10 foods to increase lactation

Breastfeeding offers dual benefits for you and your baby. Many new moms prefer not to choose this option, and opt for formulas, which pediatricians highly recommend not to use. So, when you should nurse your baby for a few days or weeks after her birth, make sure she gets that early thick yellow milk ‘colostrum’ important for the development of disease fighting antibodies in your babies, until her own immune system becomes stronger enough within a year.

The first advantage of breastfeeding is it gives you time in between your hard chores and family works to find some relaxation period and a good time to connect with your baby. So, while you soothe your baby, your baby finds a comforting lap to rest upon too.  

Any nursing mother is up for fostering the brain development of their babies through changing the position of feeding. This is highly missed in a bottle feeding. Simultaneously, when you nurse your baby, the process makes you healthier, and reduces the risks of cancer development. 

While breastfeeding offers so much of benefits for both of you, why should you overlook this convenient way of feeding your baby until solid food is introduced. For many new and encouraged mothers, they do take the initiative to nurse their babies, but they tend to quit this as soon as they find a low production of milk. While there are so much into breastfeeding with proper tactics and techniques, you can follow a milk boosting diet to have a good supply for your baby.

Make sure to nurse your baby every two-three hours during the day and at night once. As much as your baby is nursed, the supply of milk will be replenished by the body itself.  Have plenty of fluids such as milk, water and juice. It is not you have a supply overflowing, but it is a moderate supply which helps you keep a long-term lactation supply. You would rather follow some foods to increase your milk production.

Veggies Increasing Lactation In New Mothers

1.      Fennel seeds

These seeds can boost the quantity of your lactation production. It’s not like that you have to chew on these seeds anytime you want. Use them as a seasoning. Add them to your vegetables or have them with your tea or milk. It is better if you take them as a mouth refresher.

2.      Oatmeal

Oatmeal is full of nutrients and effective to control the onset of diabetes post pregnancy. It is easy to digest. Have a bowl of oatmeal in your breakfast. Or you can have cookies with oats.

3.      Nuts

It is easier to increase the richness of your lactation by chomping a few handfuls of nuts like cashews, almonds and macadamia as they contain monounsaturated fats. Have three servings each day. Do not consume roasted nuts.

4.      Fenugreek

Fenugreek seeds are best to increase the lactation production in nursing moms. It controls the sugar levels. You can use it as seasoning in your meal or have a fenugreek supplement. Take three capsules each day.

5.      Ginger

To improve the blood functions as well as your lactation production, prefer eating ginger. You can have it from ginger flavored tea or sip hot ginger drink twice a day.

6.      Legumes

Different types of grains and legumes like barley, brown rice, lentils and millet improve the quality of milk and also supply. Have eight-nine servings per day.

7.      Garlic

It helps improve lactation production in nursing mothers. Use it in your soup or add it to any vegetables you like.

8.      Carrots

Have a glassful of carrot juice in your breakfast or lunch. This is good for your lactation.

9.      Asparagus

This high-fibrous plant is the best source for lactation production. Add asparagus to your milk and boil it. Sieve it and drink it.

1.  Salmon

This fish is a rich source of fatty acids and omega-3. So, this is good for lactating mothers. Go for grilled, steamed or boiled salmon.

Adding any of the foods to your diet helps increase your lactation. Do check with your dietician for your lactation needs.