How to Increase Breast Milk Naturally: 2023’s Ultimate Hacks

Lactating mothers often ponder over how to increase breast milk naturally at home, as breast milk is the primary nutrition source for newborns. Mother's milk through breastfeeding reduces the infant’s risk of contracting diseases later in life and also lowers the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). While breastfeeding comes naturally to new mothers, however, some may face challenges with low milk supply due to various factors.

In this Satvic Foods guide, we will explore various methods to increase breast milk naturally at home, incorporating traditional, Ayurvedic, and modern approaches suggested through scientific research to enhance lactation. We will also delve into the benefits of drinking milk for lactating mothers and understand how to increase breast milk with Indian food - a healthy breastfeeding diet.

How to Increase Breast Milk Naturally at Home? 

There have been several traditional and natural ways to increase breast milk. One such method is frequent and on-demand breastfeeding. There is a positive correlation between increased breastfeeding frequency and milk production. It happens because when the baby suckles on the breast, the hormones oxytocin and prolactin are released. These hormones trigger milk production. Additionally, it initiates a “let-down” reflex, a contraction of breast muscles to move the milk through the ducts. 

Besides ensuring proper hydration, a healthy diet after pregnancy with lactogenic nutrition is crucial for lactating mothers for optimal breast milk production. It also helps enhance the quality of the mother's milk and supports the baby's nutrition. Therefore, adequate nutrition for lactating mothers and frequent breastfeeding are two of the most effective natural methods to increase breast milk at home. 

Ayurvedic Approaches to Increase Breast Milk After Delivery

Ayurveda, the ancient Indian medicinal system, suggests valuable insights into improving mothers' milk and increasing breast milk production naturally at home. Some advanced studies have proved the effect of herbal supplements like Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) in increasing breast milk after delivery. It contains folic acid, vitamins A, C, and K, and phytoestrogens, whose hormonal effect is like estrogen in milk production. Estrogen induces the growth of prolactin-producing cells and stimulates prolactin production. Furthermore, it contains an essential amino acid, tryptophan, that may stimulate prolactin production, increasing breast milk production in lactating women. 

Additionally, Ayurveda suggests massages with specific oils, such as sesame or coconut oil, which may stimulate milk glands and improve breast milk flow.

Always consult your doctor before opting for any supplements to increase breast milk.

Modern Approaches to Increase Breast Milk Naturally 

Modern science techniques and interventions can also support breastfeeding mothers in increasing their milk supply. One popular method is breast pumps, which stimulate milk production when used regularly. Further, a study published by Frontiers in Pediatrics has shown that using breast pumps for mothers of preterm infants after delivery and after nursing sessions improve milk production by signaling the body to produce more milk. 

Another modern approach is using galactagogues, which are certain foods and prescribed medications that stimulate breast milk production in breastfeeding mothers.

Does Drinking Milk Increase Breast Milk?

Drinking milk is essential for lactating mothers to increase breast milk production naturally. Milk is an excellent source of calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, protein, and essential vitamins, which are crucial for both the mother's health and the quality of breast milk with higher calcium levels. Moreover, adequate calcium intake helps prevent the depletion of the mother's bone density during lactation, as insufficient calcium intake after pregnancy can lead to osteoporosis in later life for both the child and the mother. Hence, dairy products in the diet of lactating mothers are essential to meet their increased nutritional needs.

Owing to several hormonal changes in the body during and post-pregnancy, the body’s nutrition absorption rate changes. Hence, doctors recommend consuming turmeric milk post-pregnancy, as its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties also help in post-pregnancy healing. Therefore, you may opt for Satvic Foods’ Golden Milk Masala, a blend of 20+ natural ingredients like turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, saffron, and black pepper. This rich combination of Indian herbs and spices not only enhances the nutritional quality of the mother’s milk but also improves breast milk production. Additionally, the presence of curcumin in turmeric helps increase the body’s nutrition absorption rate and relieve lactating mothers from gastrointestinal problems and pain.

Try Satvic Foods’ Golden Milk Masala for healthy breastfeeding!

How to Increase Breast Milk by Indian Food?

Maintaining a balanced and healthy diet after pregnancy is crucial, and often which food increases breast milk is concerning for lactating mothers. With the increasing trend for vegetarian foods, we will address some common concerns like how to increase breast milk with vegetarian foods. Eating whole grains, green leafy vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, papaya, fruits, and dairy products (if suitable) is essential for lactating mothers. They provide essential nutrients to increase breast milk after delivery. Some of the foods that a breastfeeding mother should include are:

Milk: Breastfeeding mothers need between 2.25 to 3.1 liters of fluids daily, which they can consume as milk, juice, water, or other healthy drinks. You may add Satvic Foods’ Golden Milk Masala, a balanced combination of Indian herbs and spices suitable for lactating mothers.

Enhance your breastfeeding journey with Satvic Foods’ Golden Milk Masala! 

Barley: Barley is a rich source of beta-glucan that increases prolactin levels, which helps stimulates breast milk production. You may have it as porridge or may also include it as barley malt.

Fennel: Fennel is a galactagogue food for breastfeeding mothers. They contain phytoestrogens, which mimic estrogen to boost prolactin and oxytocin hormones to naturally increase breast milk production.

Fenugreek: Fenugreek is another Indian food that increases breast milk production as it contains phytoestrogen and exhibits galactagogue properties.

Oats: Oats offer several properties that increase breast milk production, such as inducing relaxation and reducing cholesterol, which make oats one of the best foods for breastfeeding mothers. You may have it as oat porridge or cookies made of oat flour to increase milk supply.

Drumsticks: Drumsticks store many nutrients that stimulate the mammary glands to produce more milk. You may include it in dal or consume it as juice to improve blood circulation for enhanced breast milk production.

What is The Reason for a Low Milk Supply?

Naturally, a new mother produces a normal amount of milk enough for her newborn. However, several factors can interfere with the hormone stimulation and let-down reflex that causes low milk supply, such as:

Emotional Stress: Anxiety, mental trauma, postpartum depression, and uncomfortable breastfeeding can interfere with the let-down reflex and hamper milk production. Indulging in stress-buster activities and creating a private area for breastfeeding might help make the experience stress-free, thus, increasing breast milk production after delivery.

Medical Conditions and Medication: Certain medical conditions, such as PCOS, pregnancy-induced high blood pressure, previous breast surgery, and diabetes, may interfere with milk production. Medications for allergy and birth control also lower breast milk production due to hormonal imbalance.

Smoking and Alcohol: Alcohol and nicotine interfere with the let-down reflex, affect milk quality, and reduce milk production. 

How do I Fix the Low Milk Supply?

Breastfeeding mothers are often concerned about their newborn nutritional requirements and increasing breast milk production naturally at home. By incorporating traditional practices, Ayurvedic approaches, and modern techniques, you may enhance your lactation experience. To increase breast milk production, you must also consider staying hydrated, getting enough rest, avoiding stress, deep breathing, and utilizing breast compression during breastfeeding to increase milk flow and milk production. 

Breastfeeding: Additional Challenges and Solutions

Most of the time, low milk production is not the problem, but post-partum depression and stress from losing weight post-pregnancy amplify the issue. You can efficiently address the concerns about how to increase breast milk naturally at home by making simple changes to your routine, feeding technique, or adjusting your medication. If you’re worried your baby isn’t getting enough milk, speak to your doctor or consult a lactation specialist for personalized advice based on your specific circumstances.

With these natural methods, proper diet, and informed choices, breastfeeding mothers can naturally navigate the breastfeeding journey with optimal milk production.

Enrich your motherhood journey with Satvic Foods’ natural blends!