Last Updated on September 19, 2023 by Jada Glover
Now that your baby has arrived and you’re breastfeeding, you’ve probably noticed some postpartum changes in your body. Your hair may start thinning, or your joints feel a bit achy.
Maybe you want a head start on healing and recovering from childbirth. Supplementing with collagen sounds like a great idea to help with wound healing.
Collagen is the most abundant protein found in the human body. It is made from amino acids such as proline, glycine, and hydroxyproline and helps make up the framework of your body’s connective tissues.
But, is collagen safe for breastfeeding moms? Which collagen peptides are safe to use as dietary supplements postpartum? In this post that’s exactly what I will be discussing including sharing the best collagen for breastfeeding moms.
Please note that this article contains affiliate links, which means that I may earn a small commission if you buy something (at no additional cost to you). Read my full disclosure here. I only recommend products I use and love and recommend to my clients.
What Is Collagen?
First, let’s talk about what collagen is. Collagen is a protein that breaks down into amino acids in the human body.
Some amino acids are essential, which means the body does not make them. We need to obtain these essential amino acids through food or dietary supplements.
Is Collagen Good For Breastfeeding Moms?
You just spent nine months nourishing and growing a baby inside. Now that you have chosen to breastfeed, you want to continue providing the best breastfeeding nutrients that won’t harm your infant. Anything a nursing mother takes into her system gets potentially released through her breast milk to the infant.
While medical information and studies regarding breastfeeding moms and collagen supplements are sparse, most doctors consider collagen supplements safe. Some even claim it is beneficial for getting your daily protein while breastfeeding.
Getting enough protein helps curb empty calorie cravings while promoting a healthy milk supply. Of course, always speak with your healthcare provider about any questions when adding a new supplement to your diet.
There are no known side effects to using collagen supplements. As you stay within the recommended daily dosage of at least 1.52 grams of protein per kilogram, or about 17 grams of extra protein every day during the first six months of breastfeeding.
When wondering how much collagen powder to use, follow the serving size on the container. Each brand varies, but a serving size is usually between 2.5 to 5 grams or one to two scoops or tablespoons of the powdered mix. Larger or more excessive dosages are used only by weightlifters or those wanting to build body mass and not by breastfeeding mothers.
In addition to taking a collagen supplement, consume collagen by eating collagen-rich foods like bone broth, meat, fish, or eggs.
Since collagen supplements are derived from natural foods, they are considered safe for breastfeeding mothers and their nursing infants.
What’s In The Best Collagen for Breastfeeding Moms?
Collagen peptides derive from a few well-known sources. These sources include:
- beef bovine
- pork porcine
- marine, fish, and seafood, or chicken.
There is also a vegan variety. The non-animal-derived collagen is typically lab-made using genetically modified yeast and bacteria. Look for a supplement with hydrolyzed collagen peptides, which are easier for your body to absorb and digest.
Avoid products that contain soy fillers or natural flavors that could be a term to include sweeteners derived from chemicals. Also, avoid any preservatives listed as an ingredient.
Get the most out of collagen supplements while breastfeeding by drinking plenty of water and eating foods high in vitamin C, such as oranges, kale, red peppers, strawberries, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts.
Is Collagen Good For Postpartum Recovery?
Collagen is definitely beneficial for postpartum moms. Supplementing with collagen speeds the healing process and helps with overall skin health. It also helps with postpartum hair loss.
The Journal of Pregnancy and Child Health study indicates that women who took a collagen supplement after childbirth experienced a faster rate of wound healing. In other words, if you had a C-section, episiotomy, or vaginal tearing, collagen could help you heal faster.
Collagen not only helps support healing but also helps your skin recover from stretch marks. Additionally, women who experience dry, itchy skin or joint pain find collagen helps with skin and joint health and strengthens bones.
At least one study suggests it also helps provide quality sleep because it contains glycine, which elevates serotonin. Collagen supplementation also promotes a healthy gut.
Increase protein intake by adding daily collagen intake. Include it as part of an otherwise overall healthy diet.
Best Collagen Peptides For Breastfeeding Moms
With so many collagen peptide options, finding one manufactured by a company with a reputation for quality is crucial. You want to find one with a diverse amino acid profile and contains collagen types I and III.
Additionally, find one preferably derived from hydrolyzed bovine collagen, which is the most potent and effective. While collagen comes in powder, liquid, and pill form, the liquid variety tends to contain an extensive list of ingredients, including artificial flavors and other unnecessary additives.
With that said, I have compiled a list of the best collagens for breastfeeding moms. Let’s review them.
1 – Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides
Vital Proteins Bioavailable Collagen Peptides Advanced Powder offers an unflavored good choice option that easily dissolves in your favorite beverage. New moms enjoy 20 grams per serving plus Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid.
This powder is sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine. This blend makes it easy for the human body to absorb all the nutritional benefits fast. It is made without gluten or dairy and is Certified Paleo Friendly and Whole30 Approved with no added sugars or sweeteners.
This is my favorite and the one I used in pregnancy and postpartum. I add it to my smoothies as my protein powder. If you prefer a chocolate variety, they also have that too. Or, if you want convenient, individual packets that’s also an option.
2 – Needed. Expertly Formulated Pre-Natal
While you were pregnant, you needed specially formulated prenatal vitamins. Now, the best way to keep that healthy nutrition going is to supplement with collagen. This collagen option contains no inflammatory ingredients and is free of heavy metals or other toxins that could pass through breast milk.
This expertly formulated prenatal formula contains one ingredient – collagen. Inspired by nature, the mix is sustainable, clean, and ethically sourced. The Needed Collagen brand offers an expertly formulated and tested pre-natal hydrolyzed option for pregnant women.
This same mixture is also perfect for breastfeeding mothers to deliver essential nutrients to their nursing babies. The brand conferred with naturopathic and function medicine doctors, practitioners, researchers, and moms to develop the formula. It is unflavored, derived from grass-fed, pasture-raised, hormone-free beef.
It is also third-party tested. Each serving delivers 15 grams of protein with a tailored amino acid profile that helps manage blood sugar and promotes pelvic floor healing. The collagen also helps support cell development for your baby.
3 – Protiva Nourish Postpartum Collagen
If you like a little flavor, Protiva offers a delicious vanilla flavor that mixes easily into drinks or food. The company ensures that the porcine collagen is sourced ethically with a 98% DNA match to humans. Enjoy 15 grams of collagen in each serving.
The product claims to be clinically proven safe during the critical stages of motherhood and formulated for women during post-birth recovery and to boost milk supply. It also includes the added benefits of Vitamin C.
Each serving provides 15 grams of collagen protein. It is non-GMO and free from allergens, preservatives, soy, fructose, gluten, dairy, and caffeine, and contains no artificial colors or flavors.
4 – Garden of Life Grass Fed Collagen Protein
Garden of Life has a reputation for purity, and its grass-fed collagen stands true to its namesake. This unflavored hydrolyzed collagen offers a great solution to add to your favorite hot or cold beverages, smoothies, or food recipes.
It meets the paleo and keto diet requirements. This collagen mix offers an impressive nutritional profile with essential amino acids, grass-fed bovine Type I collagen peptides, and probiotics. Each serving provides 18 grams of protein.
5 – Biomeology Prenatal Collagen Peptides
Nourish your body throughout pregnancy and afterward as well. If a product is labeled specifically for prenatal, it is also great to keep using it while you are breastfeeding. The company promises to offer moms and babies the finest quality supplements possible.
Their mission is to provide products that allow you to be well, live with joy, and give your little one the best start in life with optimal nutrition. This pre-natal collagen peptide offers a grass-fed option with glycine and amino acids that help with digestion, immune health, pelvic floor, and postpartum recovery while breastfeeding.
Enjoy zero sugar grams, 10 grams of protein, and 11 grams of bovine collagen peptides in a 40-calorie serving. This product is lab-tested, unflavored, and made for moms. Since it has no added flavor, feel free to add it to your favorite drink, smoothie, or your favorite bowl of soup without the clumpy mess that some other mixes leave behind.
Best Collagen For Postpartum Recovery
Collagen helps you get back into pre-pregnancy shape faster. With the essential amino acids, adding collagen to your daily diet will help you regain healthy hair you may have lost during postpartum recovery.
Start to combat stretch marks, tearing, episiotomy, or C-section scars with the help of collagen. You will also feel more energized after sleepless nights during your recovery. The following are some of the best choices for collagen for postpartum recovery:
1 – Live Conscious Collagen Peptides
Live Conscious Collagen powder provides your body with hydrolyzed collagen peptides Type I and III in a Keto and Paleo-friendly formula. The company sources all ingredients from certified grass-fed and pasture-raised bovine with no hidden additives, fillers, or artificial ingredients.
This powder comes unflavored, making it perfect to dissolve or blend into any drink or food. It comes available in a convenient size packaged in a small 7.8-ounce bag to take on the go. Additionally, the supplement is third-party tested.
If you are extremely environmentally conscious, this is the choice for you. The company plants one tree with every order.
2 – Essential Elements Collagen Peptides
Essential Elements Collagen Peptides include Types I and III collagen derived from bovine. Please never be afraid to give this brand a try. You have nothing to lose since the company offers a 365-day money-back guarantee.
The powder mix provides a non-GMO, hormone-free, grass-fed option with 41 servings. Add it to your smoothies, hot drink, or an Acai smoothie bowl. Enjoy 19 naturally occurring amino acids with 11 grams of Types I & III hydrolyzed collagen.
Set your worries aside about unwanted sweeteners. This product has zero added sugar and no additives or fillers.
3 – Dose & Co. Pure Collagen
The only ingredient listed is collagen, plain and simple. Dose & Co Pure Collagen Powder offers an unflavored option to get your hydrolyzed collagen peptides supplement. This product is non-GMO, dairy-free, gluten-free, and sugar-free.
This collagen powder supports hair, skin, and nails for women recovering from childbirth. Each serving contains only 38 calories but offers 10 grams of collagen protein.
It even comes in an environmentally friendly container, plastic-free. Add the mix to your smoothies, hot beverages, cold water, milk, or other favorite recipes.
4 – Anthony’s Collagen Peptide Powder
It may have a masculine name listed as the brand, but this option is perfect for a woman recovering from childbirth. Anthony’s collagen peptide powder offers a full pound of hydrolyzed, gluten-free, keto and paleo-friendly solution.
Never worry about added flavors or colors. The mix is tasteless and high in protein. Anthony’s collagen peptide powder derives from pasture-raised, grass-fed cattle from the USA.
The cows are free of hormones, steroids, and antibiotics. Each serving offers 12 grams of protein and contains Type I and III collagens.
Benefits of Collagen For Breastfeeding Moms
Besides supplementing nutritional needs, collagen plays a crucial role in overall health and potential benefits for breastfeeding moms. Ideally, breastfeeding moms should add about 17 grams of extra protein to their daily diet.
The added protein helps in the following ways to benefit breastfeeding moms:
- builds muscle
- boosts metabolism
- helps in childbirth recovery
- curbs sugar cravings
- boosts energy levels
- lowers blood pressure
- improves the quality of the breast milk
Which Type Of Collagen Supplement Is Best for Breastfeeding Moms?
Collagen supplements come in three forms:
- Pills
- Liquid
- Powder mix
While taking a pill or drinking a liquid may seem the most convenient way to get nutritional needs, the powder mix is a great option for getting all the benefits. Conveniently add it to your favorite drink or food, and you will feel fuller than if you popped a pill.
Also, the liquid collagen tends to have unnecessarily added flavoring or other ingredients that you avoid when you opt for a powdered drink mix instead. The powdered drink mix often delivers a more pure product. Some even list only collagen as the ingredient.
Collagen comes in several types, including Types I, II, III, IV, and V. Be leery of a product that offers all the types of collagen since the more you offer, the more likely the product will be watered down and less effective. Stick with collagen Types I & III for best results to get all your needed essential amino acids from collagen.
The collagen powder helps increase protein, which in turn, provides many benefits for a nursing mother. Some collagen mixes are formulated specifically for breastfeeding moms.
These lactation protein powders help increase milk supply with added ingredients such as fenugreek. Some moms have an adverse reaction to fenugreek though – so be aware.
Remember to use collagen as a supplement and never replace an entire meal with a high-protein shake to lose weight while breastfeeding. Instead, now is the time to enjoy about 500 extra needed calories a day.
Look for a protein powder that contains whole, natural ingredients and provides vitamins and minerals such as vitamins A, C, B12, B vitamins complex, folate, iron, calcium, and potassium or hyaluronic acid.
Now you know the best collagen powders for breastfeeding moms and their benefits!
When you’re breastfeeding and establishing quality milk production while recovering from childbirth, collagen protein provides several benefits for your postpartum body to ensure you receive enough essential amino acids.
Collagen helps you heal faster while nourishing your skin, hair, nails, and bones. Collagen supplements also help heal your gut and may improve heart health while relieving joint pain.
It provides a protein that helps structural and connective tissue in your body and builds skin elasticity. Taking a collagen supplement for breastfeeding moms and during your postpartum recovery also helps with muscle growth and bone, joint, skin, and hair health.
Remember the bottom line for breastfeeding moms – collagen also helps increase the flow! and quality of breast milk.
