Moringa and Breastfeeding: Is It Safe, Benefits & Side Effects

Moringa is rightly known as the miracle tree for its incredible health benefits. This particular food has gained the attention of several breastfeeding mothers and has become a superfood for them. Breastfeeding is a crucial phase for both the baby and the mother. The right nutrition in this delicate phase seals the future for the baby and mother’s health. Besides its rich nutrient profile, moringa has the potential to enhance lactation as well. If you or someone you know is struggling with breast milk production, this superfood is the one to have in the pantry. In this post, we’ll delve into the world of moringa for breastfeeding mamas. If you want to know how a breastfeeding mother can benefit by including moringa in her diet, continue reading the article.

What Is Moringa?

Moringa, scientifically known as Moringa oleifera, is a plant native to tropical and subtropical regions of the world. You may also know this plant with the name of drumstick tree or horseradish tree. Every part of this tree, from leaves and roots to flowers and fruits, offers high medical benefits. Packed with multi-minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, moringa is also popular as a galactagogue. This tree has been used in making medicine for centuries, thanks to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anticancer, and antimicrobial properties.

Is Moringa Good for Breastfeeding Mothers?

The use of moringa for milk supply has been there for quite a long period. This is because the moringa leaves are said to be a galactagogue – they contain flavonoids and polyphenols, substances that help in enhancing the milk supply. There have also been studies indicating that a woman can increase her breast milk production by consuming moringa leaves. You may effectively consume moringa leaves for lactation. Moringa leaves are the most used part of this plant, as the leaves are high in several vitamins, including vitamins A, B complex vitamins (B1, B2, B3), C, and E, amino acids, and minerals like zinc, iron, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. The leaves are also nutrient-dense in 17 fatty acids, including three polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA).

In short, moringa contains 9 times more iron than spinach, higher amounts of vitamin C than oranges, more fibre than oats, higher calcium than milk, and more potassium than bananas! Having moringa generally in a diet is known to combat malnutrition.

Benefits of Moringa for Nursing Moms

Moringa or drumsticks are rich in nutrients and are particularly good for nursing mothers. This is why moringa benefits for breastfeeding moms have been forwarded for generations. Mentioned below are the benefits of moringa for breastfeeding moms:

1. Meets the Calcium Requirements

Breastfeeding mothers need an extra dosage of calcium because their body is making milk for their baby and, thus, there is more requirement of calcium in the body. Also, the nursing baby requires calcium for optimal growth and development of the baby. Moringa may help in meeting the calcium requirements of nursing mothers.

2. Keeps Fatigue at Bay

Moringa is loaded with iron, which is very essential for a nursing mother. Ample amounts of iron in the body can help a new mom deal with fatigue and exhaustion. Also, a woman may lose a considerable amount of blood during labour; hence, taking moringa while breastfeeding may help replenish the lost blood from a new mother’s body.

3. Helps in Blood Clotting and Wound Healing

Being rich in Vitamin K, moringa helps in clotting the blood. It is particularly helpful to women who may be bleeding heavily after delivery.

4. Helps Maintain Good Uterine Health

Consuming moringa leaves can also help deal with labour pain. The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties help in removing uterine sluggishness after delivery.

How to Take Moringa for Increasing Milk Supply?

Moringa and breastfeeding go hand in hand. Moringa leaves are high in many vital nutrients and can be easily included in your diet. You can consume fresh green leaves in the form of vegetables, salads, or soups to avail yourself of its multiple benefits, or you can consume it in the form of moringa capsules, moringa powder, or even drink drumstick juice for breastfeeding benefits.

Are There Any Side Effects of Consuming Moringa While Breastfeeding?

When it concerns the well-being of your baby, you need to be extra cautious. Therefore, you must include these leaves in moderation in your diet. The safe amount of moringa to consume is 1000 mg/kg body weight. Above 3000 mg/kg can have adverse effects on your health. If you have already been eating these leaves, then your body may be used to consuming this vegetable. However, if you are including it for the first time, seek approval from your doctor.

Drumstick Leaves Stir-fry Recipe to Boost Lactation

Let us see how you can turn these miraculous leaves into a yummy side dish. This recipe of moringa for breast milk supply is easy and does not take much time to prepare.

Ingredients

You may need:

• Fresh moringa leaves – 2 cups
• Grated coconut – 4 to 5 tablespoons
• Curry leaves – 6-7
• Mustard seeds – ½ teaspoon
• Turmeric powder – ¼ teaspoon
• Black pepper powder- ¼ teaspoon
• Coconut oil – 1 tablespoon
• Salt to taste

Directions

1. In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat some coconut oil.
2. Add mustard seeds and curry leaves, and let them splutter.
3. Once the seeds are roasted, add turmeric powder and black pepper powder.
4. Add moringa leaves and nicely coat all the leaves with the spices.
5. Add salt to taste and cook the leaves with all the spices for two to three minutes.
6. Make sure not to overcook the leaves.
7. Once the leaves are cooked, add grated coconut and turn off the flame.
8. Serve it with rice or roti.

Important Points to Consider

Here are some important tips that you should consider when you plan to consume moringa for breastfeeding.

• Make sure you choose fresh and crisp-looking green moringa leaves.
• Avoid using the wilted, pale or yellow-coloured and stale-looking leaves.
• Consume moringa leaves in moderation, as excessive amounts may have harmful effects on the liver and kidneys.
• Clean the leaves thoroughly before using them.
• Never overcook the leaves, as it may kill all the vital nutrients.
• While cooking the leaves, add turmeric to them.
• You can add a few cloves of garlic to enhance the flavour and taste of the leaves.

FAQs

1. Is Moringa Safe for Infants?

Yes, moringa is absolutely safe for babies. In a controlled study, some breastfeeding mothers were asked to take moringa flour capsules while some consumed iron tablets, and the health of infants was monitored for three months. The study revealed a clear advantage for babies during the first 3 months of life in favour of moringa flour supplements over iron tablets. Additionally, the research highlighted the astonishing effectiveness of using moringa leaf powder as a supplement in decreasing children’s morbidity in the subsequent three months when compared to the efficacy of iron tablets. If you have any doubt regarding the effect of moringa on babies, it is best to consult a doctor.

2. Who Should Not Eat Moringa?

Pregnant women and children are cautioned not to take moringa in any form, as limited studies have been done on the efficacy of moringa in these groups.

3. Which Food Promotes Milk Supply?

Some popular galactagogues breastfeeding moms can include in their diet are:

• Whole grains
• Nuts
• Fennel seeds
• Fenugreek
• Sesame seeds
• Flaxseeds
• Protein-rich foods like eggs, tofu, meat, chicken, etc.
• Legumes and beans
• Green leafy vegetables

There are many natural options available that you can use to improve your milk supply. Moringa leaves are a great option that you can consider to enhance your breast milk supply in a natural way. Moringa leaves are relished in many parts of the Indian subcontinent, and thus, these are easily available, too. Get hold of these wondrous leaves and include them in your daily diet to increase your breast milk supply. Though these leaves are a safe bet, there is no harm in seeking your doctor’s permission before including them in your diet.

References/Resources:

1. Moringa; Drugs and Lactation Database; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501899/; 2006

2. Fungtammasan. S, Phupong. V; The effect of Moringa oleifera capsule in increasing breastmilk volume in early postpartum patients: A double-blind, randomized controlled trial; PLoS One.; Pubmed Central; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8023461/; April 2021

3. Pujiastuti. R. S. E, Salsabila. D. I. B, et al.; Potential of Moringa Leaf Cookies to Increast Breastmilk Production in Postpartum Mothers; Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences; https://oamjms.eu/index.php/mjms/article/view/9494; January 2022

4. Rotella. R, Soriano. J. M, et al.; The Impact of Moringa oleifera Supplementation on Anemia and other Variables during Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: A Narrative Review; Nutrients; MDPI; https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/15/12/2674; June 2023

5. Suhartatik, Hadju. V, Muis. M, et al.; The Effect of Moringa Oleifera Flour Given for Mothers Breastfeeding Against Morbidity of Baby Ages 0-6 Months in Jeneponto District; Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development; MDPI; http://repository.unhas.ac.id/id/eprint/9321/; October 2021

6. Gopalakrishnan. L, Doriya. K, Kumar. D; Moringa oleifera: A review on nutritive importance and its medicinal application; Food Science and Human Wellness, Volume 5, Issue 2, Pages 49-56; ScienceDirect; https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213453016300362; June 2016

7. Mushtaq. B.S, Hussain. M. B, Omer. R, et al.; Moringa Oleifera in Malnutrition: A Comprehensive Review; Current Drug Discovery Technologies, Volume 18, Number 2, 2021, pp. 235-243(9); Ingenta; https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/ben/cddt/2021/00000018/00000002/art00009; March 2021

8. Stohs. S. J, Hartman. M. J; Review of the Safety and Efficacy of Moringa oleifera; Phytotherapy Research; Wiley Online Library; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ptr.5325; March 2015

9. Ventura. A. C, de Paula. T, Gonçalves. J. P, et al.; The oil from Moringa oleifera seeds accelerates chronic skin wound healing; Phytomedicine Plus, Volume 1, Issue 3, 100099; ScienceDirect; https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667031321000816?via%3Dihub; August 2021

Also Read:

Eating Honey when Breastfeeding
Drinking Kombucha while Breastfeeding
Is It Safe to Eat Spicy Food in Breastfeeding?
Is It Safe to Consume Turmeric during Breastfeeding?

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