10 Foods to increase Breastmilk supply
10 foods to increase Breastmilk supply? Which food is best to increase breastmilk? Are you a new mom with questions in mind like these?
Well worry not!! In today’s post we will tell you the best food items you can consume to increase your breastmilk supply to feed your little one.
First of all, lets understand the importance of breastmilk supply for your little one and then we will discuss 10 foods to increase breastmilk supply.
Breast milk plays the most important role in the development of an infant. From ancient times, breastmilk is considered the best choice for infants as it contains all the necessary nutrients an infants body needs to develop healthily. It not only helps in physical development of a baby but also helps in building the immunity of a baby. But due to some reasons a new mom faces challenges in lactating breastmilk or it may sometimes is not enough to fill the baby’s tummy. So if your body is also unable to lactate the breastmilk, consuming these food items may help your body to start lactating.
You must have heard a term Lactogenic Food. Certain foods are termed as lactogenic food that helps in increasing breastmilk supply, not because of some miraculous properties but due to their composition. For example, studies have proved that foods rich in iron, fiber, calcium, vitamins and minerals all together help in boosting breast milk supply.
So new moms lets discuss the questions you have in your mind.
One of the most commonly asked question of new moms is which foods to consume to increase breastmilk?
In simple words, we can say that more the nutrition a mother will consume more she will produce milk. Since new moms face many challenges emotionally as well as physically, breastfeeding comes as a bigger challenge. So to ease your journey you should know about the top 10 foods to increase your breast milk.
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Bottlegourd
Bottle gourd is known as one of the best lactogenic foods as it not only provides fiber but is also a highly nutritious food. You will find it as one of the most cooked meal in Indian homes . You can also consume it by making a juice or can mix it in your curd or raita. Try this for a week and experience why bottle gourd is considered as one of the top 10 foods to increase breastmilk.
- Tofu
Some of you may not like its taste but we can’t deny its nutritional value. It is filled with calcium, vitamins and Minerals. Also, its protein content is very high. So, if you want to increase your breast milk supply, tofu can be a good option for you.
- Watermelon
Watermelon is a highly fibrous fruit and the amount of hydration it provides is exceptional. One should know that hydration is directly related to lactation. Hence one of the best foods to increase breastmilk supply.
- Unripe papaya
Papaya is termed a galactagogue fruit which means it will increase the flow of mother’s milk. Consumption of green papaya also increases prolactin levels which helps in the production of breast milk supply.
- Cumin Seeds
Cumin seeds are a great source of iron, calcium, and riboflavin. It prevents constipation and bloating. Research has proved that the intake of raw cumin seeds is very beneficial in increasing breast milk.
- Green Leafy Vegetables
Greens such as Spinach, fenugreek, and mustard leaves are powerhouses of nutrition and are rich in several minerals such as calcium, folate, iron, vitamin A, vitamin K. One can notice the instant increase in breastmilk supply. All these greens come in the top 10 foods to increase breastmilk.
- Lentils
The Health benefits of lentils are infinite. They are great sources of protein, vitamins, and minerals and are highly fibrous, which altogether helps in boosting the breast milk supply.
- Oatmeal
One of the reasons for a reduction in breast milk supply can be low iron levels. So to give it a boost one must include oats in her diet. Other than iron oats are rich in fibre, which also helps in increasing milk supply.
- Dates
Dates are great for nursing mothers. They help in the production of prolactin hormone which in turn increases the breast milk supply. Prolactin majorly helps in lactation.
Dates can be consumed in the form of shakes when mixed with milk. Also, it can be eaten as it is.
- Water
Water doesn’t come under the food category but lets not forget its importance, it is placed at the top position because of the reason that a mother’s body primarily needs water to make milk so lactation can only be boosted if a mother is hydrated.
So, Ladies these are the list of top 10 foods to increase breastmilk supply. Add these items in your diet and see the difference!!
SOME EXTRA TIPS TO INCREASE BREASTMILK SUPPLY
- EAT, REST, NURSE AND REPEAT
Rest and Nursing are the key to increase breastmilk supply. There is no hardcore rule for that, it’s just take rest whenever you get the time.
Proper sleep leads to stress free mind and stress-free mind means stronger bond with the baby, which eventually helps in the nursing process. And when the baby takes proper feeds, here you can notice the increase in breast milk supply.
- DITCH BOTTLES FOR THE FIRST FEW WEEKS
Ditching bottles and giving only breast milk to the baby, not only helps in the development of the baby but also increase breastmilk supply because baby sucks out the milk to the fullest and that is when your body makes more and more milk.
- Breastfeeding over Pumping
Milk formation in the body is fastest when there is proper emptying of the breast. When the baby takes breastfeed, he sucks out the milk more effectively than the pumps.
- Breast Massage
Regular massaging of the breast with the soft hand can really help with the blood circulation and remove those plugged ducts and therefore improvement in breastmilk supply.