The convenience attached to Herbalife products makes it easy for women to balance their nutrients through their protein and nutrition-focused shakes and meal replacement which makes them attractive. Still, for new moms, it’s not safe to take Herbalife while breastfeeding.
What is Herbalife?
Herbalife is a nutrition company that offers a variety of science-based nutritional products consumed by millions of people every day and has been around since 1980.
Herbalife protein powders and shakes, with snacks included, is an effective way to stay fueled for the day. For breastfeeding moms, the major selling point is this comfort that comes with their variety of nutritional products, including:
- Meal replacement protein shakes
- Energy products
- Aloe-based products
- Teas
If you are seeking to get back to your previous weight before the baby’s debut, Herbalife’s weight loss products may be on the prime of your must-try list but as a new mom, is it safe to consume Herbalife products while breastfeeding?
How does it work?
Getting started on the Herbalife diet requires a few simple steps to be followed for a successful outcome.
Step 1: Connect with an Herbalife independent distributor
Herbalife products are only available for purchase through Herbalife independent distributors since it’s a multilevel marketing business.
You can connect with a certified retailer via a personal connection or with a distributor directly on the Herbalife website.
Step 2: Choose your weight loss program
The next step is to settle for the Herbalife weight loss program that’s right for you from the three versions available on their website to choose from, as shown below.
- The quick start program. This includes some powdered tea, meal replacement shakes, a metabolism-boosting supplement, and some Multivitamin/mineral supplements.
- The advanced program. This includes everything involved in the quick start program plus two more supplements for reducing fluid retention and for increasing energy.
- The ultimate program. This incorporates everything from the advanced program plus two more other additional supplements for digestion and blood sugar supervision.
Step 3: Begin the Herbalife diet
Following the Herbalife diet is fairly easy by simply having two meals each day with Herbalife shakes and taking the supplements that came with the program of your choice.
There are no set restrictions on the Herbalife program, but one is generally advised to eat small, frequent meals and snacks that include fruits and vegetables and to also drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Even though there are no authorized suggestions on how long one should stay on the Herbalife diet, most women choose to continue until they reach their weight loss goal.
Is Herbalife safe while breastfeeding?
No. Not at all. Herbalife’s products appear to be plant-based, protein-rich, and loaded with essential minerals and vitamins, and that should make it the go-to product for a breastfeeding mom and her young one, right? Not necessarily.
When breastfeeding, which is a good thing for you and your new bundle of joy, you have to be careful about what you put into your body that you’ll later pass on to your baby through breast milk.
Remember, all women are different and uniquely abled, and just because it was ok for your breastfeeding friend to use these products doesn’t mean that it’s a safe option for you.
For starters, if you are breastfeeding, the CDC recommends consuming an additional 450-500 calories per day, and weight loss is not something you should be worried about.
But Herbalife does offer Herbalife New Mom for Wellness Nutrition, which is their new specialized nutrition that may be the better option for new breastfeeding moms.
Technically it is not a weight loss product but it was formulated with new moms in mind as a powdered supplement to be added to any formula one shake, once per day.
Remember, the New Mom for Wellness Nutrition product does not categorically state that it’s safe for breastfeeding moms nor does it say that it isn’t safe for them and the baby either. The choice is yours to debate. Is it your weight or your baby’s wellness?
Pros and cons of Herbalife while breastfeeding
Even though your doctor might consent to you taking Herbalife products while breastfeeding, there are still some advantages and disadvantages that you should consider.
Pros
- It’s an easy and convenient way to get your proteins, nutrients, and calories.
- They are mostly plant-based.
- The Herbalife products are backed by science.
Cons
- Some Herbalife weight loss products are very low in calories rendering them unideal for breastfeeding moms. Your body needs more calories to produce enough milk to feed your baby because you are technically eating for two.
- Many products on the shelves contain soy protein that is not labeled as non-GMO.
- Herbalife may contain ingredients not suitable for breastfed babies.
FAQs
Are protein shakes okay while breastfeeding?
Yes. When breastfeeding, your body will need supplementary nutrition both in calorie and protein consumption. Proteins are essential for breast milk production, and ensuring you have enough of it will help with your milk supply.
Protein powders are a quick, healthy, and easy way to add proteins to your daily routine without having to cook and clean much in your kitchen.
And, the World Health Organization proposes the consumption of an additional 25 grams of protein per day for the first six months of breastfeeding but it depends on your weight.
Can I drink herbal tea while breastfeeding?
Even though herbal tea contains natural ingredients, that doesn’t mean that they are necessarily safe, even though most women choose to drink it to help with annoying symptoms when pregnant or breastfeeding.
The number of unwanted substances the herbal tea packs may contain can vary as well. They may contain some ingredients not listed on the packaging label that you could pass on to your baby during breastfeeding but check with your pediatrician or midwife first if you must take them.
Bottom line
Talk to your health care provider before consuming any Herbalife product while breastfeeding. They will be able to provide you with the best advice and recommendations.
