How to Increase Breast Milk Production Naturally

One of the most common problems for lactating mothers is low breast milk production. Of course, there are many other issues that lactating women have to deal with, but low breast milk supply is often at the top of the list of problems for many mothers. The question of how to increase breast milk production is easily answered by the use of certain herbs that are beneficial for both the mother and the baby, including some other changes that will make the mother's breastfeeding experience satisfying, providing comfort to the mother and enough milk to keep the baby away from hunger and happy.

First we have to realize that breastfeeding is an important factor in the development of the baby. It helps to provide essential enzymes, hormones and immune system enhancing substances, in addition to a high dose of nutrition and digestive superiority that is unmatched with any other form of milk. It is also directly related to brain development, vision and other senses of the baby protecting them from most colds, infections and even diarrhea. Infants that have been breastfed have a lower rate of developing many diseases including Type 1 Diabetes and colon diseases. They are also less likely to become obese. The act of breastfeeding itself brings many emotional benefits to the mother and baby, helping them build a bond which lasts a lifetime!

Likewise, the mother receives many benefits including a low risk of developing diseases such as osteoporosis, ovarian cancer and breast cancer. It also assists in reducing weight gained during pregnancy by increasing fat mobilization in the body. And, interestingly, breastfeeding may serve as a method of birth control as lactating women generally have very low levels of ovulation, thus automatically providing sufficient time to spend with the baby before a new one is born.

So let's look at how to increase breast milk production through the use of different herbs:

Anise: Anise is a known "galactagogue" which means it helps to increase breast milk production. Other benefits of anise are that it helps release some of the gas problems in babies in addition to colic problems and indigestion.

Fennel: Also helps with increasing the breast milk while improving digestion as well as removing constipation in babies and in mother.

Blessed Thistle: This is also a great galactagogue, increasing milk, helping digestion and removing colic and gas in baby and mother.

Alfalfa: This herb is full of different minerals as well as vitamins that help in the quality of the breast milk stimulating production and enriching the milk.

Fenugreek: Fenugreek is an excellent herb to increase breast milk but it needs to be closely regulated as using it inconsistently can even result in a decrease in milk.

These are some of the known herbs that can provide the mother with amazing benefits in how to increase breast milk production. You can also try some of the organic or herbal teas available that have the above ingredients already present in them. Remember that whatever the mother eats or drinks directly effects the milk and in turn transfers that to the bay as well. This means that having the right diet along with the use of these herbs is essential. Make sure to take enough calories, proteins and calcium.

A reduction in weight during nursing is evident, but a rapid rate of reduction is not a good sign. If the mother is nursing twins, she needs to be even more careful about her diet and take a good amount of healthy calories everyday. Also remember to keep away from bad habits such as smoking an drinking as they can lower the amount of breast milk and negatively effect the health of the mother, as well as the baby.

Also make sure you have enough nipple stimulation as that is an important factor in how to increase breast milk production, you can even buy a breast pump.

Lastly, remember to get enough rest, avoid stress and get help from friends and family whenever needed creating for yourself a peaceful environment for a joyful nursing time.

Sources:

1. Stork.net, "Breastfeeding." Stork.net.

2. Melissa Kotlin Negin, "Relactation - How to Increase Your Milk Supply." About.com.