what are the foods that boost the production of milk?

Question

what are the foods that boost the production of milk?
I have got a three months old baby..

Answer 1

Sorry, but there are none. The thing that *does* boost milk production is nursing *frequently*--at least 10-12 times in 24 hours. Let the baby nurse as long as she/he wants on the first breast, then offer the second one and let baby have as much as she/he wants there, too. (Some babies won't nurse on the second breast at all; that's fine.)

If you are nursing every 2 hours during the day and at least twice at night and still don't have enough milk, try nursing every hour and a half during the day.

If even this isn't enough, you can try a medication (herbal or prescription) to increase your supply (called a "galactagogue"). The only herbal galactagogue with scientific evidence of effectiveness is fenugreek. Take 1 capsule 3 times a day for the first 3-4 days, then increase to 2 capsules 3 times a day for several more days. Continue to increase this way until you are taking an effective dose for you; this will usually be 2-4 capsules per dose. You will recognize this when your sweat and urine have a maple syrup smell. Fenugreek is not recommended if you have diabetes or asthma, and if you see an allergic reaction in you or baby, discontinue. Otherwise, it can be used indefinitely.

If you prefer a prescription galactagogue, you can ask your doctor for domperidone. It is the medical galactagogue with the fewest nasty side effects. It may have to be made specially for you at a compounding pharmacy or ordered from outside the US. Some women also use metoclopromide (Reglan), but it can cause stomach upset, nausea, and depression.

Some things that *won't* help include eating or drinking anything particular or in certain amounts. Drinking more will definitely *not* help unless you are dehydrated. In fact, research has shown that forcing liquids can, in fact, *decrease* your milk supply. Drink if you are thirsty only.

Do *not* use an herbal blend. The active ingredient in all of them is fenugreek. Further, most of them include fennel--an herb which *does* increase the milk supply for some mothers...but *decreases* it for others. Not worth the risk. And with more herbs, there is a higher risk of an allergic reaction.

However, before you try *any* galactagogue, I would have you consider if you really have too little milk. The fact is that a woman who thinks she doesn't have enough is actually *more* likely to have too much than too little.

Some signs that *don't* necessarily mean you have too little include:

No longer leaking
Not having a "full feeling" anymore
Pumping less than previously
Baby fussy at the breast
Baby not gaining weight well

The first three above usually indicate that things are going well. When your baby is first born, your breasts don't know that you didn't give birth to twins or even triplets. They overproduce. Over time, your body adjusts to the needs of your baby and start producing the right amount. At this point, you may stop leaking, you may feel like there's "nothing in there", and it may become difficult to pump.

The last 2 signs listed above can indicate too much milk, especially if baby chokes or sputters a few minutes into a feeding and/or has frequent green bowel movements. If you have too much milk, nurse on one breast for longer periods of time. Start with one breast per feeding; if this isn't enough, offer the same breast for 4-6 hours (regardless of how many feedings this is). Occasionally, you may need to even go 8 hours on one breast. Nurse *frequently*--at least every 2 hours during the day. This is the natural way to get your body to adjust to your baby's needs, whether you have too much or too little.

I hope this helps.

Answer 2

There are certain herbal supplements you can get that "they say" will increase your milk supply.... I know one is called Lactiflow! I'm sure if you go into a health food store or something like that you can ask if they have any supplements that you can take to boost your milk supply!! I breastfeed still at 6 1/2 months, but have never had to take anything to boost my milk supply, but recieved this info from a worthy source :O) goodluck

Answer 3

Eat healthily and lots. Watch out for spicy or garlicky foods, because that passes on to the baby. There is an old wives' tale that having a beer is helpful, but I think the idea of that was more to alleviate the stress. If you are stressed, your milk production will go down, and your baby will sense it. Congrats on the baby and on breastfeeding!

Answer 4

Rice is a good way to boost your production of milk.

Answer 5

You want to relax, do not over exert yourself which would use up those extra calories that are needed for milk production.
At your baby's age, s/he will soon begin to eat more often to increase your milk supply. Our bodies are incredible - we respond directly to the demand and your supply will increase naturally. If you are still concerned about your supply you can try fenugreek which ia an herbal supplement.

Answer 6

Eat a lot of soups. Try a tea called Mother Milk its a herbal tea that helps you produce milk. Also try soy milk with crush peanuts make sure that you can get them into powder while you are crushing them make sure that you boil soy milk with the crushed peanuts and drink a lot of milk. You can try drinking a beer.

Answer 7

i dont think they are any foods that stimulate milk prod. i have an 11th month old, and from 3 months on i had low milk. i tried everything, rest, relaxation, deep breathing...anyways a few months ago a new drug came out called domperidon (sounds like champange!!) anyways that pill is amazing !!! my milk came in like gang busters after about 3 days, almost like when your milk comes in for the first time. try it, you will be so happy !!!

Answer 8

my sister just had a baby a month ago and you could drink fruit drink my sister really like the white tea by snapple, and try to eat healthy foods your production of your breast milk, depends on how much of it your baby needs. if your baby eats alot then they will adjust to that and produce more if your baby is mellow and stubborn your breats will still produce but only to the babys descretion.good luck and God bless that little one!!!†

Answer 9

lots of fluids, and nurse the baby frequently - that stimulates production.

Answer 10

lots of fluids, balanced meals... follow the food group charts as far as servings...