5 Best Probiotic for Breastfeeding Moms and Why Every Mom Should Take It
After birth, breastfeeding is another way to pass on some good bacteria to the baby. That’s why taking the best probiotic for breastfeeding moms is essential in keeping the mother’s level of good bacteria in order to give it to the baby through breast milk. These can do a lot of benefits for baby like preventing colic, allergy, and even eczema.
If you’re considering taking probiotics while breastfeeding, there are many options to choose from but we’ve listed the best ones for you. Aside from having many positive reviews, these have the best nutrients and vitamins in addition to the probiotics that can keep your immune system healthy while breastfeeding.
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List of Best Probiotic for Breastfeeding Moms
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*For more information about NCS (Net Customer Satisfaction) grade, click here. (Price range: $ = $1 - $25 / $$ = $26 - $50 / $$$ = $51 -$150 / $$$$ = $151 - $200 / $$$$$ = $201 - $250 /$$$$$$ = Above $250)
What are Probiotics?
Probiotics are “friendly” or “good” bacteria that are typically present in our bodies and help to prevent the overgrowth of harmful organisms. These friendly live cultures will help to balance and prevent many illnesses that caused by unhealthy gut.
Live Cultures
While probiotics are a type of live culture but not all live cultures are considered as probiotic. OpticBac further explains here:
“When a particular strain of a microorganism undergoes human clinical trials and shows to be of benefit to the human host, only then should it be classified as a probiotic.”
OpticBac also further says that:
“’Live cultures’ or ‘active cultures’ refer to the microorganisms found in foods such as yogurt, which may be beneficial for human health. The term ‘live cultures’ is sometimes used instead of the word ‘probiotics.'”
Why It Is Helpful?
When your baby’s friendly bacteria level reduces, taking probiotics can help bring back the balance and keep the body health in check. Probiotics are bacteria and yeasts that are beneficial to the body, especially the digestive tract. So, these good bacteria then fight the bad ones in the gut, which promote better digestive health and help your baby have a healthier immune system.
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Top 3 Best Probiotic Reviews
PRO-Moms: Prenatal Probiotics for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women
PRO Moms is a natural probiotic supplement designed for expecting and breastfeeding moms. It is made in the USA and patented in 31 countries to ensure they deliver the highest quality product.
This is 15 times more effective than other probiotics because it is kept in pearl capsules that protect the good bacteria from stomach acids. Each tablet directed to be released over an 8 to 10 hour period with their patented delivery method called BIO-tract, allowing you to experience all its benefits. Also, it has a long shelf life and no refrigeration necessary.
Probiotic are made of susceptible organisms. Powders, liquids, and capsules retain only 4% of these vulnerable organisms during passage through the stomach’s harsh environment. With the BIO-tract and time-release capsule, this number has increased to a remarkable 60%.
This probiotic formula contains 6 targeted probiotic strains which include B. Infantis and L. Plantarum that help produce natural B vitamins and folate, essential for a successful breastfeeding journey. Other than that, it supports proper nutrient absorption which most mothers need to have a good milk supply.
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Mother’s Select Probiotics for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women
The US made Mother’s Select Probiotics is also a natural supplement designed for breastfeeding moms. It contained no additives, fillers and gluten-free, non-GMO and many others. For ease of storage, the supplement does not need to be refrigerated too.
This probiotic helps with digestive problems like constipation, heartburn, diarrhea, gas while keeping a healthy immune system for mom and baby. It helps keep the intestinal tract healthy while being in sync with the body’s natural cleansing cycle.
Since beneficial gut bacteria may be depleted during and after pregnancy, it is vital to replace the lost ones. Mother’s Select assists the intestines in producing “short chain fatty acids” that help with immune support and overall health of both mom and baby.
This probiotic is formulated with 10 billion CFUs which has a blend of 9 probiotic strains designed to survive stomach acids, effective in targeting different needs of your body.
For added bonus and limited time only, order this supplement from Amazon receive complimentary diet and nutrition e-book and coupon codes for your next order.
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Morning Pep Prenatal Tablet Vitamins With Folate For Expecting And Nursing Mothers
Morning Pep Prenatal Vitamins is excellent for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers because it contains probiotics, vitamins, and folic acid which are essential for a healthy pregnancy and breast health during nursing. This is preservative-free, gluten-free, and GMO-free, keeping mom and baby safe from toxic chemicals.
It contains L-Methyl Folate which is the original kind of folic acid, making it easier to digest and absorb in the body. Folate is an essential B vitamin during pregnancy for producing cells and genetic material, and it continues to be a necessary nutrient for breastfeeding mothers, as they lose and pass on nutrients to the baby.
This probiotic comes with a 90-day satisfaction or money back guarantee. So, you can buy with ease of mind. Each tablet contained a goodness of a perfect blend of probiotics, enzymes, and multi-vitamins that support a healthy pregnancy and estrogen levels. With the presence of enzymes, it further helps to digest food efficiently.
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NCS Grade* | A |
Our Pick
We go through hundreds of products listing at Amazon and also study the ratings left by previous buyers to find the best probiotic for breastfeeding moms. Besides that, we also calculate the overall net customer satisfaction (NCS) grade because we want to see how satisfied is the previous buyers with their purchase of the product.
From our finding, we can say that PRO-Moms, Mother's Select and Morning Pep are the best probiotic for breastfeeding moms brands. These brands are popular and received many excellent ratings for their products.
Also, the PRO-Moms Probiotics, Mother’s Select Probiotics and Morning Pep Prenatal Vitamins score favorably for the ratings as well as the NCS grade compare to the rest. We believe that you would find these probiotic for breastfeeding moms a good buy too.
Do Probiotics Pass Through Breast Milk?
After babies receive friendly bacteria from their mothers via vaginal birth, they will continue to receive these through breast milk. As we discussed in our previous article, human milk contains prebiotics that acts as food for the baby’s gut bacteria. Prebiotics and probiotics interact beneficially in the digestive tracts of babies.
The initial microbes that baby gets from birth colonize their gastrointestinal tract and become the foundation of their gut health. These healthy microbes that they receive help them digest the breast milk. They also get the antibody Immunoglobulin A (IgA) that provide benefits to their intestinal immune system.
When mothers take probiotic supplements, it can affect the microbes present in the breast milk. In a study for the treatment of mastitis, researchers gave 3 strains of Lactobacillus to nursing mothers and found that it transferred to their milk. This study evident that friendly bacteria does transfer to the baby through drinking the breast milk.
Health Benefits
Taking probiotics while breastfeeding can help strengthen a newborn’s immune system. Aside from the fact that breastmilk is healthy, adding probiotics to your diet can give your body and your baby the amount that it needs. Here are some health benefits of probiotics during breastfeeding.
Nutrients for mom
Breastfeeding the baby takes a lot of nutrients from the mother’s body. This can make the immune system weak and vulnerable to sickness. Taking probiotic supplements can help the mother strengthen her immune system through good bacteria in the gut. Additionally, it’s an excellent way to regulate the unstable metabolism after pregnancy.
Builds baby’s immune system
Around 60% to 70% of the immune system can be found in the gut. That’s why it is essential for babies to receive probiotics even until they grow up and become toddlers. Mothers who take supplements can pass on the friendly bacteria to her baby and this also helps strengthen a child’s immune system.
Plain breast milk is already beneficial but with the addition of probiotics, it adds even more strength to a baby’s immune system and becomes the foundation for his or her health.
Constipation
Although there isn’t enough evidence that proves how probiotics ease constipation, there are some studies that show how it eases bowel movement. While the food and drug administration do not test some dietary supplements like probiotics, they are safe to consume and can help a mother’s constipation problem.
Acid Reflux
Mothers and infants who experience acid reflux also benefit from taking probiotics. A probiotic strain called L. reuteri can help speed up digestion which leaves the stomach comfortable at a faster rate. This effectively lessens reflux symptoms and conditions in mom and baby.
Rash and yeast
Some infants experience yeast rash. And even though probiotics cannot cure this, it can help prevent infections from prolonged diaper wearing. Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium help control the growth of yeast in the digestive tract. So, it helps a baby’s diaper rash get heal sooner and prevent the complication of skin problem.
Eczema
As much as 15% of children may experience eczema and acquire it may be due to the parents’ genes. Even though more research is needed, there is evidence that suggests taking prebiotics is useful in prevention or intervention of skin diseases like atopic dermatitis or eczema.
Colic
Colic is a common problem for newborns and therefore, it can also become a problem for parents when the baby wouldn’t settle. Babies who often experience colic often have gut inflammation and less gut flora diversity. So, taking probiotics while breastfeeding can ensure that baby receives beneficial bacteria to prevent overgrowth of unhealthy bacteria.
Thrush
Infant thrush manifests as an oral infection in infants and can be seen on a mother’s nipples too. It can be caused by an overgrowth of yeast and it usually comes out after using antibiotics because these kills both good and bad bacteria. It is a painful condition and can last long if not treated immediately.
While no scientific evidence says probiotics through breastfeeding cures thrush, but studies have shown probiotics can help prevent the growth of yeast in the digestive tract. So, babies of mothers who take probiotic supplements are more protected from the yeast infection, thus, can be helpful for the baby too.
Features to Consider
The variety of probiotics for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers are constantly growing, but there are certain features to look for when buying the best probiotic for breastfeeding mothers. Use these considerations as a guide when choosing your probiotic supplement.
Hypoallergenic
When you are breastfeeding, it is essential to make sure that everything that will go into your milk is also safe for baby, especially if you have an infant that is very sensitive to certain foods. Consider a hypoallergenic probiotic supplement that is not the gummy kind because these contain gelatin additives.
Make sure to read the labels and look for what will suit your needs. Some will say gluten-free, GMO-free, vegan, dairy-free, natural, organic, etc.
Time-released
There are time-release probiotics that perform a lot stronger than regular probiotics. These work in a span of many hours or throughout the day in keeping your immune system healthy. The prolonged time-release allows the probiotics to survive your stomach acids and be absorbed effectively by your stomach.
Convenience
There are some probiotics that have to be refrigerated to be effective, which can be a hassle for busy mothers. Luckily, with more research and advancement on probiotics, there are formulas being created using strains that are more shelf stable. These work the same or even better than refrigerated ones and won’t have to be kept chilled.
Wrapping Up
If you are a breastfeeding mother who wants to keep yourself and your baby healthy, taking the best probiotic for breastfeeding moms featured above will effectively help your immune system. The mother can pass on the friendly bacteria to the baby through the breast milk so both of them can experience all its health benefits.
Also, if you and your baby are frequently suffering from digestive problems, you should strongly consider taking probiotics to strengthen your immune system and prevent illnesses. Since most of your immune system is found in the gut, keeping it healthy with good bacteria will allow you and your baby to stay healthier.
