Lactogenic Foods are foods that can help to  increase breast milk production

For more in-depth articles on Breastfeeding, visit the experts at the Australian Breastfeeding Association:  https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au

  • Asparagus, Green beans, Carrots (especially carrot seeds), Yam, Watercress, Sweet potatoes, Dandelion greens, Peas, Beet and all other  green leafy vegetables
  • Parsley, fennel, fenugreek and sesame seed (sesame seeds are high in calcium too)
  • Oatmeal: Many mums have reported an increase in milk supply with just one large bowl of oats each morning
  • Millet, barley, brown rice and all other grains and legumes
  • Raw almonds, cashews, macadamia nuts and avocados
  • Lactogenic beverages include water, lactation teas , barley water, ginger ale and any imitation coffee containing chicory, dandelion or malt
  • Garlic, onion and ginger (use these only if you yourself do not suffer from any bad reactions towards them, if you are okay after eating them,  your baby should be fine too)
  • Lactogenic spices include marjoram, basil, anise, dill, caraway, turmeric (half a tsp of turmeric per day can help with increasing your  milk supply as well as preventing breast infection
  • Apricots,  green papaya

 

Foods that increase the quality of breast milk

  • Barley grass or barley water:  This “green food” can help to increase low milk supply as well as make the breast milk creamier and more nutrient rich. It can be taken in capsule form or simmer 1 cup of Pearl Barley can be simmered in half a litre of water for about two hours.  Three tsp of fennel seeds can be added, and seep the mixture for 10 minutes before drinking
  • Spirulina:  This is a common supplement that is taken for many other  purposes too, but a breastfeeding mum can use it for not only increasing breast milk production, but also to increase the fat content of her  milk. Take two to three capsules daily
  • Brewers yeast:  Can help increase milk supply as well as introduce essential nutrients into the breast milk such as Vit B, Vit B12 and  protein

Other food related tips for increasing breastmilk supply

  • Make sure that you are eating enough calories through your day. This will help increase breastmilk quantity and quality in general
  • Drink enough water and other fluids. Your body will need extra water  to keep up with milk production and keeping you hydrated
  • When spicing your foods you can add things like caraway, dill, basil, marjoram, garlic or gomasio to increase lactation
  • Always supplement with essential good fatty acids like omega 3, 6 and  9. These can be taken in through your diet too by eating avocado, seeds, nuts and oily fish
  • Chicken soup has been used for decades to produce more breast milk:

 

 

 

Black Chicken Soup Recipe

 

Here is the  link for the black chicken soup recipe:

http://gladyskockhomeculinary.blogspot.com.au/2009/10/chinese-herbal-black-chicken-soup.html

You just need to go to a Chinese butcher and get a black skinned or silken chicken (it will be frozen). Make a big pot of soup, freeze it, and use as needed.  Two cups a day is best to start and then once daily as you feel better.  Stop taking it if you get a cold and wait till you recover to continue.

Please refer to this internet site for more information about black chicken as superfood: 

http://voices.yahoo.com/what-black-chicken-superfood-397387.html?cat=68

The information in this article was modified from:

http://www.breastfeeding-problems.com/increase-milk-supply.html