Nourishing your baby, lactation tips by Teresa, holistic nutritionist at Balanced Nutrition Lab

Most people believe that lactation is easy and that there is an unlimited supply of breastfed milk.  However, more than six million mothers worldwide are either unable to initiate breastfeeding or unable to produce enough milk to nourish their infants.  Mothers from all societies and ages have prayed, drank teas, special soups and herbs to help increase milk flow. 

It is not easy to produce milk. Many hormones are involved in the process. Thyroid hormone and iodine are essential to initiate breastfeeding, and the need for thyroid hormone and iodine is increased during pregnancy.  If you have a history of poor thyroid function, your breast milk might be affected. High levels of testosterone will also affect the production of milk as it affects the development of the breast glands. 

Product & Top tips to improve your breastfeeding journey

There are certain steps you can take to increase breast milk supply

1. Increase caloric intake, especially intake of good fats. For example adding organic ghee to your coffee, and meals could be a great way to increase your fat intake.

      2. Incorporate galactagogues which are substances that promote lactation in humans. Such as fenugreek, blessed thistle, nettle, red raspberry leaf, marshmallow root.

      3. Make lactation tea  with blessed thistle, raspberry leaf, and fennel. 

      4. Lactation cookies. They also contain galactagogues such as turmeric, oats, milk thistle, fennel and they help increase milk production. There are many recipes out there or you can buy them. 

       5. Breast Pumps. It can be a mother’s best friend. Many mothers produce more milk in the morning than in the evening, when they are tired. With the breast pump, you can get the milk you need for the day.  

 

Check out our other articles on breastfeeding and the much needed accessories to make your lactation journey easier.