Does Bone Broth Increase Milk Supply? Nutrients for Nursing

Posted on March 09, 2026

Does Bone Broth Increase Milk Supply? Postpartum Benefits

Introduction
What Is Bone Broth, Exactly?
Does Bone Broth Increase Milk Supply? The Science and Tradition
Key Nutrients for the Breastfeeding Body
The Role of Hydration in Lactation
Postpartum Healing and Bone Broth
Cultural Traditions: "Building Blood" After Birth
How to Incorporate Bone Broth Into Your Routine
Managing Your Supply: The Bigger Picture
Complementing Your Diet with Lactation Support
Summary: Is Bone Broth the Answer?
FAQ

Introduction

The early days of breastfeeding often feel like a marathon. You are healing from childbirth, learning to care for a tiny new human, and producing life-sustaining milk around the clock. It is only natural to look for ways to support your body during this intense transition. Many parents find themselves searching for specific foods that might give their milk supply a gentle nudge. One traditional remedy that has seen a massive resurgence in recent years is bone broth.

At Milky Mama, we believe that nourishing the parent is just as important as nourishing the baby. We focus on providing evidence-based education and supportive products to help you reach your breastfeeding goals, including resources like our Certified Lactation Consultant Breastfeeding Help page when you want personalized guidance. This article explores whether bone broth is a true galactagogue—a substance that helps increase milk production—or if its benefits lie more in general wellness and recovery. We will look at the nutrients found in bone broth, how they interact with the lactating body, and practical ways to include it in your diet.

While bone broth may not be a magic fix for supply issues, it is a nutrient-dense tool that can support the foundational pillars of lactation: hydration, nutrition, and recovery.

What Is Bone Broth, Exactly?

Before diving into its effects on milk supply, it is helpful to understand what makes bone broth different from standard soup stock. Most store-bought stocks are made by simmering meat and a few bones for a short period, usually two to four hours. Bone broth, however, is made by simmering animal bones and connective tissue for an extended duration—often 12 to 24 hours or even longer.

This long cooking process, often assisted by an acid like apple cider vinegar, breaks down the bones and tissues. This releases a concentrated amount of protein, minerals, and amino acids into the liquid. The result is a savory, nutrient-rich beverage that is significantly more complex than a basic broth. When chilled, high-quality bone broth often turns into a jiggly, jelly-like substance. This is a sign of high gelatin content, which is one of the key components that makes it so beneficial for postpartum recovery.

Does Bone Broth Increase Milk Supply? The Science and Tradition

When parents ask if bone broth increases milk supply, the answer is nuanced. There are no large-scale clinical trials that specifically prove bone broth directly signals the breasts to produce more milk. However, lactation does not happen in a vacuum. Your milk supply is heavily influenced by your overall health, your hydration levels, and your caloric intake.

In many cultures, warm soups and broths are the cornerstone of the "confinement" period or the first forty days after birth. Traditional Chinese Medicine, for example, views bone broth as a "blood-building" food. Since the body uses blood and nutrients to create breast milk, these traditions suggest that supporting the parent’s energy and blood volume will naturally lead to a more robust milk supply.

From a modern physiological perspective, bone broth supports lactation in several indirect but vital ways:

Hydration with Electrolytes: It provides a savory way to stay hydrated while replenishing essential salts.
Bioavailable Protein: It offers easy-to-digest protein that helps maintain the parent’s energy levels.
Amino Acid Support: It contains specific building blocks that help repair the tissues stretched or damaged during birth.

While frequent milk removal—through nursing or pumping—is the primary driver of milk supply, a well-nourished body is much better equipped to meet the demands of a growing baby.

Key Nutrients for the Breastfeeding Body

Bone broth is often called a "liquid gold" of nutrition because of its unique profile. For a breastfeeding parent, several of these nutrients are particularly valuable.

Collagen and Gelatin

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. It forms the structure of our skin, bones, muscles, and ligaments. During the long simmering process of making bone broth, collagen breaks down into gelatin.

For a postpartum parent, gelatin is a powerhouse. It supports gut health by helping to maintain the lining of the digestive tract. A healthy gut ensures that you are actually absorbing the nutrients from the other healthy foods you eat. Furthermore, collagen may help with the repair of the pelvic floor and abdominal tissues as they heal after delivery.

Glycine and Proline

Bone broth is rich in specific amino acids called glycine and proline. Glycine is known to have anti-inflammatory properties and may even help improve sleep quality. While "sleep" and "newborn" don't always go together, glycine can help the sleep you do get be more restorative.

Proline is essential for skin health and wound healing. Whether you are recovering from a vaginal birth or a C-section, these amino acids provide the raw materials your body needs to knit itself back together. When your body isn't struggling to heal, it can divert more energy toward lactogenesis, which is the process of milk production.

Electrolytes and Minerals

While the mineral content of bone broth is sometimes overstated, it does contain trace amounts of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. More importantly, it is a natural source of electrolytes like sodium and potassium. These minerals help your body actually absorb the water you drink, rather than just passing it through. This is crucial because dehydration is one of the fastest ways to see a temporary dip in milk volume.

The Role of Hydration in Lactation

You have likely been told to "drink until you are thirsty" or to keep a water bottle nearby every time you nurse. This is because breast milk is about 87% water. If you are dehydrated, your body may prioritize your own vital functions over milk production.

Water alone is not always enough to stay properly hydrated. You also need electrolytes to maintain fluid balance in your cells. Bone broth serves as a functional hydration drink. It provides the fluid you need along with the salts that help that fluid stay where it belongs.

If you find yourself getting bored with plain water, a warm mug of broth can be a comforting and effective way to hit your daily fluid goals. We often suggest that parents try to incorporate different types of fluids throughout the day. For example, you might enjoy our Pumpin' Punch™ drink mix during the day for a refreshing boost and a warm cup of bone broth in the evening to wind down. Our hydration drinks are specifically designed to support the needs of breastfeeding families by providing both flavor and function.

Postpartum Healing and Bone Broth

The "fourth trimester" is a period of massive physical and emotional transition. Your body is undergoing a hormonal shift while simultaneously trying to heal from the physical toll of pregnancy and birth. Bone broth is particularly well-suited for this phase because it is easy on the digestive system.

After birth, many parents experience "postnatal depletion." This happens when the body’s nutrient stores are exhausted. Bone broth acts as a gentle way to begin replenishing those stores without requiring the digestive system to work too hard. It is warm, which is soothing to the nervous system, and it provides a steady stream of amino acids that support the let-down reflex.

The let-down reflex is the hormonal response that pushes milk out of the breast. It is triggered by the hormone oxytocin, often called the "love hormone." Stress and pain can inhibit oxytocin, making it harder for milk to flow. The ritual of sipping a warm, nourishing broth can help lower stress levels, creating a more relaxed environment for breastfeeding.

Cultural Traditions: "Building Blood" After Birth

In many Asian and Latin American cultures, the first month after birth is a time of extreme protection for the new parent. This often includes a diet of "warm" foods. Cold foods and drinks are often avoided because they are thought to slow down the healing process and decrease milk supply.

Traditional soups, such as seaweed soup in Korea or papaya and fish soup in China, often use a bone-based broth as the foundation. These cultures have recognized for centuries that a parent needs concentrated, easy-to-digest nutrition to produce high-quality milk.

Modern science is beginning to catch up to these traditions. We now know that the "blood-building" properties described in ancient texts likely refer to the high concentrations of iron, B vitamins, and protein found in these traditional soups. For many Black breastfeeding moms and families from diverse backgrounds, these cultural practices are a vital link to ancestral wisdom that prioritizes the parent's well-being as the foundation for the baby's health.

How to Incorporate Bone Broth Into Your Routine

You do not have to spend all day in the kitchen to enjoy the benefits of bone broth. There are many ways to make it a part of your daily life, even when you are short on time.

Sip It Plain: Think of it as a savory tea. Heat up a mug of broth in the morning or before bed. Add a pinch of sea salt, a squeeze of lemon, or some grated ginger for extra flavor and digestive support.
Use It as a Cooking Liquid: Instead of boiling your rice, quinoa, or pasta in plain water, use bone broth. This infuses your grains with extra protein and minerals.
The "Mother’s Soup" Method: Keep a pot of simple soup in the fridge. Start with bone broth and add some cooked chicken, wilted spinach, and carrots. It is a quick, one-handed meal you can heat up in minutes.
Freeze for Later: If you make a big batch, freeze it in silicone muffin tins or ice cube trays. You can pop out a few cubes to add to sauces or to quickly cool down a hot meal.

If you are buying pre-made bone broth, look for brands that use organic bones and minimal additives. High-quality broth will usually have a short ingredient list: bones, water, vegetables, and salt.

Managing Your Supply: The Bigger Picture

While bone broth is a wonderful addition to a breastfeeding diet, it is important to remember that it is just one piece of the puzzle. Milk supply is a demand-driven system. The more often and more effectively you remove milk, the more milk your body will make.

If you are concerned about your supply, we recommend focusing on these three areas:

Effective Milk Removal: Ensure your baby has a good latch or that your pump flanges are correctly sized. Aim for at least 8 to 12 feedings or pumping sessions in a 24-hour period.
Caloric Intake: Breastfeeding burns roughly 300 to 500 calories a day. If you are not eating enough, your supply may suffer. Bone broth helps, but you also need healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, and plenty of protein.
Stress Management: High levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) can interfere with your let-down. Take time for yourself, ask for help, and remember that you are doing an amazing job.

For parents who want more hands-on help, our power pumping guide is a useful next step when you are trying to make the most of each session.

Key Takeaway: Bone broth supports the "foundational health" of a nursing parent. By improving hydration, gut health, and tissue repair, it creates a physical environment where your body can focus on producing milk.

Complementing Your Diet with Lactation Support

Sometimes, a healthy diet and plenty of broth aren't quite enough to give you the peace of mind you need. That is where targeted lactation support comes in. At Milky Mama, we offer a range of products designed to work alongside your healthy lifestyle to support your milk-making journey.

Our herbal supplements, like Pumping Queen or Milk Goddess, are formulated by our founder, Krystal Duhaney, who is an RN and IBCLC. When you pair these with the deep nutrition of bone broth and the hydration of our drink mixes, you are giving your body a comprehensive support system.

If you are looking for a convenient way to boost your calories and your supply at the same time, the Emergency Lactation Brownies are a favorite for a reason. They fit perfectly into a busy schedule and can be part of a broader routine that also includes the Lactation Snacks collection when you want more options to keep on hand. Every drop counts, and sometimes a little extra support—whether from a warm bowl of soup or a specially formulated treat—can make all the difference in your confidence.

Summary: Is Bone Broth the Answer?

So, does bone broth increase milk supply? While it may not contain a specific "switch" that increases milk, it is one of the most supportive foods you can consume during the postpartum period. It addresses the common hurdles of lactation: dehydration, nutrient depletion, and physical exhaustion.

By providing a rich source of collagen, amino acids, and electrolytes, bone broth helps your body heal so it can function at its best. Think of it as a way to "fill your own cup" so that you have more to give to your baby. Whether you make it from scratch or buy a high-quality version from the store, it is a soothing, traditional, and effective way to nourish yourself through the beautiful and challenging journey of breastfeeding.

Next Step: Try incorporating one cup of warm bone broth into your daily routine for a week. Notice how you feel—are you more hydrated? Do you feel more satisfied between meals? Taking small, consistent steps to care for yourself is the best way to support your baby.

FAQ

Is it safe to drink bone broth every day while breastfeeding?

Yes, bone broth is generally considered safe and highly beneficial for daily consumption during lactation. It provides essential proteins and minerals that support both your recovery and your milk quality. However, always ensure you are sourcing your broth from high-quality, reputable sources to avoid any potential contaminants.

Can bone broth replace a meal if I am trying to lose baby weight?

We do not recommend using bone broth as a meal replacement while breastfeeding. Your body requires a significant amount of calories and a balance of fats and carbohydrates to maintain a healthy milk supply. Instead, use bone broth as a snack or a base for a nutrient-dense soup that includes proteins and vegetables. If you want more help building a full plate, our Breastfeeding Diet guide offers practical ideas.

Which is better for milk supply: beef or chicken bone broth?

Both beef and chicken bone broth offer similar benefits, such as collagen, gelatin, and amino acids. Chicken broth is often lighter and easier on a sensitive stomach, while beef broth may have slightly higher concentrations of certain minerals. Choose the one that you find most palatable, as enjoying what you eat is key to staying consistent with your nutrition.

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Does Bone Broth Increase Milk Supply? Nutrients for Nursing

Table of Contents

Introduction

What Is Bone Broth, Exactly?

Does Bone Broth Increase Milk Supply? The Science and Tradition