Should you drink lactation cereal drinks after giving birth?

Content advised and reviewed by Dr. Le Pham Anh Vy (Specialist Level I) - Head of the Nutrition Department - American International Hospital (AIH).
What are lactation cereals?
Cereals are the grains or seeds of plants in the grass family Gramineae used as food, such as barley, oats, corn, wheat, millet, etc… In addition, cereal products in Vietnam often add nuts and beans such as black beans, mung beans, red beans, macadamia nuts, walnuts, cashews, etc…
Whole grains contain plenty of phytoestrogens, which have a milk-boosting effect in women after giving birth

What are the health benefits of cereals for mums?
The phytoestrogens in cereals stimulate the pituitary gland to secrete more prolactin, which in turn promotes breast milk production.
Besides boosting milk supply, cereals are also an important food source, providing energy and many nutrients such as protein, vitamins and minerals. 🡪 This helps you recover sooner.

Cereals have a low glycaemic index and are considered a factor that may reduce the risk of developing diabetes.
In addition, the fibre in cereals helps relieve constipation in women after giving birth.
Along with that, the nuts and beans in cereal products also provide amino acids, healthy fats, …
Things to note when using lactation cereals
Cereal products in Vietnam are blended from many different ingredients. So read the ingredients on the packaging carefully; if you have a history of allergy to any ingredient in the cereal, do not use it!

Cereals and cereal products can spoil during storage, especially through contamination with mould toxins such as aflatoxin. Most whole grains can be kept in the fridge for 2 to 3 months and in the freezer for 6 to 8 months. At room temperature, store cereals in an airtight container in a dry place away from direct sunlight to keep them fresh and prevent insects and bacteria getting in. Ideally, check before use and throw them away immediately if you find the cereal is mouldy or smells unusual!
How to prepare cereal: you can use warm water or unsweetened skimmed fresh milk to mix the cereal and still preserve its nutrients.
In addition, you also need to get enough nutrients from other food sources and ensure food safety!

References:
The milk-boosting effect of cereals
1. Foods to Promote Breast Milk Production, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
2. Postnatal milk-boosting nutrition mums need to know, American International Hospital (AIH)
3. Stahl S, Chun TY, Gray WG. Phytoestrogens act as estrogen agonists in an estrogen-responsive pituitary cell line. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 1998,152(1):41-48. doi:10.1006/taap.1998.8500
Health benefits of cereals and things to note
1. McKevith, B. Nutritional aspects of cereals. Nutrition Bulletin. 2004,29(2):111-142. doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-3010.2004.00418.x
2. Top foods that don't spoil easily and are super easy to store. Ministry of Health - Vietnam Food Administration

The milk-boosting effect of cereals

1. Foods to Promote Breast Milk Production, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

2. Postnatal milk-boosting nutrition mums need to know, American International Hospital (AIH) 3. Stahl S, Chun TY, Gray WG. Phytoestrogens act as estrogen agonists in an estrogen-responsive pituitary cell line. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 1998,152(1):41-48. doi:10.1006/taap.1998.8500

Health benefits of cereals and things to note

1. McKevith, B. Nutritional aspects of cereals. Nutrition Bulletin. 2004,29(2):111-142. doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-3010.2004.00418.x

2. Top foods that don't spoil easily and are super easy to store. Ministry of Health - Vietnam Food Administration