Increase Breastmilk Supply With Lactogenic Foods
Some Foods Help Mothers Make More Milk
Lactogenic foods can help increase a low milk supply. Sample dosages are given below, but keep in mind that women react differently to different foods. It may be necessary to experiment with different dosages to get the desired results. A woman can often drop her dosage later once an initial boost is achieved.
Barley Grass and Barley Water: Green Foods that Increase Lactation
Barley grass is classified as one of the “green foods”. Green foods may be able to increase the fat content of mother’s milk, resulting in a creamier, more nutrient-rich and filling diet for baby. It is also reputed to increase the volume of milk in some lactating women. Barley grass is available at health food stores and online in the form of pills, powder, or juice. The pills can be large and chalky, so those with difficulty swallowing might prefer a different form.
Barley water can also be prepared as a galactagogue. Simmer one cup of flakes or pearled barley in a quart of water for 2 hours. Add 2-3 teaspoons of fennel seeds and steep for 10 minutes. If the result is too thick to drink comfortably, add water as needed.
Spirulina Also Acts as a Galactagogue
Spirulina is another green food reputed to increase milk supply and increase the fat content of milk in some lactating mothers. It is a type of blue-green algae believed by anthropologists and biologists to be the oldest living plant on the planet and has been used as a food source by humans for thousands of years.
Spirulina is available in tablet and powder form online and in some pharmacies and health food stores. You may want to check that the spirulina you are purchasing has not been genetically “improved” and that it has not been farmed in an area with a high heavy metal content in the water. If you go this route, choose the tablet form – the powder tastes terrible! A suggested dosage is 2 or 3 tablets three times daily.
Fennel Seed Can Boost Milk Supply
While you can eat fennel to improve milk supply, the seeds are a stronger agent and have been used by women for centuries as a galactagogue. It is recommended that fennel be used only for a couple of weeks or one week on, one week off for longer periods. Paradoxically, a side effect of fennel use can be a depressed milk supply rather than the boost you are looking for. Many nursing teas contain fennel as one of several lactogenic ingredients or it can be purchased as a tincture. Follow the dosage recommended on the commercial tincture label.
Eating Oatmeal is an Easy Way to Make More Milk
It’s a healthy food and another potential way to boost your milk supply. Have a big bowl of oats each morning or snack on it in the afternoon. Many women report a modest increase in their lactation production as a result.
Unfortunately, there isn’t any conclusive scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of these foods to boost lactation. Most of the evidence is anecdotal, though that does not make it untrue.
Lactogenic foods can also be combined with herbal and pharmaceutical galactagogues as needed. Keep in mind, too much use of galactagogues can result in an overabundance of milk, creating such problems as painful engorgement, clogged milk ducts, mastitis and the tendency for foremilk/hindmilk imbalance or forceful letdown.
While neither Suite 101 nor the author specifically endorses the usage of any remedy, the information here may help mothers to consider all of their options and make a decision that is right for themselves and their babies. Check with your midwife, naturopath or doctor before trying any of these remedies.
Barley Grass Tablets
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