These Indian Superfoods Are Natural Galactagogues — Best For Nursing Mothers To Increase Milk Quantity And Quality

Nature ensured that a newborn would not be left wanting for its most important requirement — nutrition — right after birth. That is why a new mother and the newborn bond so well over the breastfeeding activity that nature has designed to help the baby thrive and the mother bond with the tiny one. The importance of mother's milk to the health of newborns can never be overstated. It provides ideal nutrition as it has the perfect mix of vitamins, protein, and fat that a newborn baby needs to grow. It also contains antibodies that help build natural immunity to viruses and bacteria.Medical authorities say that a lactating mother requires an additional intake of 550 calories as her body is required to produce 2-3 litres of milk per day. She has to have a nutritious diet, full of galactagogues that help enhance milk production.What Are Galactagogues?Many new mothers worry if they are producing enough breast milk to feed the newborn. When the treating doctor is asked for a remedy, their response might include foods, herbs, and even prescription medications. All of these qualify as galactagogues (also spelt galactogogues).The word 'galactagogue' comes from the Greek “galacta”, meaning milk.According to global breastfeeding advocacy group La Leche League International (LLLI), which offers breastfeeding support in over 80 countries, nursing mothers don’t need special diets to produce milk for their babies. Instead of worrying about incorporating certain foods, La Leche advises following a healthy, sensible diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables, a variety of whole grains, protein sources from animals and plants, and high-quality fats.Dr Kiran Phadtare-Gharge (MBBS, MD), a consulting paediatrician and neonatologist practising at Chaitanya Healthcare Utility Centre, Satara, shared a list of natural galactogogues that new mothers can safely eat or consume — unless contraindicated by their treating doctor or have an allergy to. Natural Galactogogues To Increase Breastmilk Quality And Quantity1. Fenugreek: Your mum's masala box most likely has this ingredient. Methi or fenugreek is a herb used to enhance the flavour of food and comes with medicinal properties. Elderly women in Indian households who huddle around the new and young mothers to help may often tell how effective a home remedy methi daana is for lactating mothers. Ask your doctor, as fenugreek may be consumed as herbal tea, over-the-counter capsules, or powder added to daily meals if he/she advises.2. Garden cress seeds or haliv: Garden cress (Lepidium sativum) is an edible herb belonging to the Brassicaceae family alongside cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. Found in abundance in India,USA, and Europe, this herb is native to Southwest Asia and Egypt, and is also known by names such as haliv, halim, chandrasura, and holan. Historically, this herb was used to treat cough, diarrhea, vitamin C deficiency, low immunity, and constipation. Breastfeeding mothers benefit by eating haliv laddoos, or garden cress kheer, says Dr Phadtare Gharge. 3. Barley or jau (satu): This is a grass family crop like wheat and is valued for its high content of beta-glucan, a fibre that is believed to stimulate the release of prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production, says Dr Phadtare-Gharge. The Laboratory of Human Milk and Lactation Research at Regional Human Milk Bank in Holy Family Hospital, Medical University of Warsaw, Department of Neonatology, Warsaw, Poland published a study titled "Barley malt-based composition as a galactagogue - a randomized, controlled trial in preterm mothers". As many as 117 mothers of pre-term babies participated in this study that concluded: "Supplementation with unique Galactagogue composition was safe and increased milk output which allowed achieving target minimal volume of 500 mL per day in first week of lactation in preterm mothers."4. Green leafy vegetables and other herbs: Dr Phadtare Gharge advises that new mothers should include lots of dark green leafy vegetables in daily diet as they are rich in phyto-estrogen and iron — thus a wonderful source of important enzymes, vitamins and minerals — that enhance lactation. Examples are kale, spinach, fenugreek, and dill (shepu/soya) leaves. Add garlic, cumin seeds (jeera), sesame seeds (til), khus khus (poppy seeds available in grocery stores), fennel seeds (saunf) etc to daily intake.5. Asparagus (shatavari): Wild asparagus (Asparagus recemosus) root contains steroidal saponins phytoestrogens such as shatavarins, and flavonoids, although the active components have not been clearly elucidated. Several studies published in medical journals claim that postpartum women who reported diminished lactation were treated with shatavari root intake and reported better milk production. Sixty nursing mothers were randomised to receive either the fresh roots of Asparagus racemosus (verified by botanists) 20 mg/kg 3 times daily or placebo rice powder three times daily for 30 days. Mothers who received the active herb had a 33% increase in serum prolactin over baseline compared to a 10% increase in the women who received placebo.6. Moringa leaves (shevga/sahjan/drumstick tree leaves): Moringa leaves contain vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids as well as several glycosides. Also useful are its pods. Rich in many nutrients, drumsticks help stimulate mammary glands to produce more milk. Drumstick juice also improves blood circulation.7. Ajwain: Ajwain or ajowan (Trachyspermum ammi) also known as ajowan caraway, thymol seeds, bishop's weed, or carom — is an annual herb in the Apiaceae family and has been considered a good galactogogue since ages. Add one tablespoon of ajwain to a glass of water, boil this combination and mix it with regular water. Now, sip this mix throughout the day. It is also known to be an aid for digestion of the mother which will affect the child's digestion positively.8. Eggs: Protein is essential for breastmilk production, and it passes from the woman to the baby to nourish and support growth. One egg has about 75 calories and 7 grams of high-quality protein, which may help produce breast milk.9. Paneer: Cheese and paneer help to increase breast milk. For vegetarians, consumption of a minimum of 100 grams of cottage cheese or paneer is advised. Both are rich sources of protein and are beneficial for a nursing mother.10. Almonds: Almonds are a rich source of fatty acids, protein, zinc and magnesium and have emollients. Eating almonds helps in increased secretion of breast milk. Bonus Tip: Stay HydratedThis list of natural galactogogues shared above is not an exhaustive one and new mothers can add other items that their doctor sanctions — such as beetroot and carrots, chickpeas and lentils, papaya (raw or green papaya increases the production of oxytocin and fortifies breast milk with its inherent vitamins and minerals), etc.Dr Kiran Phadtare Gharge, who runs her own YouTube channel for new parents to help them with knowledge on their child’s health and well-being, advises that new mothers should stay mindful of the fact that they must stay hydrated all the time as a well-hydrated body works better towards milk production. She advises a total intake of 3-4 litres of water spread out over an entire day. To enhance lactation, it is advisable to stay stress-free, rest enough, feed the baby frequently (turn by turn from both sides), and to ensure skin contact with the baby.[Disclaimer: The information provided in the article, including treatment suggestions shared by doctors, is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.]