still a bit oat-y (pun intended!), but the potential benefits are worth exploring!
References:
- Ryan, R. A., Hepworth, A. D., Lyndon, A., & Bihuniak, J. D. (2023). Use of Galactagogues to Increase Milk Production Among Breastfeeding Mothers in the United States: A Descriptive Study. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 123(9), 1329–1339. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jand.2023.05.019
- Henly, S. J., Anderson, C. M., Avery, M. D., Hills-Bonczyk, S. G., Potter, S., & Duckett, L. J. (1995). Anemia and insufficient milk in first-time mothers. Birth (Berkeley, Calif.), 22(2), 86–92. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1523-536x.1995.tb00565.x
- Shaerzadeh, F., Sepehri, H., & Delphi, L. (2015). Stimulation of Prolactin Synthesis by β-Glucan via Dectin-1 Receptors in GH 3 / B 6 Cells. Biological and Chemical Research, 27-35.
- Fant, P., Ramin, M., & Huhtanen, P. (2021). Replacement of barley with oats and dehulled oats: Effects on milk production, enteric methane emissions, and energy utilization in dairy cows fed a grass silage-based diet. Journal of dairy science, 104(12), 12540–12552. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2021-20409