A breastfeeding mother has to be available 24 hours a day for nursing duty. As the body actively makes milk, most new mothers feel hungry often. Hence, it’s important that breastfeeding mothers consume nutrient-rich food that help to not only replenish their body but also to increase milk supply. A healthy mix of proteins, fats and carbohydrates are ideal for breastfeeding mother. Let’s take a look at the 5 best foods for breastfeeding mothers.
Nuts and Seeds
Almonds rich in calcium and omega-3 fatty acids stimulate milk-making hormones. No wonder, a new mother is usually given a bowl full of soaked and peeled almonds first thing in the morning. Either grab a handful or eat it in the form of almond butter, almond shake or milk. Similarly, peanuts are said to help too. It is said that early exposure to peanuts might reduce the chances of nut allergy in kids.
Fox nuts or makhana. They are rich in calcium and help in milk supply. Roast in ghee till they become crunchy, add salt and black pepper.
Seeds are high in protein, calcium and omega-3 fatty acids. Use them liberally in cookies, chikkis, ladoos or sprinkle them on your salad or fruit bowl. Or make a trail mix using a variety of seeds like sesame seeds, chia seeds, hemp seeds, flaxseeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds and melon seeds. Throw in some dry berries, dry coconut shavings, cacao nibs and you are good to go.
Fenugreek seeds are known to be a galactagogue, which means it helps in boosting milk production. Eat fenugreek or methi ladoos or just soak some seeds overnight and consume it in the morning, or crush seeds into a powder and take 1-2 tsp first thing in the morning.
Green leafy vegetables
Green leafy vegetables have to feature in the list of food for breastfeeding mothers. Whether it’s spinach, dill, fenugreek leaves or mustard, green leafy vegetables are high in minerals such as folate, iron and calcium. They are known to enhance lactation if you include one or two portions of greens daily in your diet.
Have them in the form of subzi or make salad out of baby spinach, use fenugreek in thepla or paratha, and you will get a variety of things that you won’t get bored of easily.
Edible Gum
Edible gum is sap harvested from plants and then dried. Gond, gondh katira, dink or tracaganth gum is an edible gum and widely popular as lactation-friendly. Fry gond in ghee, crush it in a mixer or a mortar-pestle and use it in gondh ladoos, chikki or halwa.
Dairy
Dairy products are rich in protein, which is essential to produce milk, and calcium. Consume milk, paneer, ghee and yogurt; they are good foods for lactating mothers.
Herbs
Herbs like turmeric, ashwagandha, ganthoda, etc. are good foods for breastfeeding mothers. Add turmeric powder or ganthoda powder in warm milk. Ashwagandha capsules are available, have 1 a day or as prescribed on the box.
These are the best foods for mothers for breastfeeding. However, remember, only a good diet doesn’t help. A mother should also
Stay stress free
Consume plenty of water
Indulge in light exercise
Have a great time nourishing your newborn!
