Brewer’s Booster is a specialty “lactation bar” for new moms still in the breastfeeding stage. Many women have problems producing enough milk. Plenty has been speculated about the benefits of oats, flax, and brewer’s yeast for increased breast milk production, and after a little prodding by a first time mom and friend of the Phantom, a lactation bar was in development. The seed bar base was a good platform…no nuts and lots of micronutrients just made sense. Add to that a little more flax seed and brewer’s yeast and Brewer’s Booster was born!
Ingredients: Sunflower Seed Butter [sunflower seed, dehydrated cane syrup, salt, mixed natural tocopherols (to preserve freshness)], Honey, Rolled Oats, Dried Cranberries [cranberries, sugar], Chocolate Chips [sugar, chocolate liquor, cocoa butter, soy lecithin (an emulsifier), vanilla extract], Brewer’s Yeast, Oat Bran, Flax Seeds, Pumpkin Seeds, Chia Seeds, Hemp Seeds, Coconut, Cinnamon
October, 2012
One of the first moms that tested the Mighty Milk bars had this to say:
“I felt that the bars were helpful. While breastfeeding I get really hungry, really quickly. The bars were incredibly filling but also gave me energy. In addition to their medicinal qualities, they are tasty and a great source of fiber. A wonderful breakfast or snack option for busy women who need quality fuel on the go. My fiancé tried them and loves them and keeps asking when I can get more.”
She also started supplementing with fenugreek, and had an overall increase from 4 oz to 5.5 oz per pump over a two week span.
September 13, 2012
We are in the process of testing the first round of bars with new mothers. This might take a while. Until then, read on…
From what little research I’ve done, the most important things for breastfeeding moms is keeping hydrated and resting (not just sleeping). WATER AND REST. Got that?
Now, there’s plenty of ‘old wives tales’ about oats, flax, and brewer’s yeast to help increase the milk supply. Is it true? Scientifically, there’s not enough evidence…that’s why these new mom trials are important…but they’re very, VERY unofficial, and even good results on these few trials will not lead to anything more than me saying “has shown improvement in some”…NOT ‘will work for you’, NOT ‘proven results’…because that would be wrong and I wouldn’t do that to you.
In fact, there are conflicting reports of the benefits of flax. Benefits: omega 3s, fiber, protein, lowered cholesterol, increased brain development in babies…Side effects: phytoestrogens could theoretically inhibit breast milk production, though that hasn’t been proven either.
“In addition to nutritious fats, flax seeds contain other nutrients which make eating the whole seed superior to consuming just the extracted oil:
- Flax seeds contain a high quality protein.
- Flax seeds are rich in soluble fiber.
- Flax seeds contain vitamins B-1, B-2, C, E, and carotene. These seeds also contain iron, zinc, and trace amounts of potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, and vitamin E and carotene.
- Flax seeds contain over a hundred times more of a phytonutrient, known as lignin, than any of its closest competitors, such as wheat bran, buckwheat, rye, millet, oats, and soybeans.”1
Here’s some fun stuff about oats:
“Although oatmeal doesn’t have controlled studies to back it, there are some reasons it may work to increase breast milk. According to Hilary Jacobson, oatmeal is a comfort food for many mothers, promoting relaxation and relief from depression. Mothers who are low in iron may not be able to produce adequate milk, and oats provide iron. Oatmeal contains minerals that help stimulate the hormone oxytocin, contributing to successful letdown during lactation. There is a correlation between some galactagogues such as fenugreek and alfalfa and the reduction of cholesterol. Since oats are also known to reduce cholesterol, they may share the same characteristics of increasing milk supply.”2
As for brewer’s yeast, no, it’s not beer…
“Brewer’s yeast’s reputation as a galactagogue likely relates to the historic use of beer as a breast milk enhancer. Traditionally, many cultures have associated naturally brewed beers with increased lactation. It’s possible that brewer’s yeast contributes to beer’s reputation, but other ingredients– such as alcohol, barley and hops– may also be responsible. Note that large amounts of beer may actually inhibit let-down reflex, leading to breastfeeding complications.
Brewer’s yeast can be an effective nutritional supplement for breastfeeding mothers, even if its reputation as a galactagogue is unfounded. Brewer’s yeast is a great source of B vitamins, including niacin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, folic acid, thiamine, riboflavin, and biotin. Brewer’s yeast also contains trace minerals such as selenium and chromium, which are essential for overall health for nursing mothers.”3
So, all that aside, Brewer’s Booster was created to help increase breast milk production. It may or may not do that for you, but it definitely contains a bunch of good-for-you stuff. Just make sure you drink lots of water and get some rest!