Motherhood is a beautiful experience, but it can also be challenging – especially if you want to increase milk supply and help with lactation as baby grows. One of the biggest struggles that lactating mothers face is insufficient milk supply. Sometimes it just feels like our boobs are flat and not filled with this magical elixir meant for our baby. This can make breastfeeding seem difficult and frustrating for both mother and baby. If you are struggling with low milk supply, don’t worry – even though you don’t know how to increase milk supply overnight, there are plenty of herbs that can help! I’ve used them and they truly work!!
Ready? I will discuss 10 herbs that have been traditionally used to increase milk production and lactation and have helped me to supply my baby AND a nice stash in the freezer. Because if there was one thing I wanted it to know, it was how to increase milk supply when pumping for both my baby and a friend’s baby too!
Breastfeeding is incredibly important for both mother and baby. It provides essential nutrients that babies need for proper growth and development, helps to boost their immune system, and protects them from illnesses like diarrhea, ear infections, and respiratory problems. Breast milk also strengthens the bond between mother and child by facilitating skin-to-skin contact and providing emotional security.
Furthermore, breastfeeding can help to reduce postpartum depression in mothers by releasing hormones that reduce stress levels. For all these reasons, it’s crucial not to give up on breastfeeding when things get difficult – the rewards are worth it! So let’s get into what to drink to increase milk supply and help with lactation and answer a bonus question- what foods help produce breast milk too?
Here are 10 herbs that can help increase breast milk supply and continue breastfeeding successfully.
1. Alfalfa: Alfalfa is a traditional herb used to increase milk supply and help with lactation. It is rich in phytoestrogens, which help to balance hormones and promote lactation. Alfalfa also contains essential fatty acids, vitamins A and E, proteins, minerals, dietary fiber, chlorophyll, and other nutrients that are beneficial for nursing mothers.
- How do I use this herb? Alfalfa can be taken as a tea, a tablet, or a capsule form. You can also mix the dried herb into soups and other cooked dishes. The suggested dosage is 1 to 5 grams per day, depending on your needs and preferences.
2. Fennel: Fennel is a popular herb used to improve the quality and quantity of breast milk production. It contains anethole, which increases prolactin levels in both animals and humans. Fennel also helps promote digestion and reduce colic symptoms in infants.
- How do I use this herb? Fennel can be consumed as tea or in capsule form. Alternatively, the herb can be added to soups, stews, and other cooked dishes – yummy!
3. Fenugreek: Fenugreek has been used to increase lactation for centuries, as it contains compounds that mimic the action of estrogen in promoting milk production. It is rich in fiber, vitamins A and C, calcium, iron and potassium. Additionally, fenugreek can help reduce stress levels and prevent postpartum depression in new moms.
- How do I use this herb? Fenugreek can be taken as a tea, tincture, or in capsule form. You can also add the dried herb to cooked dishes. For instance, you can sprinkle the powder on roasted vegetables or add it to soups and stews. You can also add to smoothies – easy peasy.
4. Nettle: Nettle is a powerful herb that helps to balance hormones and promote lactation. It is full of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that can help nursing mothers stay healthy.
- How do I use this herb? You can take nettle as tea or in capsule form. Alternatively, you can combine the dried herb with cooked dishes like soups and stews.
5. Raspberry Leaf: Raspberry leaf has been used for centuries to increase milk supply and help with lactation and reduce discomfort during breastfeeding. It contains lots of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, iron and calcium – all important for supporting optimal lactation.
- How do I use this herb? You can take raspberry leaf as tea or in capsule form. Tea is the most popular.
6. Anise Seed: Anise seed is known for its ability to stimulate the production of breast milk in nursing mothers. It also helps reduce colic symptoms in babies. In addition, anise provides numerous antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that help boost overall health and well-being in both mom and baby.
- How do I use this herb? Anise seed is best used as a tea or tincture. If you want to cook with it, it’s most popular in dishes like soups, stews and casseroles. It adds a bit of depth and a unique flavor profile to your food – it does not disappoint!
7. Goat’s Rue: Goat’s rue is an herb that has traditionally been used to increase milk production in nursing mothers. It contains flavonoids, saponins, and other compounds that can help boost lactation levels. Additionally, goat’s rue is known for its ability to reduce colic symptoms in infants.
- How do I use this herb? Goat’s rue can be taken as a tea, tincture, or in capsule form. it typically takes up to three weeks of consistent use to notice results. You can also add it to smoothies or juices for a nutritional boost.
8. Blessed Thistle: Blessed thistle is a medicinal herb that helps increase breastmilk supply in lactating women. It also helps improve digestion and alleviate cramping or bloating during breastfeeding sessions.
- How do I use this herb? The best way to use Blessed Thistle for lactation is to take capsules or tinctures regularly, as directed by your doctor or midwife. You can also mix dried Blessed Thistle into tea, smoothies, and other drinks that tickle your fancy.
9. Marshmallow Root: Marshmallow root has long been used as a natural remedy for promoting a healthy increase milk supply and help with lactation in mothers who are exclusively breastfeeding their babies. It helps to soothe and heal sore nipples, reduce inflammation and pain associated with nursing, and increase milk production.
- How do I use this herb? Marshmallow root can be taken as a tea, tincture, or in capsule form.
10. Milk Thistle: Milk thistle is one of the best herbs for increasing breast milk supply in lactating mothers. It helps to balance hormones, support digestion, and remove toxins from the body – all important factors for successful breastfeeding. Additionally, it contains silymarin – a powerful antioxidant that can help boost overall health and well-being.
- How do I use this herb? Milk thistle can be taken as a tea, tincture, or in capsule form. Drink tea made from the seeds several times a day to achieve the results you desire.
These 10 herbs are all wonderful options for helping new moms increase milk supply and help with lactation while ensuring that their baby is getting enough nutrients during each feeding session. Now I don’t just rely on a one-and-done herb, no, I would make a nice tea combo to enjoy a couple of times a day, or a convenient tincture that already has a healthy mix.
Just know that it’s important to note that these herbs should be used in combination with a healthy, grass-fed, fat-infused diet and lifestyle to ensure the best results. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to check with your midwife before taking any herbal supplements – we have to say that, so there you go legal peeps!
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