Best Foods To Increase Breast Milk

The WHO recommends initiating breastfeeding within the first hour of birth and exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months thereafter, meaning no other source of food or water for the infant. However, many women suffer from many lactation related issues, low milk supply, and struggle to establish milk supply during the initial breastfeeding days. While it’s not talked about often, but a mother can improve her breast milk supply through natural supplements and dietary changes and reverse lactation issues.

LACTATION ISSUES:

Many women face lactation issues for a variety of reasons such as waiting too long to start breast-feeding, not breast-feeding often enough, supplementing breastfeeding, an ineffective latch due to inverted nipples or tongue tie and use of certain medications. These issues can lead to a low milk supply. A C-Section delivery also affects the ability to breastfeed for many new mothers as it may take longer for the mother to produce milk as compared to the mothers who go through normal delivery. Every new mother questions if she is able to provide enough for her baby or not and poor lactation results in emotional guilt of not being able to provide enough for their baby. There is also a hesitation of trying other solutions and harming the baby. 

REMEDIES TO INCREASE LACTATION:

There are indeed many ways of increasing milk supply naturally through food products and natural based supplements. Shatavari powder is one of the best lactation supplements available and is completely natural, herbal with no side-effects. It’s an age old and trusted Ayurvedic treatment which generations of mothers have relied on. Many brands such as Zandu Striveda provide Ayurvedic lactation supplements enriched with Shatavari for women to help improve their lactation. 

There are many food products, when supplemented in diet can lead to significant results in improving lactation and increasing breast milk supply of new mothers.

Satavari

Satavari is an ayurvedic herb which contains galactagogue properties and helps increase secretion of hormones that improve production of breast milk. Alternatively, you can also take Shatavari based supplement Zandu Striveda. Mix 1-2 tablespoons (10-20g) with a glass of milk and drink immediately. This shows results as soon as 15 days when had at the prescribed intervals. Zandu Striveda Satavari Lactation Supplement is a proven Ayurvedic galactagogue which is enriched with Satavari and is known to increase the quantity of breastmilk in nursing mothers. It is natural and safe to use and can be purchased on Amazon.

Fennel Seeds

Fennel seeds contain phytoestrogens which are similar to estrogen and help produce milk. These can be chewed in the quantity of a spoon. They are known to increase breast milk supply.

Garlic

Using garlic in your day to day food can also help in increasing secretion of breastmilk. It is full of ayurvedic properties and is very beneficial and helps to improve lactation

Fenugreek Seeds

Fenugreek seeds are the primary ingredient of lactation supplements and are very effective in increasing breast milk supply. It is one of the best natural lactation supplements that have been had by many young mothers for generations.

Ginger

Ginger is believed to enhance the milk supply in mothers in many parts of the world as it has galactagogue properties that increases production of breastmilk. You may use ginger in your food or to brew your tea.

Cumin seeds

Rich in iron, cumin seeds are a great source of energy for feeding moms and they are also very effective. These are widely used in Indian cuisine and are great for increasing breastmilk supply. Add roasted cumin seeds in your food or take it with warm milk.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon has been used by mothers to increase breastmilk production for a very long time. Cinnamon is a fragrant herb used in a variety of Indian dishes and it also enhances the flavour or breastmilk.

CHOOSE THE BEST FOOD

Breast milk is the perfect baby food and the best feed and it cannot be replaced. There might be initial challenges, but all mothers are able to produce breastmilk naturally and monitoring food habits and relying on natural supplements goes a long way in establishing a healthy milk supply which in turn leads to more enjoyable breastfeeding sessions, a happy baby and a contented mother.

Using natural supplements such as Shatavari is a sustainable and a pocket friendly option which is also the best option for improving milk supply. Lactation issues can be reversed through dietary changes, as well as through multiple feeds and bonding alone with your infant. It takes time, but all mommies can and have the strength to feed their babies. It takes a little bit of hard work and patience, but the benefits of breastfeed last a life time. Choose the best for you and your baby today.