Top 10 Best Foods To Increase Breast Milk Supply Naturally

Put your worries about not producing enough breast milk for your baby to rest because you can improve your supply naturally.





Breast milk is necessary because it has all the nutrients a baby needs and offers some protection, especially in the first few months of life. Babies should exclusively consume breast milk for the first few months of their existence in order to encourage healthy growth and development, immune system function, and bonding. But, if you believe your baby is still hungry after feedings or are worried about your supply, you can eat particular foods and adhere to specific rules to maintain and boost your milk production.


RELATED:Foods To Avoid During Breastfeeding






Causes Of Low Breast Milk Supply

If you are wondering why you don’t have enough breast milk supply to satisfy your little one, here are some possible reasons:

  • You don’t drink enough water.
  • You started breastfeeding late and not on the day of delivery.
  • You are not breastfeeding often enough.
  • You are taking certain medications.
  • You have had previous breast surgery.


Other factors include premature birth, high blood pressure (induced by pregnancy), maternal obesity, and diabetes.


But, why is breastfeeding so important? These facts will tell you why.


Human milk has the ability to boost a baby’s immunity big time.

Breastfeeding reduces your infant’s risk of contracting diseases later in life.

It is also beneficial to the mother and reduces her risk of developing breast cancer, heart disease, and osteoporosis.

Breastfeeding speeds up the postpartum recovery of the mother.

New mothers can more easily return to their pre-pregnancy weight by breastfeeding more often.

About 75% of new moms produce more milk in their right breast as compared to their left.

Breastfeeding lowers the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

It can also reduce your infant’s risk of developing cavities or getting braces later in life.

Breast milk contains certain substances that promote sleep in babies and calmness in mothers.


The amount of milk your breasts can produce has nothing to do with their shape or size.

Breastfeeding is of great significance in the early years of your baby. If you feel that your breast milk supply is not up to par, all you need to do is start consuming more of the following foods.







How To Increase Your Breast Milk Supply Naturally






1. Fenugreek Seeds



                    


You Will Need:

  • 1 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds
  • 1 cup of water
  • Honey


What You Have To Do

Boil a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds with a cup of water in a saucepan.

Simmer for 5 minutes and strain.

When the tea is warm enough to drink, add a little honey.

Consume fenugreek tea about 3 times daily to increase your breast milk supply.



Why This Works

Fenugreek seeds are one of the best ingredients that can increase breast milk supply. They are good sources of phytoestrogen and also exhibit galactagogue properties in nursing mothers. (Galactagogue is just a fancy word for foods or drugs that increase the production of breast milk.)





READ MORE:The Health Benefits Of Fenugreek You








2. Torbangun



                





You Will Need:

Torbangun leaves



What You Have To Do

Drink torbangun tea or soup. You can also add it to other foods and consume it daily.



Why This Works

Torbangun is widely used in Bataknese traditional cuisine, and it’s gradually becoming known in the West. This is another herb that has been proven to increase the production of breast milk.




3. Drumsticks



                              






You Will Need:

1/2 cup of freshly extracted drumstick juice


What You Have To Do

Consume half a cup of freshly extracted drumstick juice once daily.


Why This Works

Drumsticks are a rich source of many nutrients that help in stimulating the mammary glands to produce more milk. Consuming drumstick juice also improves blood circulation, which, in turn, increases your breast milk supply.







4. Fennel Seeds


You Will Need:

  • 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds
  • 1 cup of hot water
  • Honey



What You Have To Do

Add a teaspoon of fennel seeds to a cup of hot water.

Steep for 5 to 10 minutes and strain.

Allow the tea to cool a little before adding some honey.

Consume fennel tea 2 to 3 times daily.

Alternatively, you can also chew on some fennel seeds.



Why This Works

Fennel is another herb that is used as a galactagogue for nursing mothers. The seeds are phytoestrogens, i.e., they mimic estrogen, a hormone that is known to increase the production of breast



SEE MORE;36 Real Health Benefits of Fennel Seed and Its Side Effects





5. Milk Thistle


You Will Need:

Milk thistle supplements



What You Have To Do

Take 2 to 3 milk thistle capsules daily.



Why This Works

Milk thistle is a flowering plant that was used in ancient times to increase the production of breast milk. As a phytoestrogen, it displays estrogenic activity, which helps in increasing the breast milk supply.





ALSO READ:15 Unbelievable Health Benefits of Milk Thistle + Milk Thistle Side Effects





6. Garlic





You Will Need:

Peeled garlic cloves



What You Have To Do

Mince the garlic cloves and add the paste to your dishes.

You can also chew on a few garlic cloves throughout the day, preferably when you don’t have to breathe garlic breath on anyone!



Why This Works

Garlic has lactogenic properties that help increase breast milk supply in mothers. It’s antifungal and it is reported to strengthen the bond between the mother and infant.




6. Herbal Tea



You Will Need:

Herbal teas like anise tea or caraway tea



What You Have To Do

Drink 2 to 3 cups of anise or caraway tea daily.


Why This Works

Herbs like anise and caraway are phytoestrogens that exhibit estrogenic properties. They act as galactagogues and also clear clogged milk ducts, thus increasing breast milk supply.




READ:Health Benefits of Hibiscus Tea



7. Oats


You Will Need:

A bowl of cooked oats



What You Have To Do

Consume a bowl of cooked oats daily.


Why This Works

Oats are rich in fiber and iron, which reduce cholesterol and increase breast milk production. They also induce relaxation, which, in turn, helps increase lactation. These properties make oats one of the best options to increase the supply of breast milk.



8. Whole Grains



You Will Need:

Whole grains like corn, quinoa, and wheat



What You Have To Do

Increase your intake of whole grains like wheat, quinoa, and corn.



Why This Works

The intake of whole grains not just helps increase the production of breast milk but also ensures that your infant is getting all the necessary nutrients for its growth and development.

Note: Many people are avoiding gluten grains these days, so you may want to limit your intake of wheat.







9. Almond Milk




You Will Need:

Almond milk (unsweetened)



What You Have To Do

Consume a cup of almond milk 1 to 2 times daily.



Why This Works

Almond milk is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids that help increase breast milk production. Hence, nursing mothers consume almond milk regularly to improve both the quantity and quality of their milk.






10. Carom (Caraway) Seeds


                                   





You Will Need:

1-2 teaspoons of carom seeds

1 cup of water


What You Have To Do:


Soak a teaspoon or two of carom seeds in water overnight.

The next morning, strain the mixture and consume the solution.

Drink this daily to boost your breast milk supply.



Why This Works

Carom seeds are another excellent traditional remedy that can help naturally increase the supply of breast milk

Now that you have an idea about what to eat for increasing breast milk supply, let’s look at the foods that you need to avoid as they may decrease breast milk production.



What Foods Can Decrease Milk Supply?


For centuries, midwives have given women advice on what to consume when they are ready to stop breastfeeding and allow their breast milk to dry up. But don’t use these foods in any quantity if you are still breastfeeding. The following foods can decrease breast milk supply:

  • Parsley
  • Peppermint
  • Spearmint
  • Sage
  • Oregano
  • Thyme
  • Alcohol

In addition to avoiding these foods, follow the tips mentioned below.




Preventive Tips

Closely observe your baby for signs of hunger, especially in the first few weeks.

Let your baby sleep close to you, at least for the first 6 months.

Try and avoid using pacifiers.

Follow a healthy diet.

Drink plenty of fluids, avoiding sugar and aspartame-sweetened sodas.

Get enough rest.

Try massaging your breasts for an increased supply of breast milk.

Avoid wearing tight bras and tops. Opt for loose clothing.




ALSO SEE:
Health Benefits And Risks of Consuming Milk


Next Post Previous Post
No Comment
Add Comment
comment url

mAds1

mAd2

mAd3

mAdsfeed