10 Tips, Techniques to Increase Breast Milk Supply, Production Naturally

One most important worry for mothers who feed their new born baby is whether or not the breast milk is sufficient or not. It is common especially among first time mothers. It is believed that most of the mothers produce adequate amount that is required for the child. Thus said, there are also few ladies who are not able to secrete enough amounts. 

Few ladies have lactation issues when they have just delivered. When the breast milk supply is inadequate, there is a possibility of it posing a high risk leading to weak immune system, malnutrition and several other health issues.

There are several techniques that new mothers can follow in order to increase the supply of milk.

1.Breastfeeding within an hour after birth

Generally, breast milk production is a supply demand process. It gets generated based on the new born baby's demand. Hence feeding the child as soon as the baby is born is always good - especially within the first hour after the baby is born. This will help the new born as well as the new mother get a good beginning.

2. Breast feed frequently

The most important key for improving the supply of breast milk is to feed the new born as frequently as possible. Between the feeding sessions, mothers can also use breast pumps for around ten minutes after feeding, in order to boost production of breast milk. The most prompt time to do this will be in the morning or when the baby is napping.

Mothers can also pump simultaneously while feeding the baby. They can pump one side of the breast while feeding on the other. After sometime they can switch over the sides and let the baby feed on the breast that was pumped earlier.

3. Never do things that could inhibit supply

Smoking, tobacco or alcohol consumption results in reduced production of mother's milk. These are to be discontinued during pregnancy as well as during the period where the new born feeds on breast milk.

The other practices that should be avoided during breast feeding period include:

1.  Taking allergy medications

2.  Sleeping on stomach (this would compress the breasts at night)

3.  Using tight brassieres

4.  Carrying a sling with its rings compressing the mother’s back against her breast near the shoulder.

4. Position while breastfeeding

Mothers should lie down on the bed while nursing. This will help them get rest as well as allow the baby to feed longer.

5. Massage & warm compress

1.  Mothers should massage their breasts before they feed the child. This will enhance milk flow.

2.  They can also use warm water to massage. With the help of a clean cloth that is dipped in warm water, they can massage around the nipples gently. While doing this they should mildly press the breast against their chest. This would enhance milk flow from the ducts.

3.  Once the massaging is done, the mother should slightly lean forward and start feeding.

6. Keeping hydrated

There will be lesser supply of milk when the mother is dehydrated. So they should drink ample amount of water to keep themselves hydrated. Apart from water, they can also consume juices, milk and other fluids.

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Increase Breast Milk Production - 10 Home remedies to Boost Milk Supply Naturally

1. Oatmeal 

Oats work as nerve tonic; they stimulate one's nerves. They also assure the optimal production of breast milk. Oats increase perspiration and also act as an anti spasmodic and anti depressant. Iron deficiency being one of the primary reason for lesser production of breast milk, it can be offset by consuming oats which are rich in iron.

The best time to eat oats during breakfast. You can consume a bowl of oatmeal along with milk every day.

2. Fenugreek (methi) 

Fenugreek stimulates the glands that produce milk as they contain phytoestrogens which increase the production of breast milk. Mammary glands are nothing but modified sweat glands. It is a common belief that fenugreek stimulates sweat glands.

1.  Take a tablespoon of fenugreek seeds.

2.  Soak this in a cup of water. Let it remain soaked overnight.

3.  The next morning, boil the water along with the seeds for some time and then strain it.

4.  You should drink this every day in the morning to get good results.

5.  Instead of this, you can also eat three capsules of fenugreek thrice a day. This should be done for the first ten days. 

6.  For the next ten days, reduce it to two capsules thrice a day and then for the next ten days, it should be one capsule thrice a day.

Caution: Women who suffer from asthma or diabetes should avoid these fenugreek related remedies. 

3. Fennel seeds

Fennel seeds are galactogogues which stimulates breast milk production. They also help digestion and aid to prevent colic pain in babies.

Method 1

1.  Take one tablespoon of fennel seeds

2.  Soak then in a cup of hot water for 30 minutes.

3.  Now, strain the water.

4.  This should be consumed twice a day for t least a month.

Alternate Method

1.  Take half cup of fennel seeds, half cup of cumin seeds and half cup of misri (rock candy).

2.  Mix all them in bowl and grind it into fine powder.

3.  This mixture should be added to a cup of milk and consumed thrice a day for one-two weeks.

4.  You can also add fennel seeds to regular cooking.

4. Cumin seeds

Apart from stimulating the production of mother's milk, cumin seeds are also said to relieve constipation and improve digestion. It is also effective against bloating and even acidity. Cumin seeds are rich in iron which gives strength to the mothers after delivery.

 1.  Take a teaspoon each of cumin powder and sugar. Mix these two well. Add this mixture to a glass of warm milk.

 2.  You should consume this every day for a few weeks before retiring to bed.

Another way to consume cumin seeds is.. 

1.  Take two teaspoons of cumin seeds and 1/2 cup of water. Add the seeds to the water and boil.

2.  Strain this well.

3.  Take a teaspoon of honey and 1/2 cup of milk. Add the strained water and honey to the milk and mix well. This should be consumed once a day for many weeks

5. Black sesame seeds (til)

One should consume two - three spoons of sesame seeds every day in order to increase lactation. These seeds are great sources of calcium and also contain several other nutrients such as copper. Black sesame seeds laddoos can be consumed. Otherwise, these seeds can be used in regular foods such as khichri, poori, lentils and biryani. Some commonly use white sesame seeds also in revdi and gajak.

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15 Natural home remedies for Sore Nipples - Breast Feeding Discomfort

Breastfeeding mothers all over the world have one common problem – sore nipples. Certain factors lead to the occurrence of this problem.

Causes of sore nipples

Menopause and pre-menopause

Heavy breasts

Pregnancy

Breastfeeding

Heart problems

Post-menstrual syndrome

Breast cancer

Certain medicines

Infections

Small, benign tumors

Common symptoms of sore nipples

Itchiness, Swelling & pain

Cracks, Bleeding, Heaviness

Discharge from nipples

Headache, sleepiness

Tenderness, Hot flashes

Mood swings, Weight gain

Irregular menstrual cycle

You can try some remedies at home for sore nipples which are not only safe for you but also quite easy to use.

1. Apple cider vinegar

Make a mixture with 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a cup of water. After feeding your baby, dip a cotton ball or a clean, small piece of cloth in the solution. Wring out the excess solution and gently apply to the nipple and the areola. This mixture ensures that the nipple remains clean and destroys dangerous bacteria or yeast infections. Next, take 1 tablespoon of raw coconut oil and lightly apply it to your breast. If you live in a warm area, keep the bottle of coconut oil in the refrigerator so that it remains solid.

2. Salt in warm water

Saline soaks are one of the most effective home remedies for sore nipples. Make a mixture of 1 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. Allow your nipples to soak in the saline solution for 10 minutes. Let your nipples dry naturally.

3. Tea tree oil

Another effective and soothing mixture for sore nipples can be made by mixing a few drops of tea tree oil in a glass of tepid water. Soak a piece of soft cotton cloth in the mixture and wring out the excess water. With soft touches, apply the mixture on the nipples. Allow them to dry naturally and then rinse off with warm water. Repeat this procedure a few times every day for relief.

4. Apply breast milk

Did you know that breast milk is also an effective remedy for sore nipples? Apply breast milk on your nipples and allow it to air dry.

5. Coconut oil or olive oil

A more luxurious mixture can be made with 1 drop of pure tea tree oil and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil or olive oil. Apply this soothing mixture to the affected nipple and let it dry naturally. Before feeding, rinse the area with tepid water and pat dry with a soft and clean cloth or towel.

6. Ice cubes

Swollen nipples can be extremely painful. You can use cold compresses to reduce the swelling. Wrap a few ice cubes in a soft and clean towel and apply it to the affected nipple for around 10 minutes. When used regularly, this home remedy is quite helpful in treating the problem of swollen nipples.

7. Calendula flowers or oil

Calendula flowers are not only pretty to look at, but they are also useful in treating sore nipples.

1.      Make a paste of 1-2 calendula flowers by crushing them well. Apply the paste on the sore nipple and let it dry on its own.

2.      If calendula flowers are not available, equal proportions of olive oil and calendula oil can be mixed in order to make a mixture. Gently dab this mixture on the sore nipple.

3.      Yet another option is to apply calendula ointment on the sore nipples for relief.

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10 Best Food to Increase Breast Milk Production naturally - Increase Lactation

1. Oil and Butter

Specific fats that oil and butter contain are considered healthy. There are healthier oils such as sesame oil, olive oil and flaxseeds oil. These also aid breast feeding. 

Moderate consumption of ghee, butter and coconut oil tends to increase energy. 
These can be used in regular cooking or can add few drops on some chapattis.

2. Drumstick

A drumstick not only activates the mammary glands, they also aid in opening the veins round the breast to improve blood circulation. This results in increased flow of milk.

1.  You can take the juice of drumstick (fresh ones). Half glass of this juice should be consumed for a month - every day.

2.  Take a handful of drumstick leaves; add it to a cup of water (with salt). Boil this mixture for a few minutes. Now, remove the water. Smear some ghee onto these leaves. This should be consumed twice a day for a month – every day. This will boost milk supply.

3. Salmon

Omega 3 fatty acids and essential fatty acids (EFA) are believed to boost breast milk production. Salmon is rich in both then mentioned acids. EFA is a primary component in mother's milk and hence intake of EFA rich foods aids in the production of nutritious and fattier milk.

4. Asparagus

Asparagus can be called the power house for breastfeeding mothers. They are rich in folic acids, fibers and vitamins A, C & K and also contain phytoestrogens whose hormonal effect boosts production of milk. The fiber content also maintains healthy supply of milk. 

Apart from the above, asparagus also contains tryptophan which is an essential amino acid that stimulates prolactin, a hormone responsible for lactation.

5. Spinach

Spinach is a great source of iron, Vitamins A & K, folate, calcium and even phytoestrogens. It is an excellent food for lactating mothers. Folate (or in the form of folic acid) is very essential for women during their pregnancy as well as after delivery. Phytoestrogens also promote lactation.

6. Hummus

Legumes are common lactogenic foods. Legumes include lentils, chickpeas, green beans (lima beans) etc. Hummus is traditionally made out of chickpeas, garlic, tahini, olive oil and lemon juice. It is considered to be a perfect snack for mothers who breast feed. It is filled with proteins. Moreover, when chickpeas and garlic is combined, it makes the snack nutrient rich and a good option for breastfeeding mothers.

7. Vegetarian diet

Vegetarian mothers should definitely take care that they take foods that have high calcium, protein and iron content in the food they eat. They can snack on nuts and dry fruits and eat lentils and peas as much as possible. They should drink at least one glass of milk daily. 

Vegetarian mothers should consult their doctor in order to take certain supplements enriched with vitamins such as B12 which are exclusively found in animal products.

8. Papaya

Papayas are galactogogues which are most widely used in Asian countries. There are several enzymes and phytochemicals found in papayas stimulate breast tissue and improve lactation. Unripe papayas are consumed in the form of soups. Papayas also have a sedating quality. This helps the breast feeding mothers to relax and aids the milk let - down process.

9. Brown Rice

Brown rice, a complex carbohydrate, provides feeding mothers the energy they require. It also activates prolactin secretion (a hormone that boosts lactation) which increases milk production.

10. Apricots

Apricots, especially the dried ones, are rich in phytoestrogens. These phytoestrogens naturally balance the hormones that are responsible for lactation. They are also rich in fiber, potassium, calcium and even vitamins such as A & C. Apricots and other dry fruits such as figs and dates are calcium rich which boost lactation.

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