Do you have enough milk for your baby?

So, you are a first-time mother and are anxious about breast-feeding. Dont fret, just trust your instincts and that of your infant! Babies have a suckling reflex and they will drink as much as they need to grow.  With rare exceptions, all mother can breast feed their children.

Most mothers produce milk as per the demands of the new born. The more your baby nurses, the more milk will be produced. Traditionally there are some foods which are given to the new mother to recuperate and increase her milk production.

Galactagogues / Lactogenic foods

What are these?

Galactagogues are substances which boosts milk production in nursing mothers. Many of these are anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory, reducing cramps, relieving flatulence and improving digestion. Some of them are pipal mool, sauth, chuhare, khus khus, gond, jeera, ajwain etc. Though studies are few and evidence is anecdotal. Here are a few which would help.

1.       Fenugreek seeds - Methidana has been used for a long time as a lactogenic food. Data from 1200 women supports that the mothers experience increase in milk within 72 hrs of consuming fenugreek. It has phytoestrogenic compounds. A study found that herbal tea containing fenugreek, anise and fennel seeds improved milk production in nursing mothers.

2.       Fennel / saunf- It’s a common mouth freshener used in India and aids in digestion. Fennel tea made by boiling fennel seeds is naturally caffeine free. It was found to improve milk production when taken in a herbal tea concoction in Iran in 150 mothers.

3.       Carom seeds or ajwain- It is swallowed with salt as a common home remedy for colic and flatulence in India. Anti-fungal, anti-colic and a body cleanser. It even helps to ease menstrual cramps!

4.       Cumin seeds or jeera- it is a rich source of iron. It aids in digestion and prevents colic in babies. Jeera can be added to all types of food. It can be roasted, crushed and added to salads, soups etc. 2tsp of jeera boiled in a glass of water can be consumed everyday.

5.       Oatmeal – It is used extensively in US for increasing milk production. It’s a traditional post delivery food in Europe.

6.       Seasame seeds – It is traditionally consumed in Mexico by nursing mothers and is rich in calcium. Roasted seeds are a good source of protein which you need to build up your tissues with. Studies suggest that they might help in making blood cells as they are rich in copper, iron and vitamin B6.

7.       Garlic or lehsun- It is another easy additive to your food which improves taste and intake of milk by the infant. It can be easily added in soups, dals and even khichri. It helps curing insomnia and asthma. 

8.       Ginger or adrak –Ginger is known to help with the let down of milk. I was given a sweet ladoo made with gur, dried ginger (sauth) and ajwain called Sauthura. I took it for only in the 2 days following my delivery. It helped me in let down as I could not feed my baby soon after birth.

9.       Barley or jau- Eaten all over India, Barley is nutrient rich and can be easily prepared. Jau ka paani can be easily made by boiling it in water for 15-20 minutes. Add spices for taste.

Stride with confidence into motherhood.

Do mention your experience in comments and let me know if you found the article helpful?