Shakeology: Is it safe to drink while Pregnant and Breastfeeding?
Ok, so he is not crying because of what I am holding, he is crying because he was not ready for the photo shoot!! HAHA!! Anyways, I am here because I have had SOOOO many people ask me about being pregnant or breastfeeding while drinking Shakeology… ya know, that superfood health shake that has so many veggies that is has the amount of 6 servings of salads?!?
Well, I am DELIGHTED to share my own experience with you, as well as some other info, stats, and feedback regarding us mommas-to-be and new mamas fueling our bodies with this meal replacement superfood shake while pregnant or breastfeeding our babies! I used Shakeology DAILY throughout my entire pregnancy and continue to drink it daily today!
*Please note, while I was pregnant and drinking Shakeology, I did NOT take a pre natal vitamin since all the vitamins and minerals are already in Shakeology… the only thing I added was a folic acid supplement!
First things first, if you have not been following me and my journey throughout my pregnancy, I am 7 weeks post-partum from delivering this beautiful baby boy and it was also my very first home birth experience and it was INCREDIBLE to say the least!! I had a wonderful midwife who is just amazing, along with the rest of a great birth team to help me deliver my babe all natural and a birth photographer Lexi (F 2 Photography) to capture such incredible moments during my labor!
Baby Josiah “baby J” is now growing big and strong and his favorite hobby is… eating, pooping, and sleeping!!
So now that I bragged about my boy and how amazing he is lol, lets get down to it!!
Is drinking Shakeology while breastfeeding or pregnancy safe?!
I am not a doctor, nor an expert, so if you have medical problems or are extremely skeptical, the safest answer for me is to talk to your doctor/OB and show them the nutritional facts and label! But I will say from a nurse standpoint, along with being a momma who wants best for their kids, I found it being an easy healthy meal for me to take while trying to get the proper nutrition for me and baby!
I see so many people (including myself my last 2 pregnancies) eating fast food, foods with artificial sweeteners, and that are processed… so we are eating foods that are full of chemicals that we have no clue what they are actually doing to our body. It is so important to have a well balanced diet, and eat the proper foods, and to stay away from chemicals and processed foods as much as possible!
Here is the Doctor letter that you can take with you to your appointment: SHAKEOLOGY DOCTOR LETTER
Shakeology During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Concerns
Some doctors don’t want patients to take Shakeology during pregnancy and nursing due to the following concerns:
1. Shakeology is Not Approved by the FDA
Some doctors will only approve supplements that are approved by the Food and Drug Administration. However, the FDA does not approve any dietary supplements.
2. Vitamin A
Too much Vitamin A (in retinol form, from animal sources) has been linked to birth defects. However, the Vitamin A in Shakeology is beta-carotene, with which there are no correlating issues of any kind.
3. Ashwagandha
If consumed in large amounts, this herb can cause premature birth. In India, it was traditionally used to strengthen the uterus in anticipation of, and during pregnancy. The herb has a spasmolytic effect, which has resulted in modern Western medicine restricting its use, especially during pregnancy. However, many experts say that it is safe during pregnancy, in small doses.
4. Ginkgo Biloba
Shakeology contains less than 50 mg of Ginkgo Biloba, and weak scientific evidence has indicated that it might possibly induce labor and that it has an antiplatelet effect that may prolong bleeding time.
Shakeology’s Official Answer: Can I take Shakeology when I’m pregnant or
breastfeeding?
“Shakeology should only be taken by pregnant women and nursing mothers under the direction of their physicians. As with all of our supplements; we recommend that you consult with a healthcare professional if you are pregnant, breast feeding, or if you have any medical conditions. SPECIAL NOTE FOR VEGAN FORMULATIONS: Shakeology is dietary supplement in a food form, and since our vegan formulas are not fortified, the levels of any one nutrient should not be an issue for anyone or for a pregnant woman. Pregnant women need to careful about levels of Vitamin A (10,000 IU is the upper limit), but the amounts we have at unfortified levels are similar to those found in unfortified foods and in fruits and vegetables. Accordingly, pregnant women should consider their intake of vegan Shakeology as part of their normal diet, but should not rely solely on Shakeology to meet the needs of pregnancy for nutrients like, iron, folate, Vitamin A, or calcium.”
Where Can I Find Shakeology or Get More Information About it?
This boy right here is one healthy and happy baby!
And is his breastfed Shakeology brother Weston that is 5 and his 7 year old big brother that still drinks Shakeology on a regular basis because it’s what they call “their healthy dessert!” 
If you are a mommy-to-be or a breastfeeding mama and are looking to start or continue your journey of living a healthy lifestyle and want more information on getting started with Shakeology and/or a fitness program that you can do right at home, email me at [email protected] and in the subject, title “Pregnant or breastfeeding mama”!
To sign up with a free account CLICK HERE
Testimonies from new moms who breastfeed and drink Shakeology
“When I started with Shakeology a couple years ago, my oldest sons was just 1. I had bought the 21 day fix program to help me lose the baby weight. But my milk supply starting dropping. With my goal to breastfeed until my son was two. I stopped the 21 DF workout and moved to something more fit to my lifestyle. Along with switch gears, I also left behind the one thing that allowed me to get my breakfast meal in ( my hardest meal of the day) SHAKEOLOGY! Any one who is breastfeeding know that your calorie intake and eating healthy food is super important. Well let me back track a moment. Before starting the 21 day fix I was feeding my little one and pumping at least 5 oz on each side. When I lost my supply, I was down to a once on each side. I tried fenugreek tables ( 2, 3X a day) l Upped my water intake to a gal. Was eating oatmeal every morning while having a glass of mothers milk. All things I was told would boost my supply back up. Nothing was working. So when nothing to lose at this point, I reordered my Shakeology and guess what?! Within two weeks my supply was increasing. I’ve been drinking Shakeology for 2.5 yrs with the exception of a couple month here and there. Never once has either of my boys had an issue with me drinking it.” –Lynsi McKinney
“I am 3 months post-partum, am breastfeeding, and also am drinking Shakeology. I love that Shakeology fills me up and helps rid me if my cravings, but I also love that I know my baby is getting the benefits of the nutrients in the shakes as well! I have not seen any negative effects fromy baby, nor has it negatively affected my milk supply. I love my daily dose of dense nutrition! I have used both vegan and regular chocolate with no negative effects to BFing with either” -Becca Bennett
“Shakeology helped with my energy both in pregnancy and after baby when your I’m throughout the night nursing & then wake up to have 3 big kids to get off to school. It’s nice to have a tasty, filling, energetic boost for breakfast on the go. I also need to have a big meal so prenatal vitamins don’t make me nauseous. With Shakeology, it’s my prenatal vitamin and breakfast in one.” -Jessica Shumar
“I drank Shakeology throughout my second pregnancy. I regulated my digestion, curbed a ton of pregnancy cravings, and enjoyed feeling confident that my baby was getting a wonderful blend of nutritious ingredients every day. My total weight gain for this pregnancy was 20 pounds, as opposed to my first pregnancy weight gain of 70 pounds. My baby girl was born perfectly healthy and happy at just over 9 pounds! We are now enjoying our breastfeeding journey that incorporates Shakeology on a daily basis. I continue to curb cravings that we breastfeeding moms encounter, and I was able to return to my pre-pregnancy weight within two months. I’m absolutely convinced that my healthy, densely nutritious breastmilk is responsible for my baby’s thriving growth and that it’s given her the best start possible for her own healthy life! I would greatly encourage any mom-to-be to incorporate Shakeology as part of a healthy, balanced diet for herself and her bundle of joy on the way!” -Misty Nelson
“I started with shakeology when my first child was 5 months old. I was able to feel an increase in energy after about a four day stretch of use. I just felt better all over and was able to get back to running and working out without feeling completely drained even though i was working full time as an RN and also breastfeeding and pumping all day and night. I continued to use shakeology through breastfeeding and then also getting pregnant again. With my second child I felt great even right after birth. The energy I had post partum actually surprised me. Even with having a newborn and a 2 year old to chase after. The only thing I did different was that I was drinking shakeology the entire time through pregnancy and post partum. I feel that it has helped with my energy and filling in nutrient voids even with a healthy diet and especially on days I seem too busy to get in all my meals.” -Kayla Mayes