Breast milk is the primary and the natural nutrition for newborns. It contains all the essential nutrients such as carbohydrates, fats, minerals, vitamins etc. Breast milk also contains elements which help infants to fight against bacterias and infections. They help in the development of the immune system.

The breast milk is produced by mammary glands present in female bodies. These glands start to excrete enzymes after a woman delivers her baby. The World Health Organization says that a newborn should consume only mother's milk for the first six months. Breast milk is considered holy as well. But sometimes a few mother's unfortunately aren't able to produce adequate amounts of Breast Milk for their kids due to which a child doesn't get enough nutrients. Therefore people switch to different sources of nutrition.

But why look forward to such artificial man-made nutrition when one can increase breast milk production naturally.There are many methods and foods which help in increasing breast milk production.

Here's a list of few food items which immensely affects the milk production

Nurse Frequently

One of the most effective ways to increase breast milk production is to nurse your baby frequently. The more often your baby feeds, the more your body will produce milk to meet their needs. Experts recommend nursing at least 8-12 times per day, or whenever your baby shows signs of hunger, such as rooting or sucking on their hands.

Practice Good Latch:

To ensure that your baby is getting enough milk and stimulating milk production, it's important to practice a good latch. This means ensuring that your baby's mouth is properly positioned around your nipple, with their lips flanged out to form a tight seal. A poor latch can lead to decreased milk production and nipple pain.

Stay Hydrated:

Drinking plenty of fluids is important for milk production. Aim to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water or other fluids each day to ensure that you're properly hydrated. Avoid sugary drinks or caffeine, which can dehydrate you and decrease milk production.

Eat a Balanced Diet:

Eating a balanced diet that's rich in nutrients can also help increase your breast milk supply. Focus on eating plenty of whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains. Include foods that are known to boost milk production, such as oats, fennel, and fenugreek.

Get Enough Rest:

Getting enough rest is important for milk production. Aim to get plenty of restorative sleep, and take naps during the day if possible. Avoid overexerting yourself or pushing yourself too hard, as this can lead to fatigue and decreased milk production.

Try Skin-to-Skin Contact:

Skin-to-skin contact is a great way to increase milk production and promote bonding between you and your baby. Take some time each day to hold your baby skin-to-skin, with their bare chest against your bare chest. This can help stimulate milk production and increase your baby's sense of security and comfort.

Use Breast Compression:

Breast compression is a technique that can help stimulate milk production and encourage your baby to feed more effectively. To use breast compression, gently squeeze your breast as your baby is feeding, to help stimulate milk flow and encourage them to keep feeding.

Consider Galactagogues:

Galactagogues are herbs or medications that are known to increase milk production. While some experts recommend using galactagogues as a last resort, they can be helpful for some mothers. Examples of galactagogues include fenugreek, blessed thistle, and milk thistle. Talk to your doctor or a lactation consultant before using any galactagogues.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, there are many natural ways to increase breast milk production. By practicing good latch, staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, getting enough rest, trying skin-to-skin contact, using breast compression, considering galactagogues, and seeking support, you can increase your milk production and ensure that your baby is getting the nutrients they need to grow and thrive.