Life

KAREN BLEIER/AFP/Getty Images

The McDonald's Order That Could Increase Your Milk Supply

by Olivia Youngs

As hungry as nursing moms are, learning that certain foods can increase your milk supply seems almost too good to be true. It's easy to stock up on galactagogues when you're grocery shopping or cooking for yourself, but what do you do when you're out and about? Sometimes you don't have the choice of where you're eating — like family get together's or when you're on a road trip. And for many, McDonald's is the go-to fast food joint no matter where you live. Believe it or not, there is a McDonald's order that could increase your milk supply, or at least, be a bit healthier than a standard order from the classic menu.

Although McDonald's doesn't necessarily have a reputation for it's healthy options, there are a few ways around the grease and fried foods, if you're trying to be a little more conscious about what you're eating.

If you're eating breakfast, opt for oatmeal, as oats are a known galactagogue, proven to help moms' milk supplies, according to Belly Belly. But for meals later in the day, there is one option that includes a few of the more common ingredients thought to boost your supply.

The premium southwest salad with grilled chicken not only cuts down on processed foods by using grilled chicken and fresher produce, but it contains black beans — a breastfeeding superfood, according to The Bump. Black beans contain copious amounts of fiber, protein, and iron, all very important for lactating moms.

Furthermore, the grilled chicken will provide you with an extra protein boost, without the breading or grease and oils from being deep fried. The California Department of Public Health also noted that nursing moms need at least three servings of protein a day to keep up their supply, and with the black beans and chicken you've made a good dent in your protein intake for the day.

Despite the fact that you likely won't notice a drastic increase in your milk supply from eating at McDonalds, choosing as healthy a meal as you can will benefit your milk supply (and your overall health) in more ways than one.