Natural Ways to increase Breast Milk

Every country has traditions, food to increase breast milk supply, ways of celebrating life, and the arrival of a newborn. In India, we are heavy on celebrations and celebrate every occasion with decorations, sweets, loved ones around, and many gifts and music. Sometimes, the traditions become a way for the knowledge from previous generations to pass on to the next generation for their health and wellness.

This knowledge transfer is reflected so well in the food prepared, food to increase breast milk supply, and the traditions that a new mother follows in Indian families. There are so many things we can pick from these traditional practices that can help a new mom learn how to increase breast milk naturally at home in India, given our food habits and climate. This article will focus on how to increase breast milk naturally at home in India, as every country has its food habits and climatic conditions, and generic or global tips might not help you!

What Affects Breast Milk Supply

Before we get to how to increase breastmilk supply, let us briefly try to understand what affects the breastmilk supply and why you might need to add or cut down to the diet or your daily habits to improve your breastmilk supply. Here are the top 6 reasons one might experience low breastmilk supply– 

1. Premature Birth – The hormone responsible for breast milk production – Prolactin kicks in when you deliver a child, and other pregnancy hormones reduce in the body. But suppose you end up delivering the baby earlier than expected. In that case, the hormone levels take a little extra time to balance; thus, you might initially experience a low milk supply. 

2. Hormonal & Endocrinological Disorders In The Mother – If the mother suffers from hormonal imbalance or endocrinological disorders such as diabetes, high cholesterol, etc., she will likely experience a low milk supply. This situation can easily be controlled with proper diet, lifestyle, and medication management. 

3. Birth Control Pills – Sometimes, even if you do not have a hormonal imbalance, being on a birth control pill can interfere with your hormonal levels. Most lactating mothers who are sexually active go on a birth control pill and thus experience low milk supply issues.

4. Insufficient Nutrition In Diet – A lactating mother's nutritional and dietary requirements differ from any other phase in life. Thus, eating right and taking the required supplements recommended by the doctor. However, if your body's nutritional needs are not met, your milk supply will sometimes be insufficient. To understand the dietary needs of a lactating mother, read our article Diet For Breastfeeding Mothers: Top Superfoods For Lactating Mothers.

5. Latch Issues – The more your baby suckles on your breast, the better the flow is established. If your baby has a latch issue and is feeding irregularly or having pumped milk, you might have an 

6. Feeding Irregularity – If you are timing the feed or are not feeding at night time, your milk supply might be low or irregular. The baby should lead breastfeeding, and they should be fed on demand. But you also need to ensure that if they do not feed for a longer time in the night, you offer them the breast in their sleep to ensure their blood sugar levels do not drop. However, before breastfeeding your child, make sure you're wearing your Nursing breast Pads to avoid leaks.

How To Increase Breast Milk Naturally At Home In India

If you feel that your breast milk supply is low, irregular, or dropping, a certified lactation consultant is the best person to consult and work on the root cause. But before you meet a lactation consultant, here are some quick 5 India-specific ways to increase breast milk naturally at home in India.

1. Proper Hydration – You will notice that you will feel drained out, dizzy and dehydrated every time you sit for a breastfeeding session in the initial days. If your body is not hydrated, you will not be able to produce enough milk. So, keep having healthy fluids like water, natural unpackaged coconut water , freshly squeezed unsweetened fruit juices, etc. This is one of the easiest ways of establishing a proper milk flow. 

2. Feed More Frequently – As mentioned in the section above, if you feed frequently and at an interval not exceeding 3  4 hours, your milk supply will slowly regulate. If your baby is not feeding, pump or express breast milk and empty the breast for the body to take the cue and produce more milk. The human body is a beautiful machine that works on demand and supply. The more your baby feeds, the more milk it will produce. 

3. Take Care Of Your Nutrition – Eating right and taking care of your nutritional needs while breastfeeding is extremely important. If your doctor has recommended supplements, take them on time. Eat a balanced meal and avoid oily and sugary foods. In addition, while you are breastfeeding, keep your caffeine intake, smoking, or alcohol use in check because they adversely affect your breast milk supply. 

4. The Breast Care – Follow some basic breast care rules – do not let your breast go without being empty for more than 5 hours, feed from both breasts alternatively for 20 minutes each, compress your breast a bit initially to establish a latch and flow, help your baby to the breast instead of taking the breast to your baby. This will become a habit for you and the baby after these become routine and supply kicks up. Carry a Stole-style nursing cover with you anytime you plan to go outside so that you can breastfeed your baby comfortably.

5. Intake Of Foods That Help In Breast Milk Supply – There are so many traditional ingredients given in Indian households to a new mother to help her establish a regular breastmilk supply. Fennel seeds, fenugreek, barley, and barley malt, whole grains, dill and sesame seeds, papaya, apricots – you name it, and all those lactogenic foods are traditionally a part of a new mom's diet! Adding these to an Indian meal plan can help you answer the question of how to increase breast milk naturally at home in India.

If, after all this, you still feel there is a supply issue, as recommended earlier, it is best to visit a lactation consultant and understand the root cause of this issue and work out a solution that is best suited for your baby and you! Happy Parenting!

Conclusion

As a new mother, it's natural to be concerned about your breast milk supply. Luckily, there are many natural ways to increase it and ensure your baby receives optimal nutrition. By implementing strategies like frequent and thorough breastfeeding or pumping, proper latch, and skin-to-skin contact, you can stimulate milk production effectively. Additionally, incorporating lactogenic foods such as oats, fenugreek, fennel seeds, and leafy greens into your diet can boost your milk supply. Staying hydrated, getting enough rest, and managing stress are also essential factors. Remember, every mother's milk supply is unique, so it's crucial to be patient with yourself and seek support from lactation consultants or healthcare professionals if needed. By creating a nurturing and supportive environment for yourself and your baby, you can navigate the beautiful journey of breastfeeding with confidence and provide your little one with the best start in life.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Stay Hydrated: While starting to breastfeed If your body is dehydrated, it will be unable to make adequate milk; therefore, stay hydrated at all times.

2. Right Nutrition: While being a lactating mother it's essential to ensure a proper diet and take vitamins prescribed by your doctor.

3. Feed on time: If you time your feeds or do not feed at night, your milk production may be low or irregular; therefore, prevent feeding irregularities.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can I naturally increase my breast milk supply?

A: There are several ways to increase breast milk supply naturally. Strategies include frequent and thorough breastfeeding or pumping, ensuring a proper latch, practicing skin-to-skin contact, incorporating lactogenic foods into your diet, staying hydrated, getting adequate rest, and managing stress levels.

Q: What are some food to increase breast milk supply?

A: Certain foods are known to boost breast milk production. Examples include oats, fenugreek, fennel seeds, leafy greens, almonds, sesame seeds, and garlic. Incorporating these lactogenic foods into your diet can potentially increase your milk supply.

Q: How often should I breastfeed or pump to increase my milk supply?

A: Frequent breastfeeding or pumping is essential for increasing milk supply. Newborns may nurse around 8 to 12 times daily, while older babies may nurse about 7 to 9 times. Pumping sessions should mimic breastfeeding frequency to stimulate milk production.

Q: Can skin-to-skin contact with my baby help increase my milk supply?

A: Yes, skin-to-skin contact, also known as kangaroo care, can stimulate milk production. Holding your baby skin-to-skin against your bare chest promotes hormonal responses encouraging milk supply.