Ways to Increase Breastmilk Supply Naturally At Home

What are the reasons for low breastmilk production?

Before you learn the tips and foods to increase breastmilk supply, you should know the reasons for low breastmilk production. The reasons are —

• Improper feeding

• Improper latching

• Stress and anxiety

• Hormonal imbalances

• Poor nutrition

• Dehydration

• Health issues

• Medications

• Introducing formula feed when the baby is less than 6 months old

Unless there are severe medical issues involved, low breastmilk supply can be corrected through some natural tips and foods.

How to increase breastmilk production naturally?

Here are some effective and time-tested tips to increase breastmilk supply naturally —

1. Keep feeding

Your breastmilk works based on demand and supply. It is a well-known rule that your breast will produce just as much milk as your baby needs.

• Keep feeding your baby regularly; once in 2 hours is highly recommended.

• Ensure your baby latches to your breast properly each time you feed him/her.

• Feed from both breasts every time.

• If you are unable to feed, regular breastmilk pumping can help, in that case.

• Avoid giving formula feed to your baby, especially when he/she is less than 6 months old.

• Get adequate rest and hydrate well.

• Don’t hesitate to get help from your doctor or lactation expert.

2. Warm compress

A warm breast compress before feeding is highly recommended. This helps to unclog blockages in the breast and improve blood circulation, thereby improving milk production.

3. Remain Stress-free

Don’t panic at any stage of feeding; you will produce enough milk for your baby every single time. The more you panic, the more your milk production gets hampered.

4. Eat well

In the breastfeeding stage, you should eat nutritious foods to increase breastmilk supply. However, you should remember to consume at least 2 glasses of milk every day and consume a balanced diet to ensure you get the right quantities of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals in every meal.

Foods that will help increase breastmilk production naturally

Galactagogue foods are the ones you should consume when you breastfeed your child. These should be your go-to foods to increase breastmilk naturally.

Here are the top foods to include in your daily diet if you want to increase your breastmilk production naturally without any side effects:

• Fenugreek

Fenugreek increases the production of sweat in your body. Hence, it promotes the functioning of the milk ducts, and improvement of milk supply. Soak a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds overnight. The next morning, strain the water and consume it to increase your milk supply.

• Cumin

Drink a glass of boiled jeera water every morning to see a natural improvement in your lactation. Jeera, or cumin seeds, found very commonly in your kitchen, is a good source of iron and can give you much-needed energy after your delivery.

• Oats

Oats are one of the most popular foods to increase breastmilk naturally. They are rich in iron, calcium, fibre, and other nutrients to help new mothers with their lactation. A bowl of oats porridge for breakfast is an ideal meal to increase the milk production in your breasts.

• Vegetables

While all vegetables are good for your health, green vegetables, especially, are great for lactating mothers. You will be free from digestion and constipation issues (two common reasons for low breastmilk) when you include lots of green veggies like bottle gourd, spinach, bitter guard, capsicum, sponge guard, etc., in your daily meal.

• Fennel

Fennel can be consumed in any form to improve your breastmilk supply. The easiest way to include this in your regular meal is to swallow a few fennel seeds with water in the mornings.

• Other foods

Other foods that can help improve your breastmilk production are whole grains and nuts, eggs, sweet potatoes, legumes, apricots, dates, yoghurt, milk, beets, carrots, yams, and lentils.