my daughter is 6 week old. I give breast feeding. but I think she might be hungry. so how can I increase breast milk with home ingredients. which food is best for increase breast milk?

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Accepted Answer

Eat more of green leafy vegetables especially dill , methi , palak and methi seeds cooked along with rice. Popularly known as Methi (in Hindi), both its seeds and leaves are extremely useful to improve breastmilk production.

Dill leaf is a very good galactogogue. In addition to its peculiar taste, it also helps in digestion.

Spinach  is an excellent source of iron. Iron helps restore energy and fights anaemia and weakness. Spinach should be boiled well before consumption, especially during the monsoons, to avoid any waterborne infections.

Eat atleast one serving of leafy green veggies in a day.

Drink milk and coconut water and other healthy drinks yourself. Stay hydrated yourself.

Include foods like ghee, pomegranate, carrots,barley, cumin seeds, garlic , apricots and oatmeal on your meal. Garlic is one of the best foods to stimulate lactation.

Bottle gourd helps to keep the lactating woman well hydrated. Bottle gourd is full of water (about 92%), keeps your body hydrated, and is also a rich source of vitamin C, A and K and essential minerals like sodium, calcium, iron, zinc and magnesium.

Massage the breasts for a while before feeding every time...this is supposed to increase the milk flow.

Feed your baby well...atleast once every 2 hours. The more you feed more will be the milk produced. Feed for longer so that your baby gets enough of fore milk and hind milk which is richer in fat.

Don't take any stress and tension. just relax. sleep when the baby sleeps.

Eat well and feed your baby well.

Breastmilk is packed with all the necessary nutrients for your baby. Hence you should be eating the right things to ensure it reaches your little one. Some of the best foods are:

Leafy green veggies: rich in Vitamin A, vitamin C, Iron, calcium and anti oxidants.

Seasonal fruits: rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and energy.

Eggs: rich in protein, vitamin D and calcium.

Whole grains: oatmeal, brown rice, barley are rich in proteins, vitamins, Iron, minerals and energy.

Low fat dairy products: milk and yogurt are rich in vitamun B,vitamin D and calcium.

Lean meats:Fish and chicken are rich in vital nutrients. some try to avoid this upto a few months.  You can take a call on when to eat this after delivery.

Garlic: Strengthens immune system and boosts lactation. It also has anti microbial and anti oxidant properties.

Carrots: rich in potassium , carbohydrates, beta carotene and antioxidants.

Legumes: rich in protein and iron. Peas, beans, lentils and kidney beans are some of them.

Dairy foods, such as milk, cheese and yoghurt – these contain calcium and are a source of protein.

Drinking plenty of fluids – have a drink beside you when you settle down to breastfeed: water and skimmed or semi-skimmed milk are all good choices. Have some soups also regularly.

The following snacks are quick and simple to make, and will give you energy and strength:

fresh fruit

sandwiches filled with salad, grated cheese. You can add some meat if you eat non veg.

yoghurts

ready-to-eat dried apricots, figs or prunes. Nuts are an excellent source of serotonin, which helps in increasing lactation. They are packed with vitamins and healthy omega- 3 fatty acids.

fortified unsweetened breakfast cereals, muesli and other wholegrain cereals with milk

milky drinks or a 150ml glass of 100% unsweetened fruit juice

Try to avoid foods like brocolli, cauliflower, pineapple,  raw mango, raw onion, lettuce,cabbage, citrus fruits, soy, peanuts.....

All these might cause gas sometimes.

Also limit tea and coffee intake. may be just once a day if you really need to.