8 Top Home Remedies to Increase Breast Milk Supply

Being a mother and giving birth is an achievement. Breastfeeding the baby strengthens the emotional bond between mother and the baby. It is advised that for proper growth and development baby should be given only mother’s milk for 6 months after his birth and no new food should be introduced before 6 months. Breast milk provides calories, proteins and all the important minerals, vitamins and antioxidants to the newborn. As a mother, you must be worried if you will able to supply a sufficient amount of milk to your baby for 6 months.

How to Know you are Producing Enough Milk

The first indication will be that the breastfeeding will be normal and painless. After feeding your breasts will feel empty and soft. Your child is sound asleep after feeding and he is passing urine. Ideally a baby is fed 6 to 8 times in a day.

What Factors are Responsible for the Decrease in the Breast Milk Production in a New Mother

Usually new mother is able to produce sufficient amount of milk required for his baby. But consuming birth control pills, nutritional deficiencies, poor diet, hormonal changes and certain health issues may cause low production of breast milk.

Do not worry as there are foods that increases breast milk supply. Add these foods to your daily diet.

Foods That Increase the Breast Milk Production

1.Fenugreek

Fenugreek is known to stimulate breast milk production. It contains phytoestrogens that stimulates mammary glands and promotes milk production.

Soak a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in one cup of warm water. Leave it overnight. In the morning, strain it and drink the water.

You may also boil the overnight soaked fenugreek seeds in a cup of water. Strain the concoction and drink it when it cools down to a bearable temperature.

*Note: If you are suffering from diabetes or asthma better avoid this.

2.Spinach

The low level of iron may be a cause of decreased breast milk supply. Thus, take foods that are rich in iron. Spinach is a good source of iron. Also, it contains folic acid, calcium, minerals and other vitamins essential for nursing mothers. Also, spinach promotes body’s detoxification and prevents anemia that is common post pregnancy. Take spinach in cooked form. You may also take the juice of raw spinach.

3.Milk

Milk is a great source of calcium and enhances the production of breast milk. Drink at least 3-4 glasses of milk every day. You may take dry fruits along with it to promote the breast milk production.

4.Drumsticks

Drumsticks are a rich source of nutrients, antioxidants and vitamins. It stimulates mammary glands. It opens the veins that are situated around your breast. This improves the blood circulation and also promotes milk supply. Extract juice of fresh drumsticks. Drink it every day.

5.Carrot and Beetroot

Both are rich in beta-carotene, which essential for the production of breast milk. Both the vegetables are rich in minerals, vitamins and other nutrients needed for the breastfeeding mother. Drink fresh juice of carrots and Beetroots.

6.Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a healthy breakfast for lactating mothers. Eating oatmeal every morning along with milk enhances breast milk production. It is a good source of iron and also provides calories along with keeping the level of cholesterol low.

7.Alfalfa

Alfalfa is rich in fibers, vitamin C, vitamin A, and proteins. It is rich in antioxidants. The Fat content is low. If you are suffering from gestational blood pressure which takes more than a month to leave even after the birth of a child alfalfa is the best for you. Add alfalfa to your soups and salads.

8.Fennel Seeds

Galactagogue, present in fennel seeds promotes breast milk. It contains phytoestrogens that stimulate the mammary glands and promotes milk production. Steep a tablespoon of fennel seeds in hot water. Strain and drink the concoction. Drink this 2 times in a day.

Besides adding above mentioned foods to increase breast milk supply to your diet, remember a rule more you feed more will be the milk production. Also make sure to take a proper sleep, try meditation and light yoga to keep stress at bay and enjoy motherhood.

Breast feeding is the best bonding time between the mother and the baby. Happy breast feeding.