Women's Health

How to Increase Breast Milk: Effective Natural Remedies

Is your baby fussy when it comes to breastfeeding or wants to nurse again just after an hour of eating? If all these behaviors are combined with no weight gain of the baby, then it is a warning that things are not going well. Of the most probable reasons for this could be a low breast milk supply.

Causes

  • Insufficient glandular tissue
  • Hormonal problems
  • Breast surgery
  • Anatomical issues
  • Medication side effects

Did you know?

Breastfeeding burns between 500-600 calories a day.

Natural Ways to Increase Breast Milk

CURE 1: Home Remedies To Increase Breast Milk

1. Massage your breast

Why does this work?

Massaging the breast allows draining the breast fully each time while breastfeeding(1).

How to do and how much?

Use your fingers to massage the breast for 5 minutes before you begin the feeding. You can also continue to massage the other breast while your baby continues to feed on one.

2. Take adequate rest

Why does this work?

Breastfeeding can be physically demanding. Hence, it is important for the mother to be well-rested.

How to do and how much?

Make a schedule and go to bed on time each night. It is crucial for a new mother to get at least 8-9 hours of sleep.

3. Drink plenty of water

Image:ShutterStock

Why does this work?

Water keeps the body hydrated and metabolism smooth which then helps breast milk stimulation.

How to do and how much?

New mothers should drink around 3 liters of water every day. Do not drink all the water at once, but sip it slowly throughout the day.

[ Read: Drink Water Right Times Of The Day ]

4. Apply heat to your breast

Why does this work?

Applying heat to the breast stimulates them and also mildly massages them.

How to do and how much?

Use a warm towel to wrap around the breast before feeding. Let the towel stay for 5-10 minutes.

CURE 2: Foods To Increase Breast Milk

1. Barley

Image: Shutterstock

Why does this work?

Barley is considered to be a galactagogue that stimulates breast milk.

How to use?

You can drink barley water or also consume it with milk.

How much to use?

Try to drink at least 2-3 glasses of barley water each day. You can also add some fennel seeds in the barley water.

[ Read: Amazing Barley Grass Benefits ]

2. Oats

Why does this work?

Oats are rich in iron which promotes milk supply in breastfeeding mothers.

How to use?

You can eat oats at breakfast or also make oatmeal cookies.

How much to use?

Eat at least one food item with oats in it every day.

3. Whole grains

Image:ShutterStock

Why does this work?

Whole grains support the hormones responsible for making breast milk.

How to use?

You can eat whole grains in the form of rice and bread.

How much to use?

Eat at least one whole grain food each day.

4. Papaya

Why does this work?

Papaya has a certain enzyme that increases milk production.

How to use?

You can eat raw papaya, put it in a salad, or make a smoothie.

How much to use?

Try to eat 4-5 slices of papaya every day.

[ Read: Papaya Seeds Benefits ]

CURE 3: How to Increase Breast Milk with Herbs

1. Fennel

Image:ShutterStock

Why does this work?

Fennel has similar properties as the hormone estrogen, which hence helps in increasing milk supply.

How to use?

You can add fennel in your tea and food.

How much to use?

Make sure you incorporate it into your diet every day.

[ Read: Benefits of Fennel Seeds ]

2. Fenugreek

Why does this work?

Fenugreek(2) in high doses is very effective for increasing breast milk supply as it stimulates the breast through its medicinal properties.

How to use?

Soak one tablespoon of fenugreek in a bowl of water and leave overnight. The next morning, boil it in water, strain it and then use the fenugreek in tea. It can also be grounded and used for seasoning.

How much to use?

Make sure you drink at least two cups of fenugreek tea.

3. Parsley

Image:ShutterStock

Why does this work?

Parsley is a diuretic that helps increase milk supply and also makes the mother feel refreshed.

How to use?

You can use parsley as a seasoning.

Related Post

How much to use?

Try adding parsley in all the food items you consume in a day.

[ Read: Stupendous Parsley Benefits ]

4. Garlic

Why does this work?

Garlic has been used for centuries as a remedy for increasing breast milk as it is considered to be a galactagogue.

How to use?

You can eat raw garlic every morning or you can add it to your food.

How much to use?

Eat 4-5 cloves of garlic per day.

5. Goats rue

Image: Shutterstock

Why does this work?

Goats rue is considered to be a galactagogue, which increases the supply of breast milk. It also stimulates the growth of breast tissue post-delivery.

How to use?

You can get dried goat rue leaves which can be put in tea. In some places, capsules are also available.

How much to use?

It is advisable to consume 1 tablespoon or one capsule of it per day.

[ Read: Treat Pink Eye with Breast Milk ]

CURE 4: Essential Oils To Increase Breast Milk

1. Lavender

Why does this work?

Lavender promotes good night’s sleep and helps the mother relax. It is very important to remain stress-free for breastfeeding mothers.

How to use?

You can use lavender oil in aromatherapy or use it as bath salts. You can also drink lavender tea.

How much to use?

Try to use lavender in any form 3-4 times a week.

2. Chamomile

Image:ShutterStock

Why does this work?

Chamomile provides great relief, which then ensures good health of the mother.

How to use?

You can use it in aromatherapy or as bath salts.

How much to use?

Use it 3-4 times a week.

3. Peppermint

Why does this work?

Peppermint oil directly helps in increasing your milk supply.

How to use?

You can drink peppermint tea or use it in aromatherapy.

How much to use?

Drink at least once a day to ensure good milk supply.

[ Read: Increase Breast Size Naturally ]

CURE 5: Supplements To Increase Breast Milk

1. Protein powder

Image:ShutterStock

Why does this work?

Protein powder boosts lactation and is very beneficial for increasing breast milk supply. Some can also contain herbs like ginger, fenugreek, fennel, etc.

How to use?

You can drink protein powder with milk. It is easily available at medical stores.

How much to use?

Drink one or two glasses of protein powder every day before going to bed or after waking up in the morning.

2. Multi-vitamins

Why does this work?

Multi-vitamins promote good body health, which in turn also increase milk supply.

How to use?

Take multi-vitamin capsules available at medical stores.

How much to use?

Take one capsule per day.

[ Read: Multivitamin for Women ]

The smell and taste of your breast milk changes depending on the foods you eat.

However, if you feel the above-mentioned remedies are not proving to be beneficial and the health of your child is still not improving, it is highly advisable to visit a doctor. The doctor will be able to recognize the other possible reasons. But do not get scared, and remember there is a cure for every problem.

Tips

  1. Let your baby decide on how often and how long to breastfeed
  2. Be comfortable while feeding
  3. Help your baby find the correct position
  4. Don’t get alarmed with some leaking
  5. Ensure your skin does not get too dry

[ Read: Natural Ways to Reduce Your Breast Size ]


FAQs

1. Can breastfeeding mothers drink alcohol?

It is advisable not to drink as it can affect your breast milk supply.

2. How to know the baby is full?

The baby will seem to be more relaxed, will stop feeding and in most cases go to sleep.

3. How long does it take for milk to get replenished after breastfeeding?

It takes around 30-60 minutes after breastfeeding for milk to get replenished again.