Home remedies to increase Breast milk

Home remedies to increase breast milk production. A new born Baby has only 3 demands , Warmth of Mother’s arm ,  Food from her breast and Security from the knowledge of her presence.  And breast Milk provides the baby with all the three. Breast feeding binds the baby and the mother in an unbreakable bond of love.  With his small head pillowed against your breast and your milk warming him inside, your baby develops a closeness to you . He is building a firm foundation . He is learning about love .

Motherhood experience is an important aspect of most women’s lives. It is the most beautiful feeling and relation between mother and child. But every coin has two sides. It is accompanied by some worries and anxiousness.

You are concerned about the health and growth of the offspring. Is the child getting proper nutrition? Is only breast milk sufficient for my child? One of the most asked a question is what should mother eat during the nursing phase that will ensure an adequate milk supply?

Don’t worry! There are lots of new mothers with same concerns. The baby putting on weight according to his growth chart indicates you are producing enough milk. Within few initial days of birth the baby loses slight weight. This is because the baby loses water from the body. But by 14 days of age the baby goes back to birth weight. Here are some home remedies to increase Breast milk.

Signs of producing enough milk:

• Painless breastfeeding
• Breast feeling lighter post feeding
• Baby feeding more than 6 to 8 times a day.
• Baby urinating every 2 -3 hours.

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Reasons for low milk production:

Before we see the Home remedies to increase Breast milk, We need to find the reason for low milk production and work to correct it.

• Use of bottles and pacifiers:

Bottle hampers the sucking reflex of the baby. Whereas pacifiers affects the latching of the baby to mother. Both contribute in less sucking and in turn less production of milk.

• Use of supplements for baby:

You produce milk on demand. But if you feed the formulas to the baby and not breastfeed then automatically you will produce less milk.

• Use of nipple shields

Nipple shields hinder the stimulation to the nipple and milk transfer. This leads to less milk production.

• Interfere the feeding:

If you stop the feeding even before the baby ends it cut shorts the milk supply.

• Mother’s health:

Previous breast surgery, anaemia, hypothyroidism or haemorrhage, PCOD, some medications or smoking or alcohol produces less milk.

Home remedies to increase Breast milk

What foods help produce breast milk?

• Shatavari

It is an ayurvedic herb that increases breast milk supply in nursing mothers. Add 1 teaspoon shatavari powder in milk or water and consume it once or twice a day.

• Fenugreek Seeds

Fenugreek seeds boost breast milk supply. Consume soaked or sprouted seeds once in a day. You can also use fenugreek seed powder in any food preparation. Read – Benefits of Fenugreek seeds on health.

• Fennel Seeds

It is commonly known as saunf in India. Fennel increases the quantity of breast milk. It also relieves baby-colic. Use fennel seeds as a seasoning to the food or ingredient in tea.

• Gondh or Gum:

Gondh is beneficial in milk production. Add gondh in any milk preparation or boil it in water or make gondh laddus with dry fruits. read – Benefits of  gondh katira on health.

• Garlic

Garlic has chemical compounds that help in lactation. Add garlic in any vegetable or soup.

• Barley

Boil a tablespoon of barley in a litre of water. and consume this water.  This will boost milk production.

• Salmon

Omega 3 in salmon boosts milk production. Opt for steamed, boiled or grilled salmon.

• Cumin Seeds

Cumin seeds boost milk supply. Add half teaspoon cumin powder in buttermilk once or twice a day. you can also boil cumin seeds in water and consume it through out the day . this will help in digestion , sorts the gas issue in baby and improves milk secretions too.

• Basil Leaves

Basil leaves have a calming effect in mother. This helps producing more milk. The antioxidant property of basil boosts mother and baby’s immunity too.

• Almonds:

Omega 3 in almonds helps produce more milk. Consume 10 soaked almonds in the morning and 10 soaked almonds at night with a glass of milk. This will not only increase milk production but also provide the essential amino acids to the baby . So you can be sure that your baby turns out  to be intelligent . Read – Benefits of Almonds on health

• Poppy Seeds (Khus khus)

Sedative property in khus khus helps mother to relax and normalise hormone function. Eat roasted poppy seeds for better results.

How to increase breast milk? Home remedies to increase Breast milk

As we already know milk production is based on demand & supply process. Besides these Home remedies to increase Breast milk, feed frequently to produce more milk.

• Feed from both breasts :

Once baby finishes first side, then offer then offer the second side.Switch sides 2 or more times during each feeding.

• Avoid bottles and pacifiers:

Let the baby suck only breast. If need be use spoon and cup or dropper to feed the baby.

• Wean gradually:

Avoid all solids, water, and formula for first 6 months of life. Gradually wean the child from breastfeeding. But continue feeding till at least 1 -2 years of age.

• Rest:

Mothers are advised to rest. Rest helps normalise the hormones and optimizes the function of glands. Sleep when the baby sleeps.

• Balanced diet and fluids:

Consume a required well balanced diet. There is no need to force eat or eat for 2. Extra food than required will not help much. Consume fluids as advised. Excess fluids will not increase milk production.

• Use the right bra:

Avoid wearing tight bra, as it affects the milk flow. It can also clog the ducts thereby blocking milk production.

• Breast massage:

Breast massage help open the blocked ducts. It also loosens lumps in breasts. It allows a smooth passage of milk flow.

• Nurse skin-to-skin:

While feeding, undress your upper body and let your baby be only in diapers. Practice skin-to-skin nursing. But wrap a blanket around both mother and baby to avoid getting cold. This increases the bond between mother and baby and release more milk-producing hormones.

• Consume a galactagogue: 

Galactagogue is food, herb or medicine that helps produce milk for feeding.

• Use Pumps:

If the baby is unable to consume breast milk, you can switch to pumps. Frequently pump milk from breast using breast pumps. This will produce more milk. Pump till you feel the breast lighten and soften. With a working mom, pumps become very handy. Over 24 hour’s period, pump milk 8-10 times. In a day a mother produces 700 ml to 1 litre of milk. Pump milk and store for use throughout the day.

How often should Mother Pump to Increase Milk Supply?

• Morning time is the best to pump milk. Later in the day, the milk production generally decreases a bit.
• Pump 30 – 60 minutes before or after breastfeeding.
• Pump for at least for 20 minutes at a stretch.
• Use breast massage before or during pumping.
• Hand express after pumping.

End note:

Each and every female has different experience. Few galactagogues are not proven scientifically but it is being followed in India since ages with appropriate results. It is advised to see a doctor, along with these Home remedies to increase Breast milk , if the problem is persistent. Practice what is suitable for you and your baby.