Healthytalk8 Foods that enhance breast milk supply may consider by your doctors if your low milk supply reasons are lack of food consumption.
Low milk supply or secretion while breastfeeding is a common concern faced by several new moms for various reasons.
Breastfeeding is essential for both mother’s and baby well being because it a great source of protein and infant growth. but how Mother?
In new moms, breastfeeding becomes essential due to several reasons which include:
- Reduce the risk of several breast-related issues such as breast engorgement, pain, and other breast-related issues
- make strong and emotionally healthy bonds with each other
- decrease the risk of obesity, and other illnesses, like diabetes, allergies, and asthma
- provide long-term health benefits for mothers’ and infants’ health
- make immunity in infants (1)
A 2005 study revealed that infants who are breastfed while their 1st year of life are at lower risk of UTI, diarrhea, respiratory, etc.
If you experience any severe breast pain and other infant-related issues, then consult your doctor, it may be some other issue.
So in this topic, we will describe you food that is considered best for enhancing low milk supply while breastfeeding.
Address Your Reason
Contents
If it is important to find the exact reason for your low milk supply because every woman has different reasons (2)
There are several reasons for low milk supply, however, there are some most common reasons found in new moms include the:
- Hormonal disturbance in the mother due to illnesses like thyroid, diabetes, etc
- improper latching
- poor latching techniques
- Insufficient glandular tissue
- infrequent breastfeeding due to sensation feel
- if new moms are already on medication, then medicines may interact with the milk supply
- stress
- caffeine, smoking, and alcohol consumption
- lack of nutrition, and protein intake
- not drink enough water
Consult with your healthcare provider before treating the cause on your own.
But before any new food and drinks, consult your doctor, it may worsen the situation, however, these foods are recommended by doctors.
If your doctor diagnosed you with a lack of nutrition, then here are some foods that are excellent for enhancing your milk supply.
Top 12 Surprising Foods that Enhance Breast Milk Supply
Here are several foods for low milk supply but there are popular surprising foods that enhance the breast milk supply include:
Oats
It is considered one of the best and most healthy foods are even considered by doctors, because it is easily digested, and loaded with protein.
Oats are loaded with carbs, fiber, and protein, which are considered milk-boosting recipes (3)
You can also use oats as an oats recipe, which includes smoothies, cookies, etc (4)
Feeding oats during breastfeeding can increase milk protein supply and also milk urea N concentrations increased “ScienceDirect says”
Fenugreek
It has been used globally to increase milk production as a galactagogue (5)
In a 2011 study, the result showed that 3 cups of fenugreek seeds daily increase breast milk supply compared to a placebo.
Some studies have shown that fenugreek should avoid during pregnancy, and may even cause diarrhea, worsen the asthma situation
Consuming in limit leads to enhance breast milk supply, so soak it overnight then eat it in the morning or you can add it in cooking (7)
Spinach
Spinach is loaded with rich nutrients that are easily available all around the world, which is a rich source, of calcium, folate, iron, and other nutrients.
A study showed that a lack of iron in the body leads to insufficient milk.
So make sure to add spinach to your diet to bring enough vitamins and minerals, and other green vegetables like broccoli, etc
Fennel Seeds
Fennel was used in traditional medicine as a galactagogue to promote the milk supply (5) (6)
According to USFDA, it is safe and effective, even alone and with herbs in infants, and can also treat colic illness.
That is why it is commonly used for digestive issues and also increases breast milk secretion while breastfeeding (8) (9)
Brewer’s Yeast
Some studies have shown that brewer’s yeast (a dietary supplement) can enhance milk supply, however, some studies do not believe it.
Other studies reveal that this yeast contributes to improving nutrition like vitamin B and chromium, rather than increasing LMS which also contributes to LMS.
Salmon
Salmon is a good source of protein, especially containing good fat, and omega-3 fatty acids, which contribute to milk production, and child growth.
During pregnancy as prescribed intake raises the PUFA content of breast milk in early lactation, resulting in an increased milk supply (8)
However, it is important to do frequent breastfeeding, proper latching, and body keep hydrated to prevent several illnesses.
Sesame seeds
Sesame seeds are used thousands of years ago by Egyptians as medicines. they may protect against heart disease.
It is the best source of magnesium, copper, calcium, iron, phosphorus, vitamin B1, zinc, and dietary fiber.
These contain all essential nutrients, and proteins essential in increasing the milk supply.
In addition, it is loaded with antioxidants that contribute to healthy testosterone levels and improve overall health.
Garlic
Several studies have shown that garlic is safe during breastfeeding, and also believe that enhances infant sucking time during feeding (8)
In Turkey, some mothers used garlic to improve the taste and quality of milk (9)
Garlic has a galactagogue property (a mixer of food, drugs, and herbs that believe to increase milk production)
Make sure consult to your doctor before consuming it, because it may interact with your condition.
Cumin seeds
It has been used as medicine in galactagogues in India and Turkey which means also helps in increasing breast milk supply (8) (9)
Studies and history indicate that it has lactogenic properties which means that can help in increasing milk production in new moms.
Cumin has several benefits which include:
- Improve digestion
- boost immunity because rich in antioxidants
- control blood sugar level
- help in weight loss
- boost brain function and memory
However, those who are allergic to cumin must avoid this.
Drumstick leaves
A study found that drumstick leaves increase breast milk production in premature infant-delivered mothers, and give other essentials.
Drumstick leaves (moringa leaves) which is rich in iron, vitamin A, and C, and which generally recommend for enhancing breast milk.
One more study indicates that the intake of drumstick leaves cookies can increase the quality of breast milk, especially protein.
Carrot
It is rich in beta-carotene, which changed into vitamin A in our body, which keeps your skin healthy and protects the eye from cataracts.
As we know that vitamin A is vital for making and maintaining breast milk, and its deficiency leads to a low milk supply (9)
See, there is no food that is specially made for increasing breast milk.
But a well-balanced diet that includes all these protein, nutrients, and other essential minerals that help in increasing milk supply (10)
Other lactation-friendly foods
Here are several other foods that you should add to your diet, which not only increase milk supply but also contains several health benefits.
- Almonds rich tool of healthy fats and protein
- Yogurt maintains a healthy gut
- Eggs loaded with essential nutrients
- Papaya good for skin and hair health
- Quinoa is a complete source of protein for lactate women.
- Chickpeas an essential for new moms
Importance of Nutrients, and Hydration For New Moms
Nutrients and protein intake through diet are essential to increase the milk supply and infant growth.
During pregnancy and breastfeeding, women need more nutrients and protein to full fill their baby’s needs (6)
Here are some key nutrients that should be on your diet include:
- healthy Fat: seeds, avocado, fatty fish (salmon), coconut oil, a dietary item like cheese, milk, etc
- protein: beans, tofu, green leafy vegetables, nuts, and seeds, and whole grains, like oats, barley, etc
- vitamins: fruits, which contain vitamin C (berries, citrus fruit, kiwi, Tomatoes) meat, and fish are excellent sources of it
- Iron: beans, lentils, spinach, fortified cereal, meat, and poultry fish.
- calcium: dairy items (milk, cheese, etc) and fortified cereals, are essential for bone health.
All these nutrients make immunity strong, bone strength, and overall help in good growth (7)
But remember, keep your body hydrated which is essential to make milk production, and prevent dehydration.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women require more water, and children require less water than adults.
So make sure to drink plenty of water daily, and water requirement is changed in illness and medication status.
Other hydrated drinks such:
- Coconut water
- herbal teas
- fruits, and vegetables that contain maximum water (watermelon, cucumber, blueberries, oranges)
- sports drinks
Just make sure to avoid sugary beverages that contain artificial sugar, and other chemicals which impact your health negatively.
If you experience a breast-related issue, and other changes in the infant, like not drinking milk, etc, then you should consult to doctor.
Foods To Avoid or Limit for Low Milk Supply
There are several foods and drinks that should be avoided or limited to increase milk supply are:
- Caffeine
- alcohol
- junk, street, and processed food which contains high sugar, and fats, and that can affect the milk supply
- smoking
- limit artificial beverages
Down Line
Foods that enhance breast milk supply may recommend by doctors in form of supplements, and herbals that contain all essential nutrients.
Low milk supply is a common concern in new moms, which is easily treated, just find your cause through diagnosis.
If your LMS reason is a lack of food, then the doctor may recommend some supplements and natural things that fulfill your milk secretion.
There is no specific food that recommends enhancing low milk supply, just make sure to eat well, a balanced diet for overall well-being.
