5 Foods to Eat While Breastfeeding: What Every New Mother Needs to Know

The journey of motherhood is amazing and surprises you each day with new experiences. Needless to say, it is one of the most beautiful phases of a woman’s life, the mother is also supposed to take real good care of herself to make sure that the baby gets the desired nutrients. As has been proved, mother’s milk (colostrum) is the most nutritious diet for the baby, and there are certain foods that a breastfeeding mother must have:

1 . Barley

Barley is a galactagogue and is being used by lactating mothers for centuries. It promotes lactation, increases hydration and regulates the milk supply. Barley is usually boiled in water or can also be used to prepare soups

2 . Sesame seeds

Sesame seeds are a rich source of calcium, copper and various other vitamins that help to regulate the milk supply. Many women experience hair fall during breastfeeding. Sesame seeds or oil can help combat hair fall during lactation.

3 . Almonds

Almonds serve as a rich source of Vitamin E, dietary fiber, omega three fatty acids, and proteins. Regular intake of almonds helps to provide the desired nutrition to the breastfeeding mother. Soak them in water overnight and consumed the next morning.

4 . Drumstick

Moringa or drumstick and its leaves are useful for mothers who are breastfeeding. They have been found to increase milk production in lactating mothers and is therefore added to the dals and curries or enjoy boiled and steamed drumsticks to keep many diseases at bay.

5 . Holy basil

In ancient Ayurveda, holy basil has been recommended to mothers who are breastfeeding. Basil has innumerable uses. It helps to increase milk flow and also helps to calm the breastfeeding mothers. The mother can opt to add holy basil in their tea as it will relax them.

Along with all the foods suggested above, milk and milk products are a must for new mothers. It is important that they do not focus on weight gain during breastfeeding as that can always be managed later.