One of the most common factors of stress in new moms is that of low breast milk production. While motherhood is difficult enough towards the beginning, we at Wellness Mantra understand the issue and mental toll that lack of lactation can cause a new mother and this blog addresses the same from a holistic and Ayurvedic point of view.
Low Milk Supply in Ayurveda:
From an Ayurvedic perspective, one’s body experiences an excess of Vata, which is one of the three Ayurvedic doshas, during postpartum. Vata has drying qualities that can hinder milk supply. Breast milk is a bi-product of rasa, which is the first of the Ayurvedic tissues.
As a lactating mother, if you make small adjustments to your diet and lifestyle to alleviate this dry quality, you will be able to activate rasa, also known as the lymphatic system.
Here are some natural and body friendly solutions that you can try for Lactation:
#1 – Adding Fenugreek to Your Diet:
Fenugreek seeds are used as an herb to flavor dishes throughout the world and it is not that hard to find. You can order it online and even find it at a local grocery store. When taken in small doses, fenugreek can promote milk production. You can add it to the meals you cook or even make tea out of it.
Here is a simple fenugreek tea recipe:
- Boil approx. one liter of water for 5 minutes
- Add half a teaspoon of fenugreek to it
- Simmer the fenugreek in the water for 20 minutes. This lets the herb steep
- Pour the mixture in a cup and drink it throughout the day.
- You must throw away the tea after 4 hours as it’ll begin to lose it’s medicinal properties.
Fenugreek is a wonderful option for new moms struggling with milk production. However, we suggest that you opt for cooking with the herb or drinking the tea as opposed to including both the options in your diet.
Keep in mind that fenugreek can be very drying if consumed in excess. Hence use the old saying “less is more” when using this powerhouse plant.
Also Read: 5 Ayurvedic Herbs That Can Help Boost Lactation in Mothers
#2 – Add Fennel to Your Diet:
Fennel is yet another plant that acts as an herb to flavor meals and it is also eaten raw as well as cooked. It has a licorice like flavor to it, and people use it in their salads too.
Fennel is one of the most beneficial ayurvedic herbs for new moms as it emulates warm, grounding qualities. Therefore, we recommend that you consume the plant roasted or steamed. You can also use fennel to bake bread or pastries by adding it to the batter. Additionally, you can make tea out of fennel seeds with the same recipe as that of the fenugreek tea.
#3 – Consume Lactation Enhancing Foods:
As discussed earlier, postpartum is a kind of Vata dosha with dry and cold qualities. Hence, in order to balance that dryness you have to add foods to the diet that are warm, hydrating and nourishing. Some examples of the same are high quality dairy, oats, saffron, ghee (clarified butter), coconut oil, garlic, dates, olive oil, and naturally sweet foods such as sweet potato.
It is advisable to avoid foods that are light, dry, astringent, bitter and cold such as arugula, beans, rice cakes and dry crackers.
#4 – Wellness Mantra’s Magic Supplement for Lactation:
Wellness Mantra’s KsheeraVardhini™ granules are made by taking inspiration from the grandmother’s age-old recipes and supported by the research and findings of modern times. The ayurvedic ingredients of KsheeraVardhini™ granules offer a superior solution that not only increase the quantum and flow of mother’s milk but also provide adequate nourishment, rejuvenation and immunity build-up for the baby and the mother.
Also Read: Reasons Why Obesity Is Not A Choice
#5 – Hydrate All The Way:
We all know that drinking water is not only necessary for our survival, but it has so many health benefits. Think about how you feel when you’re dehydrated, dizzy and achy right? Thus, always drink water regularly! However when you’re a new mother, hydration not only supports your health, but it also alleviates the dry qualities of Vata that lead to low milk supply.
By drinking water at regular intervals, you ensure that you are hydrated and give your body what it needs in order to produce more milk. Decaffeinated teas can also count towards the said daily water count, however, coffee or other caffeinated drinks would deduct from the total as caffeine embodies drying qualities which can effect the body.
#6 – Be Kind to Yourself During This Time:
Remember that not every setback has to feel like a reflection of your parenting. Know that you are doing the best that you can during such a major life change! Remember to be kind to yourself during this time.
Enriched with Shatavari, Jivanti, Vidarikand, Godanti Bhasma and other specially chosen herbs, Ksheera Vardhini™ is a safe and natural galactagogue – a boon for the Mother and the precious Child!