Body Armor for Breastfeeding: Can It Really Boost Milk Supply?
One of the most common concerns for nursing moms is low milk supply. That’s why many turn to popular drinks like Body Armor, hoping it might give their milk production a boost. I remember drinking Body Armor during my breastfeeding journey with my oldest, mostly to support my supply and because everyone was doing it at the time (back before I know what I know now). I thought it was helping my supply then but looking back after learning all that I do now, I’m sure it was just helping me stay hydrated.
But does it really work for increasing milk supply? Or is it just another social media trend?
I wrote this blog to dive into the science behind Body Armor and breast milk supply, exploring what really increases milk supply, and offering some hydration alternatives—including a DIY Body Armor-style drink you can make at home.
What Is Body Armor and Why Is It Popular Among Breastfeeding Moms?
Body Armor is a sports drink originally designed for athletes. It became popular in the breastfeeding community because many moms report an increase in milk supply after drinking it. On platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and parenting forums, Body Armor is frequently mentioned as a lactation “hack.”
But what’s in it that might help?
Key Ingredients in Body Armor:
- Coconut water: Natural source of electrolytes like potassium, which supports hydration
- Electrolytes: Sodium, magnesium, and potassium that help your body maintain fluid balance
- B vitamins and vitamin C: Help convert food into energy and support the immune system
- Water and fruit juice concentrates: For hydration and flavor
- Sugars: Provide quick energy, though excessive amounts may not be ideal for health
📌 Note: While these ingredients support overall wellness and hydration, none are proven galactagogues (compounds that directly increase breast milk production).
How Body Armor Supports Milk Supply
Milkology® notes that while Body Armor might modestly increase milk supply, particularly if you’re dehydrated, it’s not supported by scientific studies—and there are no formal trials affirming its lactation-boosting effects.
The suggested mechanism lies in restoring hydration and electrolyte balance through its ingredients:
- Coconut water — rich in potassium and natural electrolytes
- Electrolytes — help restore fluid levels lost during nursing
- B vitamins and other micronutrients — assist with energy and overall maternal wellness.
Dehydration may suppress milk output, so improving hydration via Body Armor, plain coconut water, or other electrolyte options may help supply rebound slightly—but only as long as hydration was the limiting factor.
Plain coconut water can be a great alternative or utilizing an electrolyte power like Relyte (my personal favorite), Kids Relyte (if your sensitive to salty taste) or LMNT, Legendary Milk also has a great watermelon flavor with Vitamin B12, I’ve had clients report this helps increase their energy. All of these options restore electrolytes without added sugars. Added sugars can impact insulin sensitivity which can poorly affect milk supply. While Body Armor is not a magic milk booster, if staying hydrated is a challenge, it may help indirectly support supply, but since it has the added sugar choosing alternative options that can hydrate just as well may be helpful.
How Fast Does Body Armor Increase Milk Supply (If At All)?
If Body Armor helps improve your milk supply, it’s most likely due to improved hydration—especially if you were previously dehydrated. Some moms claim they notice a difference in as little as a few hours to 24 hours.
However, there are many factors that impact supply, and Body Armor alone may not be effective if those factors aren’t addressed.
Factors That Influence Milk Supply:
- Frequent nursing or pumping (milk removal signals your body to produce more)
- Adequate nutrition and hydration
- Sufficient rest and stress management
- Balanced hormones & Medical History (e.g., thyroid function, insulin sensitivity, anemia)
So, while some moms experience a short-term increase, Body Armor is not a magic fix—and it should be seen as part of a holistic breastfeeding support plan.
Proven Ways to Increase Milk Supply When Pumping
- Do not skip the middle of the night pumping and/or nursing session. I see so many moms who have babies that sleep through the night who skip removing milk from their breasts for up to sometimes 8 hours and that is drastically reducing their supply. Sleep is important, however, it is biologically normal for babies to wake up to eat so I usually tell clients not to go over 5 hours if they are struggling with supply. Early morning milk removal helps increase milk making hormones (because that is when they are already higher). That way they can also get a good stretch of sleep.
- Pump more frequently – Aim to pump every 2–3 hours to signal your body to produce more milk.
- Pump after nursing – Add 10–15 minutes of pumping after breastfeeding to fully empty the breasts – and if you’re getting a lot out here, consider the fact that your baby is not adequately removing milk. Even just some hand expression after nursing can stimulate the nipple and help with supply.
- Double pump – Use a double electric pump to save time and boost milk-making hormones.
- Power pump – Mimic cluster feeding by following short pumping intervals once a day for a few days.
- Ways to power pump:
- 5 minutes pumping, 5 minutes rest, repeat 2x for a total of 30 minutes (power pumping doesn’t always have to be an hour long and that can cause nipple trauma so be careful)
- Pump for 10 minutes every hour on the hour for 4 hours, (for ex: pump for 10 minutes at noon, 1pm, 2pm, & 3pm)
- Use a pump that doesn’t drop suction when pumping like the Spectra Gold, Zomee, Cimilre & Luna Motif, the Eufy and MomCozy M5 are good wearable options as well. There are others, these are just a few options – These are stronger and more effective, especially for low supply.
- Stay hydrated and eat well – Drinking fluids and eating nourishing, high-calorie foods support supply.
- Do skin-to-skin contact – Holding your baby close helps release hormones that trigger milk production.
- Lower stress and get rest – Stress can affect letdown, so find small ways to relax and recharge.
Which Body Armor Drink Is Best for Breastfeeding Moms?
If you want to try Body Armor while breastfeeding, your best bet is:
Body Armor Lyte
- Contains less sugar and fewer calories
- Still includes coconut water and electrolytes
- Better for moms concerned with blood sugar spikes or insulin resistance
Can You Make a Body Armor Alternative at Home?
Absolutely—and you should!
Commercial Body Armor contains up to 21g of added sugar per bottle, which may lead to blood sugar spikes, crashes, and fatigue. Excess sugar can also increase the risk of insulin resistance, which may negatively impact milk supply in some women.
DIY Breastfeeding Hydration Drink (Homemade “Body Armor”)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut water
- 1 cup filtered water
- ½ cup 100% fruit juice (orange, pineapple, tart cherry or juice of a watermelon! to increase electrolytes more)
- 1 tsp chia seeds (optional for fiber & omega-3s)
- A small pinch of pink Himalayan salt (adds sodium & trace minerals)
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a large glass or reusable bottle.
- Stir or shake well.
- Chill before drinking.
- Drink throughout the day!
What are some Galactagogues (foods & herbs) that help increase milk supply?
If you haven’t heard of them already, the Mother Food book and Making More Milk are amazing resources for pointing out which foods are more likely to have a milk making (galactagogue) effect. This is a free digital version of Mother Food on amazon.
Herbs that can be helpful (dose dependent) – this is not an exhaustive list:
- Moringa
- Shatavari
- Milk Thistle
- Goat’s Rue
- Beta Glucans
- Chasteberry
Foods as Galactagogues:
- Whole grains like quinoa, oats, barley
- Fruits with pits like nectarines, peaches and hydrating fruits like watermelon, bananas, etc.
- Poultry and fish
- Legumes and beans
- Vegetables like leafy greens, green beans, asparagus, carrots, sweet potato, broccoli, cauliflower
Avoid Anti-galactagogues such as:
- peppermint (including peppermints or toothpaste made with peppermint oil)
- sage (commonly found in chicken noodle soup)
- Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine – in larger doses)
What if you’re not getting anywhere with increasing pumping or changing your diet alone?
If I’m not getting anywhere with diet modifications or herbal additions alone, I will often ask about medical history, symptoms and run a lab panel to look into issues like anemia, insulin sensitivity, thyroid conditions, pcos or other hormonal issues, etc. Often times, these conditions can turn up postpartum. And if you had trouble with fertility, chances are you might have trouble with your milk supply, not always, but it is a more common issue.
❓FAQs about Body Armor & Breastfeeding
Is Body Armor safe for breastfeeding?
Of course, you can have it, but make sure to choose the Lyte version to keep your sugar intake lower. It does help with hydration, which is really important when you’re breastfeeding, but just remember, it won’t directly boost your milk supply.
Which Body Armor Drink Is Best for Breastfeeding?
If you want to try Body Armor, go for the Lyte version, which has less sugar.
Does Body Armor increase milk supply immediately?
It may not help directly. However, it could assist indirectly by improving hydration, particularly if you were mildly dehydrated. Some moms report an increase, but this is likely due to better hydration rather than any special ingredients.
Can I drink Body Armor every day while breastfeeding?
Yes, in moderation—but be mindful of sugar content.
Is Body Armor better than Gatorade for breastfeeding?
Body Armor and Gatorade are both sports drinks that can help with hydration, which is important for breastfeeding mothers. However, neither is inherently “better” than the other for milk production, and both should be consumed in moderation. BodyArmor contains coconut water and electrolytes, potentially offering some hydration benefits. Gatorade, while also hydrating, is generally less expensive.
Can coconut water help with lactation?
Yes, it supports hydration, but is not a milk-boosting food by itself.
Body Armor might help some breastfeeding moms stay hydrated, but it’s not a miracle solution for low milk supply. The real key? Stay hydrated with drinks you enjoy, remove milk frequently, eat well, rest, and consider a homemade hydration option. Body Armor can be part of your routine—but it shouldn’t replace the breastfeeding basics that truly support supply.
Have more questions about your milk supply?
I accept most commercial insurances and offer virtual, in office and home visits. Let’s figure out what is affecting your milk supply together! Request a lactation visit and I’ll message you with more information.
More Breastfeeding posts:
📚 References
