Ayurvedic scripts and scholars have praised the benefits of breastfeeding from ancient times. It is beyond doubt the best food for your baby, and the benefits of breastfeeding extend well beyond basic nutrition. It is packed with disease-fighting substances that protect your baby from illness.
Did you know breast milk always stays at right temperature that is suitable for the child? However, according to Ayurveda, affected by the three doshas described by Ayurveda- Vata-Pitta-Kapha dosha. So, it is very important that the breastfeeding mother should watch her diet. The quality of milk depends on the mother’s diet as breast-milk is ‘Upadhatu’ of ‘Rasa Dhatu.’ Rasa dhatu is made up of the food we eat.
Below are 16 Ayurveda tips aid a mother's breastfeeding journey.
1. The breastfeeding mother should consume adequate amount of pure ghee (clarified butter) and oil in order to improve digestion, smooth bowel movement, nourish stressed tissues, and subdue Vata Dosha that generally gets aggravated during the process of childbirth. Ghee does not contain harmful hydrogenated oils, artificial additives, preservatives, or trans-fats. Also, the fats in ghee aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and minerals from other foods, strengthening the immune system. A word of advice here will be to try to make the ghee at home from clarified butter.
2. It is good to include Oatmeal or Dalia (Broken Wheat) in your diet for increasing quantity of breast milk.
3. Try to avoid or at least limit too spicy foods. According to the Ayurvedic wisdom, the best food to eat during your breastfeeding journey includes vegetarian food with abundant veggies and fruits. If you are finding your veggies and dishes too bland for your taste, prepare the food using natural spices such as black pepper, turmeric, cumin, carom seeds to name a few. However, make sure to use them in moderate quantities.
4. A big no to canned, hot and pungent food. Such foods should be avoided by breastfeeding mothers as they can decrease milk secretion.
5. Ginger is known in Ayurveda as a breastfeeding woman's best friend. It increases immunity; has anti-fungal, antibacterial properties; and has a warming quality that warms energy channels and stops uterine bleeding. New mothers are advised to consume plenty of ginger especially during the first month after giving birth.
6. Garlic is one of the best natural herb to increase the supply breastmilk with many natural properties that aids a new mother. It maintains heat in the body, supports digestion and lactation, helps increase immunity, and heals joint pains and other Vata doshas.
7. In case breast milk is scanty, the breastfeeding mother should take mixture of almond milk and herbs. To make this mixture at home, soak 10 almonds overnight in water. In the morning, peel, grind and make a puree out of it by adding a cup of hot or warm milk. You can also add a pinch of ginger, cardamom and saffron along with a spoon of natural honey. Drink this mixture twice a day for better quality and quantity of breast milk.
8. Garlic is one of the best natural herb to increase the supply breastmilk with many natural properties that aids a new mother. It maintains heat in the body, supports digestion and lactation, helps increase immunity, and heals joint pains and other Vata doshas.
9. Pomegranate juice is found to regulate the lactation and increase the production of breast milk, especially among women with Kapha dosha and Pitta dosha. Drink 3-4 glasses of pomegranate juice daily. Pomegranate is also nutrient dense, antioxidant-rich fruit that has been revered as a symbol of health, fertility, and eternal life. It also is a great blood purifier. However, this should be avoided if you are a breastfeeding mother with Vata dosha as it can only aggravate this dosha.
10. Fenugreek or methi is another effective herb for increasing breast milk in mothers. Use it generously in your diet. It improves breast milk secretion, alleviates common digestive troubles and joint pains and treats intestinal ailments.
11. Include soups with vegetables and pulses in your regular diet. The diet of a breastfeeding mother should be rich in fluid.
12. Jaggery, asafoetida, jatiphala, garlic and onion should be added to diet as they are also good stimulant. It can be added to your soups and dishes.
13. Cow's milk and curd is a must have in your diet.
14. Shatavari kalpa is known as a wonder her for lactating mothers. It improves the quantity as well as quality of the breast milk and provides strength to the mother as it is rich in B complex vitamins, zinc, and calcium.
15. Drink coconut water. It is full of nutrients and keep you hydrated.
16. Eat short meals frequently. Eating 2-3 heavy meals will affect your digestive system.
Please note that this information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, prevention or cure of any disease.
If you have any serious, acute or chronic health concern, please consult a trained doctor/ physician at the earliest who can fully assess your needs and address them effectively.