It is common for lactating mothers to fret over breast milk production. Many of them use kitchen ingredients or medicinal herbs to improve lactation. While there are no actual medical studies that can vouch for their efficacy, experts and even experienced mothers believe that herbs and spices help to a great extent. Such home remedies are often doled out to first-time mothers who are wary about their milk supply. One common kitchen ingredient that mothers are advised to consume during breastfeeding is cumin seeds or jeera, which is an integral part of the Indian cuisine. Here are 13 foods you can include in your diet to improve breast milk production.
These seeds are packed with iron, an essential mineral for nursing mothers. They also aid in digestion, stimulate bowel movements and provide relief against gastric problems, says Dr Muhammed Majeed, Founder and Chairman, Sami Labs. Iron deficiency could lead to anaemia in mothers which could make breastfeeding a challenge. Apart from that, digestive and gastric issues can be a problem for the baby too. So, if a handy remedy like consuming cumin or jeera seeds help, there is no harm in trying the same. Moreover, there are no reported side effects of these home remedies.
How to include cumin in your diet to improve breast milk production
However, if you feel that home remedies are not helping you improve lactation, and your baby is not getting enough feed -- especially if it remains cranky and cries even after latching well and spending enough time at your breasts-- get help from a lactation expert. If you see signs that tell you your baby is always hungry cries after every feed, has dry mouth, etc., get help to resolve the problem. If you are planning to breastfeed your baby for long ensuring proper lactation is important.
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