Celebrate World Breastfeeding Week 2025: Nine Traditional Indian Dishes to Enhance Milk Production
Boosting Breast Milk Production: Traditional Desi Foods and Modern Recommendations
For breastfeeding mothers seeking to enhance their milk supply, a variety of traditional desi foods can offer natural support. These foods, when combined with a balanced diet and adequate hydration, can help increase both the quantity and quality of breast milk.
One such food is methi (fenugreek seeds), known for its galactagogue properties. Methi contains phytoestrogens that stimulate milk production. It can be consumed in several ways, such as soaked seeds, added to parathas, or made into ladoos.
Another galactagogue is shatavari, an Ayurvedic herb that helps balance hormones and supports lactation. It is often mixed with milk and consumed as a powder.
Ajwain (carom seeds) aids digestion and supports milk flow. It can be consumed as ajwain water or added to food.
Gondh, a traditional ingredient in panjiri and ladoos, is believed to enhance milk supply due to its warming and nutritive properties.
Cumin seeds (jeera) are rich in iron and aid digestion, stimulating milk production. They are often consumed as jeera water or added to various dishes.
Dry fruits and seeds, such as almonds, walnuts, dates, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and sesame seeds, are rich in nutrients and can support lactation.
In addition to these traditional foods, raw papaya acts as a natural galactagogue and digestive aid, assisting in postpartum digestion and boosting breast milk supply. It can be steamed, stir-fried, or added to soups and sabzis.
Coconut contains healthy fats and electrolytes that help improve the quality of breast milk. Consuming coconut pieces, coconut milk, or using coconut oil in cooking supports lactation while also hydrating the body.
Dalia, rich in fibre, iron, and B-vitamins, can gently stimulate milk production when cooked with milk and nuts.
Modern recommendations suggest incorporating these ingredients into a balanced diet, avoiding excessive ghee and sugar to maintain nutritional benefits without health risks. Including iron-rich and calcium-rich foods like green leafy vegetables, pulses, milk, and curd can also support overall health and lactation.
It is important to note that this content provides generic information only and is not a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information regarding lactation and diet.
Lastly, Suva sabzi or suva dal, made from dill leaves, is commonly given to nursing mothers. Dill leaves contain flavonoids and nutrients that help increase breast milk production.
By incorporating these foods into their diet, breastfeeding mothers can naturally boost their milk supply and support their overall health.
- Incorporating traditional foods such as methi, shatavari, ajwain, gondh, cumin seeds, dry fruits, raw papaya, and coconut into their diet can help breastfeeding mothers naturally boost their milk supply.
- Suva sabzi, made from dill leaves, is commonly given to nursing mothers due to its ability to increase breast milk production, as it contains flavonoids and nutrients that support lactation.
- To further support milk production and overall health, breastfeeding mothers should also consider consuming iron-rich and calcium-rich foods like green leafy vegetables, pulses, milk, and curd.
