Super Foods for New Mothers that Improve Breast Milk Supply

PSM News /

The WHO, UNICEF, WABA and MAA initiative by the Indian Ministry all recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life and then complemented breastfeeding for at least one year and up to two years or more. Breastfeeding provides many health benefits for the newborn from providing critical nutrients to protection from deadly diseases and fostering their growth and development.

Breast milk is the safest and healthiest food for babies as it has the right balance of fat, sugar, water and protein. However, today many mothers have a problem in breastfeeding their baby as they are not able to produce enough breast milk to breastfeed. It is said that breastfeeding can reduce a baby’s risk of developing allergies, infections and respiratory illnesses and helps in the development of newborn's overall physical and mental health.

 

Here are some super foods that help in increasing lactation:

 

Milk:

Milk helps to restore the calcium lost through breastfeeding in a mother’s body, hydrates and helps in increasing breast milk as well.

 

Almonds:

Almonds and nuts such as walnuts and cashews are a rich source of protein and vitamins, fiber, minerals and antioxidants which are beneficial for mother's and baby's overall health.

 

Fish:

Fish, especially Sardines and salmon, is a good source of protein and DHA, which is a type of omega-3 fatty acid and can induce breast milk production in new mothers. As per a 2012 study published in the Journal of Nutrition, salmon consumption during pregnancy results in improved quality of breast milk during early lactation.

 

Spinach:

Spinach, along with other leafy green vegetables such as broccoli is considered a must for nursing mothers and helps in boosting breast milk supply.

 

Brown rice:

Brown rice is considered better than white rice due to its high fiber and nutrient content. It is rich in complex carbohydrates and helps in keeping a person full longer and can provide new moms with adequate milk supply. As per a study published in the European Journal of Nutrition, regular intake of pre-germinated brown rice has beneficial effects on psychosomatic health.