12 Indian Foods to Increase Breast Milk: A Guide for New Moms

Struggling to keep up with your baby’s growing appetite? You’re not alone in this breastfeeding journey. Becoming a new mother is an incredibly beautiful yet challenging journey.

One of the most pressing concerns new moms face after childbirth is ensuring they can produce enough breast milk to nourish their babies. Many mothers ask, "Can the foods I eat really help boost my milk production?"

The answer is yes, it can! In fact, some traditional Indian foods to increase breast milk have been passed down through generations for their lactogenic (milk-boosting) properties.

From nourishing grains to superfoods packed with essential vitamins and minerals, the right foods can make a world of difference when it comes to your breastfeeding or milk supply for the baby.

So, if you're a new mom looking for a natural way to enhance your breastfeeding experience for the baby, this guide is for you. Let’s dive into the top 12 Indian foods to increase breast milk production and how you can incorporate them into your diet. If you’re wondering how to increase breast milk by Indian food, this guide will provide you with all the answers you need.

 

Table of Contents

1. Can Indian Food Help Boost Breast Milk Production?
2. List of Indian Foods to Increase Breast Milk for New Mothers
3. Bottom Line
4. Frequently Asked Questions

Can Indian Food Help Boost Breast Milk Production?

Absolutely! Indian food has a rich history of being both nutritious and medicinal. Many of the ingredients used in our everyday meals are celebrated for their role in promoting health, especially as Indian food to increase breast milk. Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, has long recognised the power of specific herbs, seeds, and grains in enhancing lactation.

But the best part is that these breast milk foods are not just beneficial for breastfeeding moms, but they are delicious, versatile, and easy to include in your daily meals. By simply adjusting your diet and adding these specific increased lactation foods, you can support your body’s natural ability to produce more milk for the baby.

It’s like a little gift from the earth itself, a beautiful blend of nature’s goodness that nourishes you and your baby.

List of Indian Foods to Increase Breast Milk for New Mothers

The power of traditional Indian foods to support new mothers is both timeless and effective. Let’s take a look at some of the most powerful, milk-boosting Indian foods to increase breast milk, you can include in your diet:

1- Ajwain (Carom Seeds)

Ajwain is not just for your digestive system; it also works wonders for breastfeeding moms. Known for its mild carminative properties, it can help with digestion, gas, acidity, and prevent bloating, something many new moms struggle with. Ajwain seeds are also believed to be among the best milk booster foods due to their ability to regulate hormones and improve circulation, which can support breast milk production.

Easy Ways to Add It: Boil 1 teaspoon of carom seeds in 2 cups of water until it reduces to one cup. Strain and drink warm. You can add them to your curry or drink it as a tea for the best results.

"Ajwain is the little spice that packs a big punch. It’s like a whisper from your grandmother’s kitchen telling you to take it easy and trust in nature’s balance."

2- Fenugreek Seeds

Fenugreek seeds have long been a staple in Indian households, particularly for breastfeeding mothers for their breast milk. These seeds are rich in phytoestrogens, compounds that can mimic the effects of estrogen, a hormone that plays a role in milk production for the baby. They’re also full of iron, fiber, and antioxidants, making them one of the most effective milk-increasing foods for new moms looking to boost their milk supply.

Easy Ways to Add It: You can sprinkle fenugreek seeds on your food or even brew them into a tea for a flavourful milk-boosting remedy.

3- Pearl Millet

Bajra is a wonderful grain packed with iron, calcium, and protein—key nutrients that are essential for any new mom for breast milk. Bajra flour is known to stimulate milk production for the baby, and it’s a great gluten-free alternative to wheat flour.

Easy Ways to Add It: You can make bajra rotis, or porridge, or even add it to your baked goods for a healthy, filling snack.

4- Oatmeal

Oats are a rich source of iron, fiber, and protein, making them a perfect choice for boosting milk production. Oatmeal has also been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels, which is crucial for maintaining a steady milk supply. As a well-known lactogenic food, oatmeal is the cosy hug your body needs, comforting and nourishing.

Easy Ways to Add It: In the morning, make a warm bowl of oatmeal and add nuts or fruits for nutrition.

5- Barley Flour

Barley is another fantastic grain that can help increase breast milk production. It's rich in beta-glucans, known to help stimulate prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production for breastfeeding mothers. Barley is an excellent breast milk booster food to include in your diet.

Easy Ways to Add It: Barley flour can be used to make breads, rotis, or even soups, offering a hearty, nourishing meal that supports lactation in breastfeeding mothers.

6- Chickpeas

Chickpeas, or chana, are a fantastic source of protein and fiber. Packed with essential vitamins and minerals, they promote hormonal balance and are useful for increasing breast milk supply.

Easy Ways to Add It: Chickpeas can be roasted as a snack or made into a delicious curry, making them easy to incorporate into your daily meals.

 

7- Black Beans

Black beans are a powerhouse of nutrition, making them an excellent choice for breastfeeding mothers looking to support and enhance their milk supply. Black beans are packed with protein, iron, and folate, all of which are essential for increasing milk production in breastfeeding mothers. Rich in antioxidants, they help support overall health while keeping your breast milk flowing.

Easy Ways to Add It: Add them to stews, salads, or even a bean dip for a tasty snack.

 

8- Kidney Beans

Kidney beans are another legume that helps with milk production in breastfeeding mothers. Rich in iron, calcium, and folate, they are essential in replenishing your body’s nutrients while boosting your breast milk supply.

Easy Ways to Add It: Make kidney bean curry or add them to your wraps, and soups for a healthy, lactation-boosting meal.

9- Cinnamon

This warm, fragrant spice is known for helping balance hormones and promoting lactation. Cinnamon also supports digestion and can help with the discomfort of postpartum bloating.

Easy Ways to Add It: You can add a dash of cinnamon to your tea or smoothies or sprinkle it on your oatmeal.

10- Cumin Seeds

Cumin seeds are an essential part of Indian cooking and help boost breast milk production. They aid digestion and help the body absorb nutrients more efficiently, supporting lactation.

Easy Ways to Add It: You can add cumin to soups and stews or sprinkle it on roasted veggies.

11- Masoor Dal (Red Lentils)

Masoor dal is an excellent source of protein and iron, both essential for breastfeeding moms. It is also high in folic acid, which helps regulate hormone levels and promotes breast milk production.

Red lentils are also an excellent source of iron, a crucial mineral for new moms, as it helps combat postpartum fatigue and supports the production of red blood cells. Maintaining adequate iron levels is key to avoiding anemia, which can leave you feeling drained during the demanding early days of breastfeeding.

Easy Ways to Add It: Prepare a simple dal or add it to soups for a comforting, nutritious meal.

12- Biji-di-Panjiri

Panjiri, a traditional superfood, is packed with essential nutrients like iron, magnesium, and healthy fats. Known for its lactogenic properties, it supports increased breast milk supply while providing the energy and nourishment new moms need. Its rich combination of nuts, seeds, and whole grains also helps in balancing hormones and aiding postpartum recovery.

Easy Ways to Add It: Enjoy Panjiri as a ready-to-eat snack during busy moments, pair it with warm milk for a comforting and nutrient-dense treat, or sprinkle it over yogurt or fruit for a delicious and energizing boost.

 

Bottom Line

"Motherhood is a journey, and what you feed your body can make that journey smoother for both you and your little one."

The foods we eat directly affect our health and wellness, especially when it comes to breastfeeding. This guide highlights the 12 best foods to increase mother's milk. These foods are natural, nourishing, and packed with essential nutrients that support lactation.

As you embark on your motherhood journey, remember that these lactogenic foods are not just about increasing milk; they are about nourishing your body, keeping your energy up, and ensuring you and your baby thrive. Whether you incorporate these foods into your daily diet through smoothies, curries, or snacks, know that you're fueling your body in the best possible way with breast milk booster food. Treat yourself; you deserve it!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How quickly can I expect to see results from eating these foods to increase breastmilk ?

Every mother’s body is different, but most moms notice an increase in breastmilk supply within a few days to a week of consistently consuming these lactation-boosting foods. Patience and consistency are important when ensuring enough milk for newborn babies.

2. Can I consume these foods if I have food allergies in my breastfeeding journey?

Absolutely, but it's crucial to proceed with care. If you have known food allergies, always consult your doctor or a certified dietitian before introducing any new foods into your diet. Some ingredients in lactation-boosting foods, such as nuts, seeds, or certain grains, could trigger allergic reactions.

The good news is that there are plenty of alternative options that can support breastfeeding and promote milk production. For instance, if you're allergic to nuts, you can explore seeds like flax seeds or pumpkin seeds as substitutes. If certain grains don't suit you, options like gluten-free oats or rice-based recipes can be equally effective.

3. Can these foods be consumed in any specific form during lactation?

Most of these foods can be consumed in their natural or powdered form, such as in smoothies, curries, soups, or even teas. The goal is to make them a regular part of your diet in a form you enjoy while effectively supporting breastfeeding.

4. Do I need to take supplements with these foods for the milk of new born babies?

While these foods are a great source of nutrition for you and the baby, consult with your healthcare provider if you’re still struggling with breastfeeding and mother’s milk production. Supplements can be helpful, but they should complement a healthy diet.


Disclaimer: The suggestions provided are based on general knowledge and may not be suitable for everyone. Please consult your doctor, lactation consultant, or healthcare provider before changing your diet, especially if you have allergies, underlying medical conditions, or specific dietary restrictions. Breastfeeding needs and experiences vary for every mother, and professional guidance is essential for personalised support.