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.
Breastfeeding burns between 500-600 calories a day. |
Massaging the breast allows draining the breast fully each time while breastfeeding(1).
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.
Breastfeeding can be physically demanding. Hence, it is important for the mother to be well-rested.
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.
Water keeps the body hydrated and metabolism smooth which then helps breast milk stimulation.
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 ]
Applying heat to the breast stimulates them and also mildly massages them.
Use a warm towel to wrap around the breast before feeding. Let the towel stay for 5-10 minutes.
Barley is considered to be a galactagogue that stimulates breast milk.
You can drink barley water or also consume it with milk.
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 ]
Oats are rich in iron which promotes milk supply in breastfeeding mothers.
You can eat oats at breakfast or also make oatmeal cookies.
Eat at least one food item with oats in it every day.
Whole grains support the hormones responsible for making breast milk.
You can eat whole grains in the form of rice and bread.
Eat at least one whole grain food each day.
Papaya has a certain enzyme that increases milk production.
You can eat raw papaya, put it in a salad, or make a smoothie.
Try to eat 4-5 slices of papaya every day.
[ Read: Papaya Seeds Benefits ]
Fennel has similar properties as the hormone estrogen, which hence helps in increasing milk supply.
You can add fennel in your tea and food.
Make sure you incorporate it into your diet every day.
[ Read: Benefits of Fennel Seeds ]
Fenugreek(2) in high doses is very effective for increasing breast milk supply as it stimulates the breast through its medicinal properties.
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.
Make sure you drink at least two cups of fenugreek tea.
Parsley is a diuretic that helps increase milk supply and also makes the mother feel refreshed.
You can use parsley as a seasoning.
Try adding parsley in all the food items you consume in a day.
[ Read: Stupendous Parsley Benefits ]
Garlic has been used for centuries as a remedy for increasing breast milk as it is considered to be a galactagogue.
You can eat raw garlic every morning or you can add it to your food.
Eat 4-5 cloves of garlic per day.
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.
You can get dried goat rue leaves which can be put in tea. In some places, capsules are also available.
It is advisable to consume 1 tablespoon or one capsule of it per day.
[ Read: Treat Pink Eye with Breast Milk ]
Lavender promotes good night’s sleep and helps the mother relax. It is very important to remain stress-free for breastfeeding mothers.
You can use lavender oil in aromatherapy or use it as bath salts. You can also drink lavender tea.
Try to use lavender in any form 3-4 times a week.
Chamomile provides great relief, which then ensures good health of the mother.
You can use it in aromatherapy or as bath salts.
Use it 3-4 times a week.
Peppermint oil directly helps in increasing your milk supply.
You can drink peppermint tea or use it in aromatherapy.
Drink at least once a day to ensure good milk supply.
[ Read: Increase Breast Size Naturally ]
Protein powder boosts lactation and is very beneficial for increasing breast milk supply. Some can also contain herbs like ginger, fenugreek, fennel, etc.
You can drink protein powder with milk. It is easily available at medical stores.
Drink one or two glasses of protein powder every day before going to bed or after waking up in the morning.
Multi-vitamins promote good body health, which in turn also increase milk supply.
Take multi-vitamin capsules available at medical stores.
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.
[ Read: Natural Ways to Reduce Your Breast Size ]
It is advisable not to drink as it can affect your breast milk supply.
The baby will seem to be more relaxed, will stop feeding and in most cases go to sleep.
It takes around 30-60 minutes after breastfeeding for milk to get replenished again.