Galactagogues – A Boost to Breast Milk!
May 17, 2023
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Breastfeeding is a natural and crucial part of motherhood. It provides essential nutrients to the baby and helps develop a strong bond between mother and child. The aim of feeding is to produce a contended, well-nourished baby and a relaxed, happy mother, a significant aspect of feeding is the atmosphere in which feeding takes place and the quality of the relationship between the parents and child
Breastfeeding is the best option for the child’s long-term and short-term health, however, at times the initiation and maintenance of Breast Feeding can be a challenging time – especially in the first six months. The new mother worries if the breast milk is enough and if her baby is satiated. A good diet and lifestyle can go a long way in ensuring adequate milk supply. If required, at these times galactagogues could be used too.
Are you wondering what galactagogues are?
Galactagogues are substances (foods or supplements) that can increase/stimulate milk supply in breastfeeding. These foods are known to support or promote milk production among nursing mothers and are known as lactogenic foods.
These types of foods play an essential role in providing a balanced diet for nursing mothers and their babies. Eating these foods can help ensure optimal nutrition for both mother and baby during breastfeeding.
But before we go ahead to explore galactagogues,
Let's look at four prerequisites that need to be in place for an adequate milk supply.
- Eating a balanced diet: Remember what is in the milk cannot be more than what the mother eats. Eating a varied, healthy, nourishing, and robust diet is the key to maintaining the quality of milk. Only a balanced diet will ensure the right mix of nutrients for the baby through the mother’s milk.
- A balanced lifestyle is the other tool to ensure adequate supply. Enough sleep is paramount, and so is low stress. Anytime the stress increases and sleep decreases, the body changes its hormonal balance which could lead to reduced milk supply. Substances are to be avoided because whatever the mother consumes or is exposed to will be present in the mother’s milk.
- Adequate hydration: Breastmilk is more than 80 percent water. If the mother does not drink enough water, it will affect breast milk production. Water needs to be consumed before, during, and after a feeding session, in addition to regular consumption throughout the day.
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