7 Indian Foods to Increase Breast Milk Supply

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About: 7 Indian Foods to Increase Breast Milk Supply

Breast milk is the best thing a baby can have after their birth. It contains vital nutrients such as fats, carbohydrates, minerals and proteins, which are essential for a baby’s overall development.

Many mothers desire to increase their breastmilk supply because they feel they are not providing enough milk for their babies needs. This is a worry that affects the mother more than it should. This worry is common among new moms, and it’s natural because they want the best for their baby.

The mother’s diet is an essential aspect of nursing. It not only affects the quality and quantity of breast milk but also has an impact on the mother’s recovery after delivery. Consult a doctor when planning your postpartum diet to ensure that you meet all nutritional needs and keep track of which foods increase breast milk supply.


What are the reasons for the low breast milk supply?

Many mothers worry about breast milk supply and wonder if they are producing enough. The milk that goes into the baby’s stomach cannot be measured.

However, your baby’s weight is the best indicator of breast milk supply. To ensure that your baby’s growth and development are on track, you should regularly take him to the doctor. Babies often lose weight right after birth, and after 10-12 days, babies lose weight and then gain weight.

These signs will tell you that you’re lactating less milk and need one of the home remedies to over the lack of sufficient milk supply.

  • Due to medication
  • Excess amount of pregnancy stress
  • Hormonal imbalance
  • The baby has latching difficulties.
  • Certain illness
  • Feeding excessive baby formula food

Also Read: 6 Best Maternity Pads for New Moms Post Delivery India

7 Indian Foods to Increase Breast Milk Supply

Here’s how to increase breast milk by Indian food. And if you’re nursing, you might consider trying one of these recipes!

Methi ladoos

Methi Ladoos

Methi (Fenugreek) ladoos are delicious Indian sweets rich in nutrients and are high in calories, which new mothers need during breastfeeding. They contain ghee, which keeps the joints lubricated and muscles warm. These ladoos are loaded with vitamins and minerals, including iron and calcium and can boost a new mother’s breast milk supply and promote a healthy, happy pregnancy. Furthermore, methi is also helpful in postpartum diets, as it can help combat anaemia and improve lactation. It also acts as a painkiller and has anti-oxidant properties.

Brown rice

Brown rice is higher in fibre and a healthier option than white rice. It also contains hormone stimulants that increase breast milk supply in lactating mothers, and they can improve mood, maintain blood sugar levels, and increase appetite. All you need to do is use brown rice instead of white rice. That’s it!

Garlic

Garlic

Garlic is also helpful as it stimulates galactagogue, which helps a mother produce more breast milk. It is also known for boosting the immune system and preventing heart conditions. Although garlic can increase your breast milk supply, it can also alter the taste and aroma of breast milk.

Holy Basil (Tulsi)

For generations, lactating mothers have used holy basil or tulsi. It increases milk supply in new mothers and promotes healthy bowel movements. Additionally, Tulsi is rich in carotene, thiamine, and iron and acts as an immunity booster for both mother and child. You can use tulsi leaves in your morning tea or eat 1- 2 whole leaves daily.

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Oatmeal

Oatmeal is known to reduce bad cholesterol (LDL), lower sugar levels in the post-pregnancy stage and promote healthy bacteria in the gut. Oatmeal is high in fibre, which can positively impact your digestive system. Oats cereals can be eaten for breakfast, or you can make oats upma if you like. To increase breast milk production, nutritionists recommend that oats be added to the diet of lactating mothers.

Dilli Seeds

Dill is an ancient spice and herb used in Ayurvedic medicine and Indian cuisine. It is best known for its digestive properties and is also used to enhance breast milk secretion in new mothers. In addition, dill seeds, used in many traditional Indian recipes, contain a natural aphrodisiac known as galactagogues. Dill seeds help promote breast milk secretion by promoting appetite and helping balance vata, Kapha, and phlegm.

DrumSticks

Drumsticks (Moringa) are commonly used in many South Indian dishes, such as sambar. It is a vegetable rich in iron and calcium that aids in milk production and is rich in nutrients. Drumsticks instantly boost breast milk supply by opening breast veins and stimulating the mammary glands, resulting in a higher milk supply. You can drink drumstick juice or boil the drumstick and eat the beans present inside.


How to Increase Breast Milk Production?

How to Increase Breast Milk Production

These are some things you can do to increase your breast milk production. It will take time to increase your milk production, depending on your supply and the factors causing it to be low.

Breastfeed regularly

Breastfeed frequently and allow your baby to decide when you want to stop.

During breastfeeding, when your baby latches on your nipple, it triggers a “let down” reflex. This happens when your breast muscles contract and move milk through the ducts. Your breasts will produce more milk the more you breastfeed.

It can be beneficial to breastfeed your baby 8-10 times per day to increase and maintain milk production. This doesn’t necessarily mean that your baby needs to be fed more often or less frequently.

Also Read: Best Breast Pumps in India [Manual + Electric]

Avoid Stress

Stress, anxiety and embarrassment can interfere with the letdown reflex and make it less efficient. Breastfeeding can be made more accessible by creating a relaxing and private environment that is comfortable for you and your baby.

Breastfeed from either side

Your baby should be fed from both breasts during each feeding. Your baby should start feeding on the first breast. If they stop or slow down, you can offer the second breast. You can increase your milk production by having both breasts fed simultaneously. It has been proven that pumping milk from both breasts at once can increase milk production.

Eat Lots of Veggies

Consume a high-quality diet rich in calcium and protein. Increase the quality and quantity of your milk by eating lots of green leafy vegetables like palak (spinach), methi, bean sprouts, carrots and fruits.

Warm Compresses

You can massage your breasts with a warm water pad if you have pain or trouble lactating. It will open up the veins and allow the usual letdown; these phenomena can happen due to engorged breasts.

Talk to your doctor if you’re on some medication as side effects can occur even with natural remedies. I hope these tips were helpful. Please share any alternate home remedies you have found to increase breast milk supply. Cheers!


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How to increase breast milk by Indian food?

Use foods which are commonly found at home to increase breast milk supply, such as

Fenugreek (Methi)
Brown Rice
Holy Basil (Tulsi Leaves)
Oatmeal
Drumstick
Dilli Seeds
Garlic

Is it possible to increase breast milk in one day?

No! A healthy diet is essential for the health of both the mother and her child. The quantity and quality of breast milk are directly related to the mother’s diet. A diet high in calcium, proteins, and vitamins, as well as plenty of fluids, will increase the amount of milk produced. Each woman’s body responds differently to certain foods, so it’s essential to find the right combination for you.

How to increase breast milk instantly?

Good nutritious food is essential for lactating mothers. However, there isn’t any proven method to increase breast milk production instantly. Mothers can follow a healthy diet and remain stress-free to increase the milk supply.

Fruits to increase breast milk?

Grapefruit is rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Citric Acid, Fructose, and other essential dietary fibres. This fruit is an excellent addition to any diet, especially for nursing mothers looking to increase lactation.

What to drink to increase breast milk?

You can drink drumstick soup or use tulsi leaves in your morning tea to increase breast milk. Additionally, you can start using a breast pump to enhance the milk production capacity.