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Categories Nutrition during lactation

Lactogenic Foods for Increasing Milk Supply

Lactogenic Foods for Increasing Milk Supply

Many new mothers are concerned about whether or not they are producing enough milk to meet their child’s requirements. It’s natural to have more questions than answers if this is your first time. The ability of a mother to lactate is significantly influenced by her nutrition. If you’re worried about not producing enough milk, the first thing you should do is add more lactogenic items to your diet.

Lactogenic foods are exactly what they sound like: foods that encourage the production of milk. They’re fantastic options to consider when putting together a breastfeeding food plan.

While ensuring that your diet is adequate in calories and essential nutrients, many foods include compounds that enhance lactation.

The following are some of the best lactogenic foods:

  1. Spices and Garlic

Garlic has long been used to encourage lactation and is well-known for its health advantages.

While many individuals enjoy garlic and eat it frequently, others aren’t used to eating it. If you fall into the latter category but still want to get the benefits, begin by gradually incorporating it into your diet. Slowly incorporate it into your diet and monitor your baby’s reaction.

If your child isn’t interested in it, there are alternative herbs and flavours that can aid lactation. When used in moderation, marjoram, basil, anise, dill, caraway, and black pepper can all help to encourage lactation and can be easily incorporated into many dishes.

  1. Barley and Barley Malt 

Barley and malt are both excellent lactogenic foods. Barley is one of the best sources of beta-glucan in the diet. Beta-glucan is a polysaccharide that has been proven to stimulate prolactin, the breastfeeding hormone.

Barley is traditionally used in beef or vegetable soups and stews. It can also be used in salads, with roasted vegetables.

Barely malt is just barley grain that has been allowed to germinate. When this happens, the barley turns into a sweet syrupy malt that also contains a lot of beta-glucan.

  1. Oats

Along with barley, oats should also be incorporated. They have nearly as much beta-glucan as barley, which aids in prolactin production.

Oats are probably already a breakfast staple for you, but you can boost its health advantages by mixing a little barley malt in with your oatmeal in the same way you would honey. Alternatively, replace your lemon poppyseed muffin with an oat bran muffin. You can also make cheelas or incorporate oats flour in your regular atta.

  1. Seeds of fennel and fenugreek

Fennel is a white vegetable with slender, green leaves and a sweet, licorice-flavored bulb. The seeds of the methi plant are known as fenugreek.

Phytoestrogens are found in both fennel and fenugreek seeds and the plant, and have long been regarded to aid lactation. Fenugreek, in particular, is widely used for this. If you’ve ever seen “mother’s milk” tea on shop shelves or in the supplement section, you’ve probably seen fenugreek.

For millennia, fenugreek has been utilised throughout the Middle East and India for its lactogenic characteristics.

The fennel plant or it’s seeds can both be eaten for their lactogenic effects. They can be eaten raw or tossed in a green salad.  Their flavor is also well-complimented by mint, orange, and grapefruit.

Fennel is also delicious when caramelized, and is a classic accompaniment to chicken and fish.

In case you want any expert advice on nutrition, then contact Kanupriya Khanna. She is a Senior Consultant Nutritionist and Dietitian with over 18 years of work experience in nutrition and is known as one of the best dietitians in Delhi for mother and child’s nutrition. 

Also Read: Postpartum wellness

Categories Nutrition during lactation

Postpartum wellness

Postpartum wellness

 

We often focus on baby after birth, which is important – but so is the new mother’s health!

You’ve just spent the last nine to ten months producing another human being and recovering from the physically taxing act of labour. Not to mention the fact that your body continues to provide sustenance for your baby even after you’ve given birth, which may be both physically and emotionally exhausting.

This means that you need to continue to nourish your body with not only enough energy to heal and produce milk, but various micronutrients that are likely depleted after giving birth.

 

Here are some of my postpartum tips.

 

Continue with a Multivitamin or a Postnatal vitamin 

While it’s always a good idea to discuss supplements with your doctor, I recommend continuing with a multivitamin to cover any gaps in your diet, especially with a focus on B vitamins, and Vitamins A and D as those levels in breastmilk are all affected by mom’s intake. Continuing your multivitamin is a great way to ensure you’re meeting the needs of both you and your baby.

 

Remember to also continue taking your calcium supplement (another important component of breastmilk), so that your body’s not depleted of this mineral at the cost of your bone health.

 

Increased calories intake:

Now, if you’re breastfeeding, you’ll also want to up your intake a little. The average women needs about 500 extra calories a day to meet the demands of lactation.

 

Say YES to Help

It takes more than just you to achieve postpartum wellness. Because the first few months of a baby’s existence might feel like a never-ending feeding frenzy, it’s a fantastic time to enlist the support of family and friends. If someone offers to assist, ask them to bring food or prepare a meal for you. Some days, not having to think about what you’re going to cook feels like a gift. Equally important is to enlist help from family to babysit while you get some shut eye.

 

Getting enough DHA and EPA

You should focus on fatty acids, notably EPA and DHA, in addition to calories and a daily vitamin.

 

These two fatty acids are essential during pregnancy as well as breastfeeding. While nuts and seeds like walnuts and flaxseeds contain ALA omega-3 fatty acids, only preformed DHA passes into breastmilk. This is why, during breastfeeding, some women might want to take a DHA supplement. Non vegetarians get enough if they consume oily fish regularly.

 

Increase your vitamin B12

Lastly, you’ll want to beef up your vitamin B12 for postpartum wellness support. The need for B12 increases during lactation due to the expansion of tissues and baby’s need for b12.

Normally your daily vitamin may contain enough B12, but make sure it has at least 30mcg per pill.

 

Exercise may help, but start slow  

There’s a large connection between mental health and physical exercise, but that doesn’t mean that you should jump back into your old routines.

 

There’s a reason we’re asked to wait at least 5-6 weeks before doing any strenuous exercise, even longer if you’ve had a complicated delivery or a C-section. Heading back into heavy exercise too soon can deplete your precious energy stores and leave you feeling even more exhausted. It can also hamper your healing.

 

Light walks with your new baby and postpartum yoga are a great place to being before going back to your pre-pregnancy workout routine. This can also help you slowly build back up your strength and stamina along with a little endorphin mood boost.

 

Kanupriya Khanna, a senior Consultant Nutritionist and Dietitian with over 18 years of experience in reproductive nutrition can help if you need help. She is titled as one of the best dietitians in Delhi.

 

All you need to know when Breastfeeding
Categories Nutrition during lactation

All You Need to Know When Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding burns extra calories, thus it can help you lose weight faster after your pregnancy. It releases the hormone oxytocin, which aids in the return of your uterus to its pre-pregnancy size. Breastfeeding also reduces your chances of developing breast & ovarian cancer and osteoporosis.

It saves you time and money because you don’t have to buy and measure formula, sanitise nipples, or reheat bottles. It also allows you to spend quality time with your newborn and bond.

What is breast milk?

Your breasts create perfect “first milk” for the first few days after birth. It’s known as colostrum. Colostrum is thick and yellowish, and there isn’t much of it, but it’s enough to meet your baby’s nutritional requirements. Colostrum aids in the development and preparation of a newborn’s digestive tract for the digestion of breast milk and enhances immunity of the newborn.

Colostrum is the earliest phase of breast milk, and it changes throughout time to provide your baby with the nutrition he or she requires as it grows. Transitional milk is the name of the second phase. Your body makes this as your colostrum is eventually replaced by mature milk, the third phase of breast milk.

After colostrum, you’ll start producing transitional milk, followed by mature milk – 10 to 15 days after giving birth, which will provide your baby with all the nutrition they require until 6 months of age.

Breastfeeding exclusively for 6 months is recommended by experts. Your breasts may produce less milk if you supplement with formula as the production of milk is dependent on demand and the sucking action of the infant.

During lactation, there are certain nutritional requirements that must be met.

It’s worth noting that nutritional requirements during nursing are higher than during pregnancy. The birth weight of the baby doubles in the first four to six months of its life. The milk produced during this time has to meet the growing baby’s needs.

Nutritional requirements also alter with maternal age, which can have a significant impact on maternal nutritional status and milk composition, particularly in teenage or impoverished mothers.

Some points to keep in mind:

1. Iron: Iron supplementation is commonly prescribed to compensate for blood losses incurred during childbirth and menstruation. It should be noted that some women who exclusively breastfeed for at least six months experience amenorrhoea and hence do not lose iron through menstruation during that time.

2. Calcium: Calcium is required during lactation. The regulatory processes of the body change so that there is increased calcium absorption, decreased renal excretion, and enhanced bone calcium mobilisation. The American Academy of Paediatrics recommends that lactating mothers consume five servings per day of calcium-rich foods of any kind, such as low-fat yoghourt or cheese, as well as other calcium-rich non-dairy foods, such as fish consumed with its bones (for example, canned sardines), salmon, broccoli, sesame seeds, etc. to meet their calcium requirements.

3. Protein: When compared to calorie requirements, the increase in protein requirements during lactation is minimal. Consumption of protein-rich foods can meet the increased requirements during nursing (for example, one egg, 25g of cheese or 175g of milk). Casein is the protein component of milk that is required for calcium and phosphate absorption in the infant’s intestines and has immunomodulatory properties.

4. Carbohydrate: Lactose is the most abundant carbohydrate in human milk and is critical for the continued brain development of infants. Despite the fact that lactose concentrations are less variable than those of other nutrients, overall output is lowered in moms who are severely malnourished.

5. Water: It makes about 85–95 percent of the total volume of milk. Many people believe that increasing water intake will boost milk production, but multiple studies have shown that forcing fluid intake beyond what is required to quench thirst has little effect on lactation.

6. Salt: The salt content of colostrum is higher than that of mature milk. There is no evidence of a link between salt intake during lactation and sodium levels in breast milk, according to research. However, tiny amounts of salt, fortified with iodine, should be consumed (iodised salt).

7. Vitamins: The content of several vitamins in breast milk is determined by the mother’s levels, and deficiency in the mother might result in a deficiency in the newborn. This is especially true for thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), and vitamins B6, B12, E, and A, thus increasing your consumption during lactation is recommended.

Contact Kanupriya Khanna if you need specialist advise on your baby’s diet during the pandemic. She is a Senior Consultant Nutritionist and Dietitian with over 18 years of expertise in the field of nutrition and is regarded as one of the best nutritionist /dietitian in Delhi.

7 Myths About Breastfeeding Debunked
Categories Nutrition during lactation

7 Myths About Breastfeeding Debunked

The ‘first milk’ – or colostrum – is rich in antibodies and gives newborns an immunity boost while their own immune systems are still developing.

Did you know? Breastfeeding protects your baby from ear infections, diarrhoea, pneumonia and other childhood diseases. Moreover, did you know that it also protects the mother from diabetes, breast and ovarian cancers and heart disease.

Myth 1: Breastfeeding is complicated.

Fact: Breastfeeding is a simple process.

Babies have a natural instinct to seek their mother’s breast. Some moms may require practical assistance in ensuring that their baby is properly latched to the breast initially. For both mothers and newborns, breastfeeding comes naturally after the first few tries.

Myth 2: Breastfeeding is painful

Fact: Breastfeeding is generally not painful. Sometimes it is painful due to sore nipples. Sore nipples can be treated with topical application of certain medicated creams, desi ghee, etc.

Myth 3: Before breastfeeding, you should clean your nipples.

Fact: It is not required to wash your nipples before breastfeeding. When babies are born, they are already familiar with the smells and sounds of their mother. The nipples create a sense of security and familiarity for the baby.

Myth 4: To give the mother time to rest immediately after birth, you should separate the infant and the mother.

Fact: Skin-to-skin care, also known as kangaroo mother care, is frequently encouraged by doctors, nurses, and midwives shortly after birth. Bringing your baby into direct contact with your skin, so that their skin is against yours, is a crucial step in assisting both mother and baby in initiating breast feeding.

Myth 5: While breastfeeding, you should only eat bland foods.

Fact: Breastfeeding women, like everyone else, require a well-balanced diet. From the moment they are born, babies are exposed to their mothers’ eating preferences. It is best to consult a dietitian if a mother believes her infant is reacting to a certain meal she eats.

Myth 6: If you’re breastfeeding, you can’t take any medications.

Fact: It’s critical to tell your doctor that you’re nursing and to read the directions on any over-the-counter drugs. You may need to take medicines at a specific time interval, in a specific dosage, or to use a different formulation altogether. Consult your doctor before starting any medication while breast feeding.

Myth 7: Clingy babies are those that have been breastfed.

Fact: Every child is unique. No matter how they are fed, some are clingy and some are not. Breastfeeding not only gives the finest nutrition for infants, but it is also beneficial to their brain development. Because breastfed babies are held frequently, breastfeeding has been demonstrated to improve bonding with their mothers.

Contact Kanupriya Khanna, a Sr. Consultant Nutritionist & Child Nutrition Specialist in Delhi, with over 18 years of experience in this field, if you need expert advice on nutrition and post-natal health.

Can Covid Positive Women Breastfeed?
Categories Nutrition Blogs, Nutrition during lactation

Can COVID Positive Moms Breastfeed?

Can COVID Positive Moms Breastfeed?

Breastfeeding is vital for the nutrition and development of infants. The World Health Organization recommends new mothers continue to breastfeed their baby for the first six months.

But, due to the recent COVID-19 outbreak, concerns have been raised about whether COVID positive mothers should breastfeed their baby or not? New mothers are concerned about the transmission of the virus through breastmilk.

COVID guidelines for lactating mothers:

o Do not discontinue breastfeeding

Until now, the virus has not been found in breast milk. New mothers can continue to breastfeed while following COVID protocols:

  • Wear a mask during nursing your baby
  • Sanitise your hands before touching the baby
  • Disinfect the surfaces you touch regularly

o Use a cup and spoon if you are can’t breastfeed

If you are too sick to breastfeed, then use a clean cup and spoon to feed your baby. You can express your milk and ask any non-infected family member to feed the baby. But always wear a mask and sanitise your hands while expressing.

 

WHO Recommendations on Breastfeeding during COVID-19

WHO recommends that suspected or confirmed COVID positive mothers should not discontinue breastfeeding. The benefits of breastfeeding extensively surpass the possible risks for transmission. The mother and the child should establish skin to skin contact, including Kangaroo mother care, immediately after birth.

 

Conclusion- Can COVID Positive Moms Breastfeed? 

The pandemic has created many doubts among new mothers that whether feeding breast milk during this pandemic is safe or not. But your breast milk is a major food for your baby and it provides the required nutrition that is necessary for your baby’s development. So, keep breastfeeding your baby during the pandemic.

In case you want any expert advice on your baby’s nutrition during this pandemic, then contact Kanupriya Khanna. She is a Senior Consultant Nutritionist and Dietitian with over 18 years of work experience in child nutrition and is known as one of the best dietitians in Delhi for child nutrition.

 

Also Read: How to tackle high sugar level post COVID-19?

All you need to know about breastfeeding techniques
Categories Nutrition Blogs, Nutrition during lactation

All you need to know about breastfeeding techniques

All you need to know about breastfeeding techniques

For new mothers, breastfeeding can be a very overwhelming experience. Breastfeeding techniques play a very important role in feeding your baby. In this article, we will mention all you need to know about them. In order to feed effectively, your baby has to wake up and let you know that he or she wants to feed. A baby should be hungry 8 to 12 times a day.

Some most common signs of demonstrating hunger are licking, making sucking movements, rooting, bringing hands near the mouth and squawking. Crying is a very late representation of being hungry and till that time, it becomes very difficult for mothers to make their baby latch because of frustration. If such a case happens, let your baby calm down before you start nursing.

Types of breastfeeding techniques

Effective Breastfeeding techniques are very important because if your baby is in a good position, he or she can feed better. Some common breastfeeding positions are as follows:

Cradle

In cradle position, the baby is held in the crook or elbow on the same side as the breast to be used for nursing. The breast can be supported by the opposite hand and the baby’s body is rolled in towards the mother’s body.

Cross-Cradle

In the cross-cradle position, the baby’s head should be supported by the hand opposite to the breast and then feed him or her by supporting your breast with your hand.

Football or clutch

The baby’s head is supported by your hand on the same side as the breast for feeding. The baby’s body is supported by a pillow.

Side-lying using modified cradle

In this position, the baby and mother lie next to each other and the mother uses a pillow to support her arm. This position is considered good for feeding as the baby’s head is at a good angle.

Laid-back breastfeeding

In laid back position, the mother leans back in a recliner position and the baby is lying on his or her stomach and the baby’s body is pressed against the mother. This is a very relaxing position for both mother and baby. If you have had a C-Sec, then this is the best position for you.

Conclusion- All you need to know about breastfeeding techniques

No matter what position you choose, always bring the baby to your breasts, not your breast to the baby. Sit in a comfortable position and support the baby’s body using bed, pillow or cushion. In order to swallow and breathe during feeding, your baby must be in good alignment. If you are still not sure about your breastfeeding technique, then you can contact Kanupriya Khanna, a Senior Consultant Nutritionist & Dietitian and one of the best dietitians in Delhi with more than 17 years of work experience. She is an expert in the postnatal health and lactation. If you need an expert advice then she can help you with a lot of your queries.

Also read: How To Take Care of Your Toddler During Covid? 

Categories breastfeeding meal plan, Nutrition Blogs, Nutrition during lactation

Importance of Breastfeeding in Strengthening Your Infant’s Immunity

Till date, breast milk remains the best meal for the newborn baby for the first 6 months of its life. It gives the child a healthy start from the earliest moments of life.

 Have a read below to understand the importance of breastfeeding:

  • Rich in proteins, fats, carbohydrates, sugars, etc – breast milk contains all the essential nutrients that a baby needs for its growth and development.
  • As per research, breast milk contains ‘Probiotics’ – a substance which in turn serves as a nutrient source for healthy bacteria in the body. This substance not only protects the infant’s gut but also instructs the newborn’s immune system on how to appropriately respond to harmful bacteria.
  • Likewise, breast milk contains lymphocytes and macrophages – substances that produce antibodies. These antibodies boost the infant’s immune system and lower the risk of allergies and other chronic illnesses like gastroenteritis, diarrhea, irregular bowel movement, cold, flu, etc.
  • Some studies claim that breastfed infants stay healthier for a longer period. Such kids are less prone to developing obesity and other lifestyle diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, etc – later in life.
  • What’s more? Health experts suggest that children who are exclusively breastfed have higher IQs than kids who are fed through bottles, nipples, and other modern supplies.

Post Delivery Diet for Breastfeeding
If you wish to provide the right nutrients to your baby, have a look at the breastfeeding diet plan below:

  • Dairy Products – Food items such as Milk, Paneer, Cheese, Eggs, etc. are rich in protein and calcium. These food items help form Casein in breast milk – an element that aids digestion and absorption of other nutrients.
  • Green and Leafy Vegetables – Broccoli, Kale, Peas, Mustard Greens, etc are all rich in protein and mineral content. It helps boost the nutritional value of breast milk. Moreover, the fiber present in these food items regulates the mother’s digestive system.
  • Fruits: A good source of vitamin B1, B2, B6, and C, fruits will increase the milk production in the body.
  • Pulses and Legumes – A good source of iron, folate, phosphorous, zinc, and B vitamin -this food can be a good inclusion in the breastfeeding meal plan.
  • Consume water and other healthy fluids – it will help you stay hydrated throughout the day.

Remember: Do not try diets to lose weight immediately. Give your body some time to normalize, before you plan to get back in shape. Ensure you consult a dietician before you make any major changes in your diet plan.

Kanupriya Khanna is one such dietician who can help you with a good breastfeeding meal plan. One of the best nutritionists in Delhi, Kanupriya will help you meet your nutrition needs during the breastfeeding period.

Lactation Consultant
Categories Nutrition during lactation

When To See A Lactation Consultant

Lactation consultants are professional specialists trained to teach new mothers how to breastfeed and help tackle issues such as latching difficulties, painful nursing, and low milk production. These professionals also help women return to work while meeting their breastfeeding goals. Mothers can use their guidance in efficiently using breast pumps and safely storing breast milk.

In addition, lactation consultants can help babies who aren’t gaining enough weight. It is normal for babies to lose some weight after birth, but if the weight loss is more than expected a lactation specialist can help. Most often these trained professionals are mothers themselves. Their training and own experience aid them to understand the root cause of the problem and thus find the most applicable solution – from feed quantity to quality of feeding.
Mothers with one new born have it tough, and so when you have twins or triplets women around the world will understand your challenge. This is another area where lactation consultants come in handy. Mothers expecting twins or triplets should ideally contact these consultants before birth so that they can prepare you to handle feeding multiple babies at once. Post delivery, they can work with you to see if the babies intake and your supply are sufficient or any changes need to be made.

With special needs children, those born with a cleft lip or Downs Syndrome, these professionals guide mothers in the use of special products if there is a need, ensuring that the child’s nutritional needs are completely taken care of.
Yes breastfeeding is a natural process, but it doesn’t come naturally to all mothers and babies. In such cases it may improve child and self care by reaching out to an International Board certified lactation consultant Lactation Specialists can be recommended by the hospital or the pediatrician

Here are some situations in which it might be needed and helpful to reach out to a lactation consultant.

• You’re full of frustrations, questions, and doubts and need some encouragement!         Lactation Consultants have seen and heard it all – and many are moms themselves, so they can field any questions you throw at them. All International Board Certified Lactation Consultants have been through training and have many hours of practical, clinical experience with moms and babies. Sometimes all you may need is an experienced, patient cheerleader by your side to help you overcome whatever hurdle you’re facing in your breastfeeding journey.

• Your baby isn’t gaining weight.
It’s totally normal for babies to lose a few ounces after birth, but if your pediatrician is noticing a more alarming weight loss, it may be time to work with a Lactation Specialist. She can help pinpoint the problem and offer a solution – whether it’s an issue with low milk supply (uncommon) or a latching problem.

• Your breasts or nipples just hurt.                                                                                                 There are a few reasons why you might experience pain while breastfeeding: mastitis, engorgement, plugged ducts, or cracked nipples. An experienced lactation consultant will be able to assess and recommend a treatment plan to deal with these painful conditions safely without disrupting your breastfeeding routine.

• Your baby has special needs.
If you have a baby with conditions such as cleft palate or Down Syndrome, you can still feed them your breast milk! It may just take a bit more effort to work through the challenges your little one faces. There are products that your Lactation Consultant can find and instruct you to use that can help you achieve this goal.

• You have twins, triplets, or more!
You have a lot to think about when expecting multiples; contacting a lactation consultant should be one of them! Before the babies are born, she can help you prepare for what you’ll face when breastfeeding multiples. After your babies arrive, she can assist with showing you the correct way to support and feed two babies at once, and check to make sure your supply is keeping up with their nutritional needs.

• Baby Won’t Attach
Breastfeeding is instinctive for babies. However, there are various things that can cause attachment difficulties after birth. For example, if your breasts are very engorged, this can make it hard for some babies to attach. Sometimes, pain relief used during labour, or other birth interventions, can contribute to making some babies extra sleepy and perhaps even dull their feeding behaviours – all of which can make attaching more difficult. IBCLCs have a thorough understanding and first-hand experience with things such as how breastfeeding works and how to get breastfeeding off to the best start possible. This means IBCLCs are well placed to troubleshoot why a baby may be having trouble attaching and help work out the best ways to: Ensure your baby continues to receive enough milk, Support your milk supply, Provide ongoing guidance about what to do as things progress/change.

 

Categories Nutrition during lactation

Healthy Lactation Diet For Mums

Expectant mothers start thinking of feeding the baby well before they deliver. With a vast majority of health care providers/ lactation consultants suggesting that breast feeding is the best option, to be and new mothers have multiple questions on lactation diet. These range from –

What should I eat to produce enough milk for my baby?
• What should I avoid in my diet to ensure that my baby is not colic?
• If I don’t lactate is it alright to give my baby bottle feed?

Well, if you are not lactating, it is alright to give you baby bottle feed. At Kanupriya, we have consulted with many new mothers who are not lactating sufficiently or at all on bottle feed.

Having said that, if you are lactating then it is good to know that breast milk, in any quantity, is wonderful for babies. Some studies suggest exclusive breast feeding for the first six months while some lactation consultants suggest that introducing food at three months maybe alright. Bottom line is that breast milk remains the best meal for the baby for at least the first three months.

What makes breast milk the first universal suggestion is that it contains all nutrients that a baby needs for its growth and development, from proteins to fats to calories and minerals. These nutrients pass from the mother to the child. So here are some sample food groups that help understand a new mother’s healthy lactation diet.
A thumb rule to keep in mind is that when breastfeeding, you need 400-500kcal extra per day. Now coming to the food groups –

1. Dairy Products   Foods such as milk, paneer, cheese, eggs etc. are rich in protein and a good source of calcium. These foods help form Caesin in breast milk, which aids digestion and absorption of other nutrients.

2. Green and Leafy Vegetables:  Broccoli, Kale, Peas, Mustard Greens etc are all rich in their protein and mineral content. This helps boost nutritional value of the breastmilk and the fiber maintains the mother’s digestive system’s health.

3. Pulses and Legumes:   These have high levels of minerals such as iron, folate, phosphorous, zinc, and B vitamins. Rich in proteins and low in fat, this is a good inclusion to have a well-balanced diet for a new mother.

4. Seafood:   Rich in iodine and other minerals, seafood for those not allergic can be an interesting addition in the daily diet. Salt, butter and ghee in the normal amounts must also be consumed to ensure the supply of fat and energy to the mother.

Just as when pregnant, when breastfeeding mothers should be careful with caffeine, alcohol and medication. Hydration through water and other healthy fluids is essential and do not try diets to lose weight.

At Kanupriya we help our mothers plan their lactation diet for the well being of their child and themselves.

Categories Nutrition during lactation

How can you increase breast milk supply

Can you increase breast milk supply?

Expectant mothers start thinking of their way of feeding the baby well before they deliver. With a vast majority of health care providers suggesting that breast feeding is the best option, many women worry whether they will be able to produce enough milk or not.

The question I get asked most frequently is:
What should I eat to produce enough milk for my baby?

Some take to the internet to find answers. However, in this day of information over load it is easy to get confused by all the data that is so easily available. Traditionally there are a lot of beliefs regarding foods that aid in lactation.

There are some spices and herbs that have traditionally been used to increase milk production in India for thousands of years. They include methi seeds (fenugreek) , saunf (fennel), jeera (cumin seeds), moti eliachi (black cardamom), ajwain (caraway seeds) some ayurvedic herbs like shatavari, moringa, etc . They are consumed as concoctions made using the powders, boiling the herbs in water or as capsules.

Unfortunately, studies available in the literature are either inconclusive on some of the spices and herbs while there was no data available on others.

My personal take is: If you’re worried about not producing enough milk, consuming one of the traditional Indian herb may be a good idea. It may not necessarily increase milk production, but it may help you relax and calm down. That in turn may very well help in increasing your milk production.

At the end of the day, try to stay relaxed and happy, no matter what. Remember, that even despite all your efforts if you are not able to produce enough milk, there are infant formulas available to take care of your babies nutritional needs. But, only you can take care of your babies emotional needs.

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