This article will be useful to all expectant and new mothers who plan to breastfeed their baby. Often many people face problems with breastfeeding, one of which is lack of milk - perhaps the most common problem of our time. Naturopathy can easily cope with this problem; nature has everything that can help us, so today we will look at what herbs exist for lactation, its enhancement and maintenance.
List of plants that increase lactation
The problem of stopping or reducing breast milk production can be partially or completely solved using alternative medicine methods. There are many varieties of herbs that have a beneficial effect on lactation.
Herbs for lactation that increase milk production:
- raspberry leaves . Contains a high concentration of niacin and other vitamins. Help the uterus recover after childbirth;
- field alfalfa . The herb is rich in vitamin K. It is effective not only for problems with lactation, but also for bleeding;
- galega . This plant can double breast milk production;
- fennel _ In addition to stimulating lactation, it has a good effect on the functioning of the digestive tract. Has the ability to reduce gas formation. Fennel is recommended to be used when undergoing treatment with fenugreek to minimize the risk of developing side effects of the latter plant;
- thistle . Increases milk production by the mammary glands. Has a beneficial effect on the liver. Helps with mild forms of postpartum depression;
- borage k. Increases lactation by normalizing the functioning of the adrenal glands;
- nettle _ Improves the quality of breast milk. Helps restore the uterus after childbirth;
- chamomile . Has a slight calming and antispasmodic effect on the body;
- fenugreek _ It is considered one of the most powerful lactogenic plants. Representatives of traditional medicine recommend using fenugreek for women who feed adopted children;
- hops _ Has a calming effect. Prevents a decrease in milk production for psychological reasons.
Dill, dandelion, anise, sweet clover, caraway seeds, verbena, and spirulina also have a beneficial effect on lactation. In addition to enhancing milk production, they also have a beneficial effect on the overall health of mother and baby.
Fenugreek seeds and leaves
For example, dill, cumin and anise eliminate increased gas formation and prevent colic attacks. Herbs for lactation should be used carefully. A woman or her baby may experience allergies and other side effects to some plants.
Herbal infusions should be introduced gradually, starting with a minimum dose. For the treatment to help, it is necessary to eat a full and balanced diet and maintain a drinking regime (a nursing mother should drink at least 2 liters of liquid per day).
How to increase breast milk supply
First you need to calm down and understand: the milk will definitely return. In the practice of lactation consultants, there is even the concept of “relactation” - that is, the complete revival of the process when it has completely stopped. If lactation progresses gradually, the amount of milk can always be increased.
Non-drug methods
The lactation crisis will go away on its own; 2–5 days are enough. The main thing is to never supplement your baby with formula.
Breastfeeding experts recommend the "nest method." Its essence lies in the fact that mother and baby make a “nest” for themselves for a couple of days, for example, on a sofa or bed. The mother spends time only with the child, leaving only to eat and go to the toilet. The baby feels her constant closeness, safety and confidence. He receives breasts upon request and sucks as much as he wants.
The "nest" method assumes that mother and child will be inseparable
At this time, it is recommended to refrain from receiving guests and relatives, and from long walks. Calmness and rest, coupled with constant latching, will help the breasts “readjust” to the increased needs of the baby, and there will be more milk.
Nutrition for a young mother
A young mother needs to eat a nutritious and varied diet. The diet of a breastfeeding woman should exclude only clearly harmful foods and those that cause allergies. Strictly prohibited:
- alcohol;
- chips;
- chewing gum;
- cheap canned food;
- chocolate;
- citrus;
- strong spices.
If possible, try to eat less processed foods - sausages, sausages, dumplings. Everything else - vegetables, fruits, cereals, bread, meat, fish, vegetable and animal fats - must be in the diet.
Gradually, at 2–3 months of age, you can begin to introduce treats like marshmallows, marshmallows, marmalade, and jam into your diet. By six months, many women can gradually eat chocolate, oranges and strawberries, of course, if the baby does not have skin rashes after this. The more varied and nutritious a mother’s diet, the more cheerful, healthy and calm she will be. This means that there will be an important condition for the production of breast milk.
Be sure to drink plenty of fluids. Natural juices, fruit drinks, green tea and plain water are suitable.
Full sleep
Milk production is controlled by the hormone prolactin. It has been proven that this process occurs at night, during sleep. Accordingly, the more a nursing woman sleeps, the more stable her lactation will be. Of course, such a vacation is not possible with every baby. The solution is to sleep together. Let your child sleep next to you. This will save you from running around the apartment at night when the baby once again demands food. You can feed while half asleep, calmly falling asleep as soon as the full baby lets go of the breast.
Day rest is also required. Try to organize your life so that you can do as much as possible while your child is awake. Then, while he sleeps, you can relax next to him, read books or watch TV series.
You can find time to relax by organizing walks in a new way. Usually the mother walks with the baby sleeping in the stroller. However, you can do this with your child awake and put him to bed at home - 2-3 hours of peace will be provided to you.
Proper organization of feedings
In order for milk production to be stable, it is necessary to properly organize feeding. Today, more and more specialists are adopting the on-demand feeding system. In the first months of a child’s life, this literally means giving the baby a breast “for every squeak.” After all, mother's milk is not only nutrition. For a child, this means calm, warmth, and comfort. At first, it seems that the baby is breastfeeding around the clock. However, by 4–5 months, a certain “schedule” will definitely be built, and mom will feel freer. With the introduction of complementary foods, for your own convenience, you will be able to independently establish a breastfeeding regimen, because this will no longer be the only food for the baby. However, it should not be rigid. If a child demands breast milk “out of schedule,” you should not refuse him.
A nursing mother does not need to look at the clock - the baby knows when he needs to eat
Sometimes you can find recommendations to express the remaining milk after the baby has eaten. This is only necessary for those who feel lumps in the chest. In other cases, you don't need to do anything. The child himself regulates how much milk he needs and when. Moreover, if lactation is established, milk is formed directly during the sucking process. That is, it is impossible in principle to express the “remains”. The chest is never empty.
Massage
Massage of the mammary glands can also help very well. It can be done simply by gently massaging the breasts with your hands. You can do this in the shower - warm water will help improve milk flow. There are also special preparations, for example, Weleda oil. It contains essential oils of almond, fennel and cumin, which slightly warm the chest and improve blood circulation in it.
Herbs to enhance lactation
To increase your milk supply, you can try folk remedies. Herbal tinctures and decoctions will help calm you and improve blood circulation. Some of these drugs can affect the production of prolactin.
Tea made from nettle, oregano or dill seed
Pour a glass of boiling water over a teaspoon of ground dried herbs (nettle or oregano) or dill seeds. Cover with a lid and let sit for 15 minutes. Take 1/3 cup 3 times a day, preferably warm.
Tea made from fennel seeds will not only improve lactation, but also help your baby get rid of colic.
Anise tea
A tablespoon of anise seeds is poured into a glass of boiling water and placed in a water bath. After half an hour, remove the broth from the heat and cool to an acceptable temperature. You need to consume it a couple of tablespoons before each meal. You can add sugar or honey.
Ginger tea
A small piece of fresh ginger root is peeled, cut into pieces and poured boiling water in a kettle. You can brew this drink in a thermos. You can drink it instead of regular tea with sugar or sweets. This drink, in addition to increasing lactation, will protect against viruses and colds.
Cumin oil or tea
Many women take black cumin seed oil to increase milk production (1 teaspoon in the morning after breakfast). You can simply chew the seeds little by little or drink tea brewed from them (1 teaspoon per glass of boiling water).
Royal jelly
Royal jelly is famous for its beneficial properties, including for nursing mothers. For ease of use, tablets with this beekeeping product are now being produced - they need to be taken sublingually, that is, placed under the tongue. Their number per day should be determined by a doctor.
Apilak, rich in vitamins, is a common remedy for increasing lactation.
Fenugreek tincture
2 teaspoons of fenugreek seeds (this plant is sometimes called helba) should be poured into a glass of water at room temperature for a couple of hours. Then drain the water and add new water. After this, the seeds need to be boiled over fire for 7–10 minutes. Strain the resulting broth and cool. You need to drink this amount of the drug during the day in 3-4 doses.
Flax-seed
In official medicine, the attitude towards flax seeds is ambiguous, and even on packages with them you can find the phrase that you should take the product with caution while breastfeeding. However, many women noticed the effect of it. Flax seeds can simply be chewed in small quantities with water. You can make flaxseed flour by grinding the seeds in a blender, adding the resulting mass to salads or other dishes. You can prepare a decoction by pouring a tablespoon of water and keeping it in a water bath for 2-3 hours. You need to take it 2-3 tablespoons 3 times a day.
Despite the naturalness and positive characteristics of flax, women during breastfeeding should consult a doctor about the possibility of consuming it
Medicines and dietary supplements
In addition to herbs, doctors may prescribe medications or dietary supplements. They come in different forms and may have side effects.
Not long ago, a new product appeared on the market - mixtures for nursing mothers: Femilak, MD mil Mama, Celia Mama, Lactamil. They contribute to the complete replenishment of protein, essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and improve lactation and the quality of breast milk.
Table: drugs prescribed by doctors to enhance lactation, their action and effectiveness
| Name | Release form and indications | Contraindications | Side effects | Efficiency |
| Motilium (domperidone) | Classic or lozenge tablets designed to improve gastrointestinal movement. An increase in prolactin levels is reported as a side effect of the drug. |
The effect of the active substance on a child has not been studied, therefore the annotation states that breastfeeding and taking Motilium are incompatible. | many, from different body systems | Not proven. The product was originally intended for other purposes. To increase lactation, it is sometimes prescribed by doctors, but it can be taken under strict supervision! |
| Cerucal (metoclopramide) | Anti-vomiting tablets, which include among similar effects “spontaneous leakage of milk from the mammary glands in women.” |
| ||
| Laktogon | Dietary supplement in tablets to saturate the body of a nursing mother with iodine and vitamin C. Contains carrot juice, vitamin C, herbs - oregano, nettle, dill and royal jelly. |
| not marked | Many mothers who have taken this drug note that it has an effect, especially in combination with proper nutrition and daily routine. |
| Apilak | Tablets based on royal jelly. Biogenic stimulant, a drug with a general strengthening effect, improves lactation. |
|
| Relieves postpartum depression and is currently considered the most effective for increasing lactation. |
| Mlekoin, Pulsatilla | Homeopathic granules for resorption based on lumbago herb to stimulate lactation. | allergic reactions to plants of the ranunculaceae family | rarely - allergic reactions |
|
| Lecithin | Dietary supplement based on organic fat-like substance. Can be produced in capsules, granules. According to some scientists, it has the property of liquefying milk. Usually used to treat lactostasis. | biliary tract diseases | No strong effect was noted. Prescribed by doctors as an adjuvant. | |
| Oxytocin | A hormone that directly affects milk production. Available in the form of liquid for injection. To improve lactation, it is prescribed only by a doctor! | allergic reaction |
| Improves milk flow, but does not increase its quantity. |
| Nicotinic acid (vitamin PP) | Tablets based on nicotinic acid, which can have a beneficial effect on prolactin production. |
|
The instructions indicate that it should be taken with caution during lactation. | It is prescribed as an adjuvant, improves overall well-being, which indirectly affects the process of milk production. |
| Lactamil | Powder based on cow's milk with lactogenic herbs. |
| not recorded | In the complete absence of milk, the drug will not be effective. |
Means to increase lactation: photo gallery
Lactogon is a dietary supplement that stimulates lactation
Lecithin makes milk less viscous and more fluid
One of the side effects of Motilium is an increase in prolactin levels.
Mlekoin helps increase the amount of breast milk
Lactamil is a new generation product that will help quickly restore the natural process of breast milk production in a woman’s body.
Collection recipes
The most pronounced lactogenic effect can be obtained by using two or more herbs. But when combining plants, you need to know in what ratio to take them.
Recipes for fees to increase breast milk production:
- take fennel seeds, dill and anise in equal proportions. Pour 300 ml of boiling water over a tablespoon of this mixture. Infuse and then strain. Drink the finished product in small sips throughout the day;
- Mix crushed dried or fresh ginger root with green tea. Pour hot water and leave covered for several minutes. Drink instead of tea every morning;
- Take chamomile and lemon balm in equal proportions. Pour a tablespoon of the mixture into a glass of boiling water and leave to steep until it cools. Take the prepared product before feeding twice a day;
- combine 40 g of nettle with 3 g of dill seed. Pour a liter of boiling water and leave for an hour. Drink three times a day;
- mix anise, fennel, cumin, nettle in the amount of 1.5 g each. Pour a tablespoon of boiling water and leave for 10 minutes. Drink during the day diluted with water.
General recommendations for increasing lactation
Below are general recommendations that, if followed, will help increase lactation:
- the baby must be applied to the breast correctly, it must grasp both the areola and the nipple, the mother should choose a position that will be comfortable for both her and the baby;
- You need to feed your baby not according to a schedule, but according to his request;
- You need to put your baby to the breast at least once every two hours, there should be four night feedings;
- when supplementing your baby, you should not use bottles and pacifiers; it is better to do this with a syringe or a teaspoon;
- there is no need to tear the baby off the breast before he is full;
- there is no need to supplement the baby with water, breast milk fully satisfies the child’s body’s fluid needs;
- shortly before feeding, you can apply warm compresses to the chest, and after feeding, cold compresses;
- You can massage your breasts before feeding clockwise for several minutes - this will cause an influx of milk;
- There is no need to wash your breasts after each feeding; it is enough to do this twice a day, using only water or liquid neutral soap; you need to dry your breasts not with a towel, but with soft napkins.
Pharmacy teas
If you don’t have the time or desire to make herbal infusions yourself, you can purchase ready-made ones. Pharmacies sell teas to stimulate lactation. When choosing them, you need to pay attention to the composition. Popular pharmacy teas for nursing women are listed in the table below.
Lactation tea LaktoMama
| Collection name | Tea composition | Approximate cost in rubles |
| Fleur Alpine Organic “For nursing mothers” | lemon balm, peppermint, galega, fennel, nettle | 220-300 |
| Lactavit | nettle, fennel, cumin, anise | 165-270 |
| Fleur Alpine Organic “Berry collection with prebiotics” | blueberries, rose hips, cumin, lemon balm, inulin, galega | 240-310 |
| Humana Still-Tee to increase lactation | fennel, hibiscus, verbena, blackberry, raspberry leaves, fenugreek, galega | 150 |
| BIO LactoMama | fennel, oregano, nettle | 130 |
| HiPP organic tea for nursing mothers | cumin, fennel, anise, lemon balm, lemon verbena | 290-300 |
| Grandma's basket | anise, fennel, cumin, nettle, lemon balm | 95-110 |
| Bebivita tea | fennel, lemon balm, anise, cumin | 150 |
| Nestik | chamomile, galega, lemon balm, rosehip | 115 |
| Leros Baby “Tea for nursing mothers” | galega, cumin, fennel, lemon balm, plantain, golden rod | 85 |
| Lactaphytol | fennel, cumin, stinging nettle, anise | 190 |
| Weleda | cumin, anise, knotweed, fenugreek, fennel | 650-850 |
How to brew and take correctly?
It is recommended to brew herbs to stimulate milk production in a glass, porcelain or enamel vessel. Pour boiling water over the plants. The optimal infusion time is 4-7 minutes. As a rule, take one teaspoon per 200-250 ml of water.
When using herbs to increase lactation, you need to pay attention to the following:
- your well-being . If signs of allergies or gastrointestinal negative reactions appear, you should stop using infusions and decoctions of lactogenic plants;
- child's well-being . Young children, especially in the first months of life, are weak and sensitive. A woman needs to be treated with herbal teas carefully. If the baby develops a rash on the body, skin itching, red spots, diarrhea, colic, vomiting, and sleep disturbances, then you need to stop drinking the decoction and find another method of increasing lactation;
- properties and characteristics of the herbs used. Some plants can give milk a specific taste. The baby may not like this and lead to rejection of the mother's breast.
Teas should be consumed in recommended dosages, in courses. The frequency and duration of taking herbal pharmaceutical preparations is indicated by the manufacturer on the packaging. It is recommended to coordinate the treatment regimen with your doctor. If it is chosen correctly, then the therapeutic effect occurs quickly enough and persists after stopping the use of lactogenic teas.
Lactogonic teas should be drunk warm. This will contribute to the expansion of the thoracic ducts and good outflow of fluid. It will be easier for the baby to suck out milk.
Side effects of herbs
Despite all the benefits of herbal decoctions, they should be taken with caution, carefully monitoring the reaction of your body and the baby’s body. Before using herbs, consult your pediatrician.
If, after consuming herbs, you find redness, peeling, or a rash on your child’s skin, the baby becomes restless, his stomach hurts, and he has problems with bowel movements, then you should immediately stop using the herb. Do not start trying a new product until your baby’s allergic reactions have passed. When the skin becomes clear and stool returns to normal, then you can try another herb to increase lactation.
If you notice any signs of an allergy in your baby, stop using the herb immediately
Nettle and anise are considered the safest herbs, so it’s best to start with them.
Possible side effects of herbs:
- nettle and fireweed have a laxative effect;
- ginger, cinnamon, rose hips and anise can cause allergic reactions: rash, itching, redness. Ginger irritates the intestinal and stomach mucosa and can cause colic;
- Chamomile, when consumed frequently, reduces milk production. Drink no more than two cups of weak chamomile tea per week.
If you notice one of the adverse reactions, you should stop using the product immediately. Do not drink many different infusions at once, try each one separately. This way you can safely choose the product that suits you.
Prohibited herbs when breastfeeding
Some plants negatively affect the production of breast milk and the health of the baby. It is important to know the list of such herbs and avoid their use during lactation.
The following plants are prohibited for a nursing mother:
- coltsfoot . The grass contains alkaloids that are harmful to children;
- ephedra _ The plant contains ephedrine, which causes headaches, heart palpitations, nausea and vomiting, and problems in the respiratory system of infants;
- buckthorn _ Helps with postmenopausal disorders, removes cardiac and renal edema. Often used to normalize stool. But during breastfeeding, this herb can cause serious adverse reactions in the child and mother;
- elecampane _ It has a powerful diuretic effect and reduces breast milk production. After drinking elecampane decoction for a week, lactation stops;
- wormwood _ Contains a substance toxic to the body of a newborn. May cause problems with the stomach and intestines, hallucinations, allergies, and seizures. Wormwood gives breast milk a bitter taste;
- valerian _ It has a pronounced sedative effect and helps with insomnia. But such a plant is dangerous for babies: it can provoke an allergic reaction, persistent constipation, stimulate or inhibit the functioning of the central nervous system;
- ginseng _ The components of this plant have the ability to accumulate in body tissues, increase blood pressure, cause vomiting and dizziness.
Licorice and sophora are also prohibited during lactation. Teas with parsley, chickweed, and sorrel are not recommended. They suppress breast milk production and have a negative impact on the baby.
What herbs can be used
The following have a positive effect on lactation:
- nettle,
- rose hip,
- ginger,
- anise,
- alfalfa,
- blooming Sally,
- Birch juice,
- lime tea,
- chamomile,
- cinnamon,
- oregano
Properly prepared decoctions, infusions and teas have a beneficial effect on the body, increasing the production of prolactin.
Decoctions are prepared from rhizomes, roots, bark, seeds and hard leaves. Infusions are made from the leaves and flowers. The difference between a decoction and an infusion is in the preparation technology: decoctions must be brought to a boil and boiled for several minutes, and infusions can be prepared either by boiling, but without prolonged cooking, or using cold water.
Photo gallery: herbs to increase lactation
Nettle during breastfeeding is an excellent way to increase lactation
Rosehip decoction has a strengthening and tonic effect
Many women love ginger for its aromatic properties.
Anise seeds can be brewed as tea, or you can prepare a decoction
Alfalfa is rich in vitamin K and can stop bleeding
Ivan tea is rich in manganese, iron, amino acids, vitamin C, pectin and chlorophyll
Birch sap is valuable for a young mother because of its mild diuretic properties.
Linden tea is an excellent protector against viruses
Chamomile rarely causes allergies and has a mild sedative effect.
It is useful to include cinnamon in small quantities in drinks to support lactation.
Oregano normalizes a woman’s hormonal levels and improves lactation
Video on the topic
About herbs that increase lactation in the video:
Thus, there are herbs that help increase lactation. They can be brewed and drunk individually or in the form of teas. Products based on fennel, dill, and anise are useful for nursing women.
You can prepare herbal teas yourself or buy pharmacy teas. Before you start taking decoctions to increase breast milk production, you should consult with your pediatrician regarding the safety and effectiveness of the chosen remedy.
Indications for use
There are a number of reasons why problems with lactation may occur. Some mothers may not immediately be able to breastfeed due to some complications that arose during childbirth or in the postpartum period. Also, not all babies are active enough when feeding. These factors provoke a lack of breast milk.
Almost every woman also faces lactation crises, during which the amount of milk produced decreases. These phenomena are considered physiological, so you shouldn’t worry too much, but still the mother must act.
It is believed that in order to stimulate lactation function, it is necessary to drink large amounts of fluid . But this does not always help sufficiently, and sometimes a woman is simply not able to constantly drink a lot of water or tea. In addition, this is an additional burden on the kidneys. In this case, it is more advisable to drink teas to improve lactation. They do not need to be consumed in liters; they are necessarily made on the basis of natural ingredients and have a list of benefits.
How to determine that tea is needed to improve lactation and what are the indications for its use? There are several factors:
- Recovery period after childbirth.
- One of the most basic is a decrease in the amount of breast milk.
- Interruption of breastfeeding. Situations may arise (departure, mother’s illness) when it is not possible to feed the baby for some period. But then there may be a need to restore lactation function.
- Digestive disorders, problems in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Supplementing the baby with formula milk. In this case, the baby is less likely to breastfeed, and this contributes to the suppression of lactation function.
- Breast milk that is not nutritious or contains enough nutrients.
There are certain signs, if detected, you should immediately pay attention to stimulating lactation:
- Minor weight gain. Control weighings are carried out monthly to identify a lag in weight gain, which may indicate an insufficient volume of milk or any diseases.
- The baby empties his bladder few times a day. According to average data, a child should write about 12 times a day. To calculate the quantity, diapers will not work. For this, rag diapers are used, by which it is easy to determine how many times the baby has peed.
- Weakness, malaise of the baby, passivity. The child has pale skin, dry lips, and sleeps too long.
If you notice these symptoms, you should contact your pediatrician or specialist . Perhaps the reason is some kind of illness in the baby. But if the problem is a lack of milk, then the doctor will recommend which lactation tea is best for the mother and her baby.
Improving milk production in women
