Ever heard of
galactagogues? If you’re a breastfeeding mom, they could be your new best
friend.
Galactagogue
is a fancy way to describe something that helps increase your breast milk
supply. From oatmeal to sesame seed bagels, there are plenty of foods you could
be snacking on to boost your milk supply.
Check
out the top tips for foods that help boost your milk supply.
1.
Soup
Warm,
nourishing soups can help encourage milk production as they heal postpartum
bodies. Amy Mager, a lactation consultant, acupuncturist and practitioner of
Chinese medicine explains how soup can help. “You want to first
be eating warming foods that build Qi, life force and blood,” she tells
She Knows. “Chicken soup is queen for postpartum mamas to nourish, warm, heal
and make milk. When one is vegetarian, then lentil soup is a good substitute
for chicken soup — especially with some miso used in the broth.”
2.
Oatmeal
Many
people suggest that eating a bowl of oatmeal every day is helpful to boost your
milk supply. Some connect it to the high source of iron in oatmeal, which can
help. Enjoy your oatmeal as a hot breakfast cereal, or perhaps even in a batch
of oatmeal cookies.
3.
Sesame seeds
Sesame
seeds are high in calcium, which is great for increasing your milk supply.
While they work best when crushed, you can still enjoy a sesame seed
bagel. For an added bonus, top it with some tahini spread (made with sesame
seeds!).
4.
Fenugreek
Much
has been said about this herb that can be found in many teas that specialize in
boosting milk supply. While it can help increase milk production in as little
as a few days, there are some people who should avoid it. If you have asthma or
certain allergies, use caution if using fenugreek. Those with thyroid issues,
or who are hypoglycemic, or who take blood thinners may want to avoid it
altogether.
5.
Dates
Dates
support and nourish the blood, according to Mager, which helps with milk
production. “You can eat them in soup, by themselves or pour hot water on
them.” You can even add them to a batch of oatmeal cookies for double the
power!
6.
Water
While
not a food, remaining hydrated is one of the best ways to make sure you are
producing enough breast milk. Keep a full water bottle by you to help remind
you to stay hydrated, and so that you drink before you even feel thirsty. Try
to get into the habit of drinking when your baby drinks!
While
some of these tried-and-true home remedies may not work for everyone, there’s no harm
in eating an extra oatmeal cookie now and then if it might possibly help with
breast milk production! If you are truly concerned about your milk supply, make
an appointment with your doctor or a local lactation consultant.
Source:
www.yahoo.com/news
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