Some lactating mothers across the globe worry about their breast milk supply. This is because after birth, a good number of babies are completely dependent on breast milk for some months. Unlike infant formula which babies are bottle fed, mothers can’t see how much milk their babies are getting with breast milk. So the worry about their breast milk production is both normal and maternal; after all, every good mother wants to have a healthy baby.
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In a bid to prove or disprove their suspicion, some mothers resort to what I call the diaper watch for clues. When this confirms their suspicion (that their body is not producing enough which invariably means that their baby is not getting enough), some mothers either stop breasting earlier than they planned to or they add infant formula to their baby’s diet. For mothers facing this predicament, you don’t have to stop breastfeeding unless you want to. Even though it is true that one of the best ways to increase your breast milk supply is to keep breastfeeding your baby, some foods can actually boost your breast milk supply. Here they are:
Water
You know water is life, right? Well, according to World Health Organization, breast milk is more than eighty percent water. So, it’s important for lactating mothers to stay hydrated. Drink when you are thirsty. If you are the type that goes hours without drinking water, make a habit of keeping a bottle of water closeby when you are breastfeeding; it will help you remember to drink water. In general, a nursing mother should take at least eight glasses of water every day. If she drinks well, her baby will get the quantity he needs from her at feeding time without her feeling dehydrated.
Pap
I learnt of this food’s efficacy in breast milk stimulation when my cousin had her first baby. She was not producing enough and pap was recommended by my aunts. She started taking it and boom, breast milk started flowing well. So, my people, pap is a natural breast milk booster. Take it early in the morning and late at night and you won’t have problems with producing enough breast milk.
Spinach
Green vegetables in general increases breast milk production. They are nutritious; they are very easy to digest too. The Vitamin B6 found in Spinach plays a vital role in breast milk production. Spinach contains folic acid which is a very important and essential nutrient for lactating mothers. It also contains nutrients which help in the recovery of anaemic mothers. Again, the plant chemical found in this vegetable also helps in breast cancer prevention.
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Oatmeal
Nutritionists recommend oatmeal for mothers who want to stimulate breast milk production. It is rich in fibre and it is also a great source of energy. It will also help mothers dealing with post delivery diabetes to control it.
Kunu
This grain based beverage is of northern origin. Kunu can be made from tiger nut, sorghum, rice, millet, corn. It is also help to increase the flow of breast milk. Ingredients for making this drink is readily available and cheap. Nursing mothers can make it at home. In fact, they are encouraged to consider it an alternative to carbonated drinks.
Carrots
This vegetable should be part of your diet if you are a lactating mother. Carrots contain a high level of Vitamin A which is known to improve the quality of breast milk. It also contains beta-carotene which lactating mothers need. So, my dear, whether you snack on it or you make juice or salad with it doesn’t really matter. What matters is that you’ve found a way to ingest it. Shikenan!
Milk
A glass of milk taken twice a day will boost your breast milk production. Milk is rich in calcium, and folic acid. These not only help in breast milk production. They nourish your baby too.
Sources:
Baby Gaga
Sound Health and Lasting Wealth
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