As a nursing mother, you probably have a plethora of questions about what to eat and what not to eat during your feeding months to satisfy your baby’s needs.
While it is essential to have a balanced diet to nurture your baby towards healthy growth, there are some foods that can help you boost your milk production. Here is a list of the top six foods that can get your production levels up!
1. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is loaded with iron, which increases red blood cell count and boosts lactation in new mothers. Oats may also help to reduce the risk of diabetes after pregnancy and lower anxiety and depression levels.
2. Fenugreek & Fennel Seeds
Fenugreek seeds contain Omega-3 fats that are important for your baby’s brain development, and can help prevent gas and colic in babies. They also contain healthy vitamins that are good for lactating mothers, and are a traditional remedy for increasing breast milk.
3. Green Papaya
Green or unripe papaya increases the production of oxytocin, which boosts breastmilk production. Green papaya has been popular in Asia for centuries, and is a popular ingredient for many delicious Thai dishes!
4. Garlic
Garlic is one of the best foods for enhancing breast milk, and it also helps babies suffering from colic. Apart from adding a new flavour to your daily food intake, garlic also has several curative properties such as strengthening the immune system, and preventing heart disease and cancer. If you don’t like the aftertaste of garlic in your food, you can try garlic pills!
5. Spinach & Beet Leaves
Spinach and beet leaves are excellent sources of iron, calcium and folic acid, which are great for anemic mothers. These foods are also detoxifying agents. Toss these leaves into your midday soup or salad, but remember to eat spinach in moderation to avoid the risk of diarrhoea.
6. Brewer’s Yeast
Brewer’s yeast is rich in vitamins, iron, protein, selenium, and chromium, and is traditionally believed to increase breast milk supply. It can be found as an ingredient in many lactation snacks, and you can use it in baked goods or smoothies too!
If you have questions about your health or the health of your baby, speak to a doctor anytime over the DA app.
