Is Whey Protein During Breastfeeding Safe | Hea Boosters

“Is whey protein safe to take while breastfeeding"? This is probably one of the most asked questions by new moms, so you’re not the only one. It’s a question born out of concern, and for good reason too.

As a new mom, you aren’t just eating for yourself alone. What you put in your body is also passed to your newborn child, especially if you’re breastfeeding. So, you’re definitely right being concerned if whey protein is safe for you, and ultimately your baby while breastfeeding.

To answer the questions we’ll first need to know the basics, like what whey protein is and how it’s absorbed by the body. Whey is protein derived from milk when it is curdled and strained. However, it goes through processing in different stages to give the powder form you are most familiar with. The issue with whey protein for not new moms is the other ingredients added during the processing of the powder.

Additives, sweeteners, and heavy metals are some of the things that may be present in whey protein. These substances aren’t good for the body when congested, and even worse for a baby because their body systems aren't as developed at this stage.



Pregnant and nursing mothers are advised to eat more protein during these persuades, more so for nursing mothers. Lactating moms are supposed to eat about 400-500 more calories more than when they were pregnant. This is because the body now needs to produce milk for the newborn child, and also keep the mother’s strengths up. This means eating more than your usual daily amounts during pregnancy.

Now, for some moms that don’t like eating much, this is quite the challenge. Instead, they opt for various sources of protein like protein powders, protein bars, and the likes. Whey protein is processed through your body just like every other source of protein.

Protein is an essential nutrient during the breastfeeding phase, as you now have to think of nutrition for two. Now it’s easy for most mothers to get the required amount of protein from their regular diets like tofu, meat, dairy products, fish, eggs, etc. But, certain circumstances may require you to add extra sources of protein to your diet. If you have to go back to work, or you’re a mom who wants to get back to her fitness lifestyle, then you may surely consider whey protein in the various forms it comes in. As mentioned earlier, whey protein isn’t exactly the issue, it’s the several other things that go into it during manufacturing. This protein supplement can be taken in different forms like using it to make smoothies, porridge, or yogurt.

Now, to answer the question. Yes, whey protein is safe to take while breastfeeding your baby. However, there are factors to consider before opting for whey protein. You need to consult with your doctor or a nutritionist before deciding on any brand or form of protein supplement. You can also read the label of the product to find out the ingredients and if it is safe. While doctors, lactation consultants, and nutritionists agree that it is okay to have whey protein while breastfeeding when it is limited to a few servings a day, most times not more than two per day. Whey protein through protein powders shakes, or bars shouldn’t be your only source of protein for the day. As it already suggests, it is a supplement to help you reach your required daily intake of protein and should not solely be relied on as a source of protein.

Factors like your lifestyle, activity level and health conditions may influence your decision as to whether you need an extra source of protein or not. If you are very active or work out, you may require an extra source of protein. If this isn’t the case and you live a moderately active or not so active lifestyle, then your regular sources of protein should be sufficient to meet your daily requirements.

It’s okay to seek out other sources of nutrition for your well-being. The nursing stage is an intimate one for mothers and their babies, and the personal needs vary from one mother to another. You should however be cautious during this stage since your nutritional intake is for two if you are breastfeeding.