Motherhood is a blessing that comes with quite a few challenges. Even while battling post-partum depression, sleepless nights many new moms face a tough time breastfeeding their newborn. Few babies may just refuse to latch upon and refuse to drink but in a majority of cases, an insufficient supply of breast milk can cause frustration and agony. 

Right after childbirth, every woman requires time to heal and get their body prepped up for starting lactation for the newborn. Although lactation is a natural process, several mothers find themselves struggling to breastfeed their babies because their bodies aren’t producing enough milk to suffice the daily nutritional intake of the newbie. Also Read: World Breastfeeding Week: Diet Plan For Better Lactation- Infographic

Breast milk being one of the healthiest forms of milk is the first food that is given to the babies. Apart from the presence of healthful nutrients like protein, vitamins, carbohydrates, fats, iron, and calcium, the breastmilk is enriched with colostrum. This yellow watery pre-milk secreted during the initial stages after childbirth is quintessential for the overall development and well-being of the newborn. 

This World Breast-Feeding Week, Improve Lactation With Our Wide-Range Of Ayurvedic Supplements!

The holistic remedies of Ayurveda believe that breastfeeding or ‘Stanyada’ is an important process that benefits both the mother and the newborn by creating an emotional bond between the two. Not only does breast milk bestow indispensable benefits to the newborn by bolstering the immunity, enriching the brain, and enhancing digestion but also the process of lactation reduces the risk of breast cancer in the new mom. However, all those sleepless nights, gloomy thoughts, the stress of motherhood do pose a hindrance to the process of lactation. 

Do You Know What Else Affects The Production Of Breast Milk?

For starters, the lower production of breast milk in nursing mothers can occur due to the following:

• Undergone a breast surgery
• Taking certain medications that hamper the supply of breast milk
• Had a premature or preterm baby
• Initiated breastfeeding at a later stage
• Suffering from postpartum depression, stress, anxiety
• Diagnosed with health conditions like high blood pressure, obesity, hypothyroidism, diabetes, etc.
• Not breastfeeding the newborn on a daily basis

All these reasons may sometimes create an obstacle in the process of lactation. However, just like any other health anomaly, the inability to produce a sufficient quantity of milk can be treated by an alternative process of ayurvedic remedies that ensure an ample supply of breast milk for the newborn. Also Read: World Breastfeeding Week 2020: Incredible Exercises To Enhance Lactation For The New Mom

Every year, WABA, WHO and UNICEF celebrate the World Breast Feeding Week from August 1 to 7 to create more awareness about the benefits of breastfeeding during the first six months of the new-borns life. Well this year, let’s know about some natural herbs that have been used since ancient times to boost lactation the ayurvedic way.

Herbs That Induce Lactation

Shatavari

Coined as a powerful galactagogue, Shatavari also known as the “Queen of herbs”, holds high significance for lactating women to boost the secretion of milk from the mammary glands. On daily consumption, this herb or any of its formulation help increase the production of prolactin and corticoids, which help produce breast milk, which in turn improves lactation and the quality of breast milk. This is extremely beneficial towards the young ones since breast milk is ideal for their nourishment and helps to strengthen their immune system. 

Consume 1 tbsp of Shatavari powder infused in milk at night to boost lactation.

Methi

Call it methi or fenugreek, the cuboidal seeds of the Trigonella foenum-graecum plant has powerful lactating properties and hence has been used since ancient times as an alternative remedy for women with poor milk production. The presence of bioactive components, diosgenin and phytoestrogen bestows the herb its galactagogue properties and hence makes them great for the mothers who wish to enhance their breast milk supply.

Brew a cup of fenugreek tea by boiling the seeds in water and then straining them to get the solvent part. Add a tsp of honey and a pinch of turmeric to enhance the taste and consume it thrice a day to promote lactation.

Milk Thistle

Owing to galactagogue property that facilitates the production of prolactin in new moms, the Milk thistle or Mary thistle holds high significance in inducing lactation and promotes the production of milk. Additionally, it also helps in eliminating toxins from the body and functions as a terrific tonic for the liver. This flowering plant portrays estrogenic properties and hence helps in controlling mood swings and assists in coping with post-partum depression.

Fennel Seeds

Fennel seeds, commonly known as saunf is an excellent choice for increasing the production of breast milk in new moms. The abundance of phytoestrogen, a hormone similar to estrogen in women induces the production of prolactin which in turn triggers the mammary glands to secrete an ample amount of milk sufficient for the newborn. Additionally, if the mother takes fennel seeds, it gets passed through the breast milk to the infant and this is found to be quite beneficial in improving digestion and soothing symptoms of colic in the newborn.

You can directly have a tsp of roasted fennel seeds after meals or brew it in the form of tea and consume it twice a day.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon, also known as “Dalchini” in Hindi, is an aromatic herb that not only enhances the taste of various cuisines but also nourishes the new mom with innumerable benefits. From enhancing digestion, augmenting skin health, delaying periods after child birth and inducing milk secretion, the aromatic bark from Cinnamomum verum tree is a quintessential ingredient required to be stocked up by every new mom for its immense health benefits. It is believed that the potent galactagogue action of this spice not only promotes milk supply but also somehow enhances the taste of milk.

Mix a tsp of cinnamon powder in warm milk or water, add a dollop of honey in it and have this ayurvedic tonic twice a day for enhancing lactation.