8 Natural Solutions to Increase Milk Supply

Getting the best nutrition for your baby is so important for the health of both baby and mother mentally and physically, as they share a special bond from the beginning. 

However, this natural motherly instinct (breastfeeding),  can simply be upsetting for a lot of mothers who find themselves without enough milk supply, unable to keep up with the demands of a growing baby. 

Low Milk Supply + Stress 

The number 1 reason you will hear for not having enough milk supply will be stress - now that makes you stress more right? 

If we understood our bodies "stressors"  such as fatigue, nutritional deficiencies, caffeine, sugar and trauma before and during pregnancy and the impact they have, it would make more sense why many new mothers suffer from the hormonal extreme's of post natal depression, anxiety,  severe sleep deprivation and decreased milk supply.

A lot of our "stressors" find us years before conceiving, however we aren't aware of the impact entirely on our bodies as we have the ability to relax, sleep and recover.

Unfortunately that isn't always the case, many women head into pregnancy already fatigued but at this stage their life,  continue to battle on as they have the reserves to cope.   After 9 months of physical demand through out pregnancy and a gorgeous bundle later, you find yourself absolutely exhausted before it even truly begins, creating a perfect place for cortisol, dopamine and our nervous systems, to create a number of difficult situations, one being low milk supply. 

Without losing hope, if you are looking for ways to increase your milk supply, there are many effective, natural ways to encourage and continue to breastfeed your baby.  

8 Natural Ways to Increase Milk Supply 

1. Fenugreek  Also known as a Galactogogue ( increases milk production). This particular herbs is well known for it's benefits in breastfeeding mothers but can also be used to aid digestion - an extra bonus in colic babies.  If you find this herb too bitter, add a little honey. 

2. Blessed Thistle  Another herb quite often used in combination with fenugreek to assist nursing mothers with milk production. 

3. Magnesium   Perfect for supporting your nervous system, energy production ( tired mums and mums to be),  reduces stress by encouraging a relaxed mind and reduces anxiety where present. This essential mineral is perfectly safe whilst pregnant and Breastfeeding and is my number one clinic must have product.  I would highly recommend only using a magnesium powder for better effect and absorption.  ( please ask me for product advice if you need)

4. Raspberry Leaf  A very useful herb,  It not only helps to increase breast milk production, but it will also help the uterus recover after birth, as it is a uterine toner. Red Raspberry Leaf is incredibly high in vitamins and minerals, including B Vitamins and a great all rounder. If you are looking for a reputable brand - Mama Body tea do a range of teas suitable for pregnancy & Breastfeeding. www.mamabodytea.com.au

5. Caffeine   This ones contentious .  Apart from the fact that caffeine can pass through breast milk and may cause irritability and restlessness for some babies, there is no correct answer for caffeine having direct impact on your milk supply. However, I for one certainly didn't want any extra chance of stimulation or irritability for my baby to keep them awake, so it was a simple answer for me. 

6. Vitamin C  Another essential nutrient to support the nervous system and adrenal gland, therefore in turn will have a positive effect on the hormones, cortisol and decrease anxiety and Stress. 

7.  Eat  This seems obvious but for many new mums, this is the one thing they forget to do and has a direct and immediate effect on milk supply.  Ensure you have a diet rich in good fats and protein and continue taking a daily pregnancy vitamin until you wean your baby from breastfeeding. 

8. Brewers Yeast  A food source rich in B group vitamins and iron, found to help boost energy and increase milk production for breastfeeding mums.  If time is an issue and cooking isn't at all on the agenda, Franjos Kitchen create nourishing and delicious Tank Toppers Lactation Cookies.

www.franjoskitchen.com.au