Is Custard Good for Breastfeeding Mothers?

Posted on May 23, 2026

Introduction
What is Custard Exactly?
The Nutritional Powerhouse: Eggs and Milk
Is Custard a Galactagogue?
When to Avoid Dairy Custard
Dairy-Free Custard Alternatives
Boosting Your Custard with Lactation Ingredients
The Sugar Question: How Much is Too Much?
Understanding Supply and Demand
The Importance of Hydration
Custard as a Postpartum Comfort Food
Making the Most of Your Snacking
Conclusion
FAQ

Introduction

Breastfeeding is a beautiful journey, but it often leaves you feeling like you could eat everything in the pantry. You might find yourself reaching for something sweet, creamy, and comforting in the middle of the night. If custard is your go-to treat, you may wonder if it is a good choice for you and your baby. At Milky Mama, we know that nutrition is a top priority for nursing parents, but we also believe that food should be enjoyable.

Custard can be a wonderful addition to your postpartum diet because it provides essential nutrients like calcium and protein. However, there are a few things to consider, especially if your baby shows signs of a dairy sensitivity. In this article, we will explore the benefits of custard, how to choose the best ingredients, and when you might need to look for dairy-free alternatives. We want to help you feel empowered to make the best choices for your breastfeeding journey.

What is Custard Exactly?

Before we dive into the benefits, let’s look at what makes up a traditional custard. At its core, custard is a mixture of milk or cream, eggs, and a sweetener. It is often thickened with heat or a bit of cornstarch. Because it relies on whole-food ingredients, it is much more than just a dessert.

The texture is smooth and soothing, which is why many cultures use it as a recovery food. For a breastfeeding mother, the combination of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates provides a quick and steady source of energy. It is a dense food, meaning a small serving can feel very satisfying.

The Nutritional Powerhouse: Eggs and Milk

Traditional custard is built on two nutritional heavyweights: eggs and dairy. Both of these play a significant role in supporting a healthy milk supply and your own recovery.

The Benefits of Eggs

Eggs are often called nature’s multivitamin. They are rich in choline, which is an essential nutrient for your baby’s brain development. When you consume enough choline, it passes through your breast milk to support your little one.

Eggs also provide high-quality protein. This helps your body repair tissues after birth. They also contain healthy fats that contribute to the satiety of your milk. Many moms find that adding more protein and fat to their diet helps them feel less "hangry" between feedings.

The Role of Calcium

While you are breastfeeding, your body’s need for calcium increases. Most experts recommend about 1250mg of calcium daily for nursing mothers. If you do not get enough calcium from your diet, your body will actually take it from your own bones to ensure your milk remains nutritious for the baby.

Custard made with cow’s milk is an excellent source of this mineral. One serving can give you a significant head start on your daily goals. This helps protect your bone density for the long term.

Is Custard a Galactagogue?

You may have heard the term galactagogue used in breastfeeding circles. A galactagogue is a substance that may help increase milk supply by supporting the hormones responsible for milk production. While custard itself isn't a traditional galactagogue, its components can certainly support your supply.

The fats in custard help stabilize your blood sugar. When your blood sugar is stable, your hormones can function more effectively. This creates a better environment for milk production. Additionally, the comfort and relaxation that comes from eating a favorite treat can help with your let-down reflex. The let-down reflex is what moves milk from the back of the breast to the nipple so your baby can drink.

Key Takeaway: Custard provides essential fats and proteins that support hormone balance and overall energy, making it a supportive addition to a breastfeeding diet.

What to Do Next:

Try making a homemade custard to control the sugar levels.
Use pasture-raised eggs for an extra boost of Omega-3 fatty acids.
Consider adding a dash of cinnamon for flavor and blood sugar support.

When to Avoid Dairy Custard

While dairy-based custard is great for many, it isn't right for everyone. Some babies have a condition called Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy (CMPA). This is different from lactose intolerance. CMPA happens when a baby’s immune system reacts to the proteins found in cow’s milk.

If your baby has CMPA, the proteins you eat can pass through your breast milk and cause a reaction. Common signs of a dairy sensitivity in babies include:

Excessive fussiness or colic-like symptoms.
Skin rashes or eczema.
Green, mucousy, or bloody stools.
Reflux or frequent spitting up.

If you suspect your baby is sensitive to dairy, you may need to trial a dairy-free diet. This means traditional custard would be off the menu for a while. But don't worry—there are plenty of ways to enjoy a creamy treat without the cow's milk.

Dairy-Free Custard Alternatives

If you are avoiding dairy, you can still enjoy the comfort of custard. Many plant-based milks work beautifully as a base. Here are some options that are popular with breastfeeding moms:

Oat Milk: This is a favorite because oats are a well-known galactagogue. Oat milk custard is naturally sweet and very creamy.
Coconut Milk: Full-fat canned coconut milk creates a very rich, decadent custard. It is also high in lauric acid, which is a healthy fat also found in breast milk.
Almond Milk: This is a lighter option. If you use almond milk, make sure it is fortified with calcium and iodine to match the nutritional profile of cow's milk.

When making dairy-free custard, you can still use eggs unless your baby also has an egg allergy. Many babies who react to milk also react to soy, so it is often wise to avoid soy-based custards initially if you are troubleshooting sensitivities.

Boosting Your Custard with Lactation Ingredients

You can turn a simple bowl of custard into a "superfood" for breastfeeding by adding specific ingredients. We love finding ways to make every bite count toward your goals.

Adding Oats and Flaxseed

If you are using a thinner milk like almond or hemp, you can thicken your custard with a bit of ground flaxseed or oat flour. Flaxseed is rich in phytoestrogens, which may support milk production. Oats provide fiber and iron, which are often low in postpartum parents.

For more information about the ingredients commonly used in lactation support, explore Milky Mama’s ingredient guide.

Healthy Fats

Adding a spoonful of ghee or coconut oil to your custard while it cooks can increase the calorie density. Breastfeeding burns a lot of energy—anywhere from 300 to 500 calories a day. Healthy fats are a great way to meet those energy needs without feeling overly full.

In our experience, moms who focus on high-quality fats often report feeling more satisfied and having a more consistent milk supply. We often suggest our Lady Leche™ supplement or Pumping Queen™ supplement to support supply, but we always remind moms that these work best when paired with a nourishing, fat-rich diet.

Important Note: This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult with your healthcare provider for medical advice before starting any new supplement.

The Sugar Question: How Much is Too Much?

While custard is nutritious, store-bought versions can be very high in refined sugar. Too much sugar can lead to energy crashes, which is the last thing an exhausted mom needs. When you have a "sugar crash," your stress hormones like cortisol can spike. High levels of stress hormones can sometimes interfere with your milk let-down.

When possible, try making your custard at home. You can use natural sweeteners like maple syrup, honey, or even mashed dates. This provides a slower release of energy.

What to Do Next:

Check labels on store-bought custard for "added sugars."
Experiment with using vanilla bean or extract to add sweetness without extra sugar.
Pair your custard with fresh berries for added fiber and antioxidants.

Understanding Supply and Demand

We often get asked if eating specific foods like custard or our Emergency Brownies will "fix" a low supply. It is important to remember that breastfeeding works on a system of supply and demand. This means the more milk you remove from your breasts, the more milk your body will make.

Nourishing foods like custard support your body so it has the resources to make milk. However, they cannot replace the need for frequent feedings or pumping sessions. Food is the support system, but the baby (or pump) is the engine.

For additional guidance, read this expert guide to increasing milk supply through breastfeeding and pumping.

The Importance of Hydration

Custard has a high water content, which contributes to your daily fluid intake. However, it shouldn't be your only source of hydration. We always suggest keeping a large water bottle nearby during every nursing session.

If you find plain water boring, our Pumpin Punch™ drink mix or Milky Melon™ drink mix drinks are excellent options. They provide hydration along with ingredients designed to support lactation. Staying hydrated ensures that your blood volume remains high, which is essential for transporting nutrients to your milk-producing cells.

Custard as a Postpartum Comfort Food

The postpartum period is a time of massive transition. You are healing, learning a new skill, and likely losing sleep. In many traditional cultures, warm, soft, and sweet foods are given to new mothers to "warm the womb" and provide comfort.

Custard fits perfectly into this philosophy. It is easy to digest, which is helpful if your digestive system is still sluggish after birth. It is also a "one-handed food" if you are eating it cold from the fridge, which every breastfeeding mom knows is a major win.

Fun fact: did you know that breastfeeding in public—covered or uncovered—is legal in all 50 states? So, if you are out at a café and want to enjoy a slice of custard tart while nursing your baby, you are well within your rights!

Making the Most of Your Snacking

When you are a Milky Mama, your well-being matters just as much as your baby’s. Eating should not feel like another chore on your to-do list. Custard can be a simple, delicious way to take care of yourself.

If you are looking for other ways to support your journey, consider incorporating a variety of foods. Dark leafy greens, nuts, and sesame seeds are all great additions to your daily routine. Every drop counts, and every healthy meal you eat helps you stay strong for yourself and your little one.

Explore Milky Mama’s lactation snacks and treats for convenient options when you do not have time to bake.

What to Do Next:

Batch-cook a large portion of custard at the start of the week.
Keep it in small jars for easy, grab-and-go snacking.
If you're too tired to cook, look for high-quality, organic options at the store.

Conclusion

Is custard good for breastfeeding mothers? In most cases, the answer is a resounding yes. It offers a balance of protein, calcium, and healthy fats that can support your recovery and your milk supply. As long as your baby does not have a dairy sensitivity, custard is a nutritious and comforting treat that can help you meet your high energy needs.

Custard is rich in calcium, which protects your bone health.
Eggs in custard provide choline for baby's brain development.
Dairy-free versions (oat or coconut) are great for sensitive babies.
Focus on homemade versions to keep sugar levels in check.

Takeaway: You deserve to enjoy your food while nourishing your baby. Custard is a versatile, nutrient-dense snack that fits perfectly into a supportive breastfeeding lifestyle.

You’re doing an amazing job. If you ever feel overwhelmed or have questions about your supply, don't hesitate to reach out for professional support. Joining a community like Milky Mama can provide the encouragement and education you need to reach your breastfeeding goals.

FAQ

Can custard increase milk supply?

While custard is not a direct galactagogue, it provides the healthy fats and protein needed to support the hormones that produce milk. The calcium and calories help keep your energy levels stable, which is essential for maintaining a healthy supply.

Is it safe to eat custard if my baby has a dairy allergy?

If your baby has a confirmed Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy (CMPA), you should avoid traditional dairy-based custard. The proteins can pass through your breast milk and cause a reaction in your baby. Instead, try making custard with oat, coconut, or almond milk.

What are the best dairy-free custard alternatives for breastfeeding?

Oat milk is an excellent choice because oats are often linked to increased milk supply. Coconut milk is also a great option as it provides healthy fats like lauric acid, which is also found in human breast milk and supports immune health.

How much custard can I eat while breastfeeding?

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Is Custard Good for Breastfeeding Mothers?

Table of Contents

Introduction

What is Custard Exactly?