Now, I’ve done my research, and this topic of foods actually boosting milk supply is one of controversy. Some sources say that what you eat does not boost milk production because your breastmilk is made in your breasts and not directly from the food you eat. I will discuss this a little more in this article. However, I wanted to share with you 8 foods to eat to boost your milk production because there are testimonies out there of mothers who say they noticed a difference in their milk production after they ate certain foods! Would you like this to be you? Then let’s dive in together!
The Controversy
Maybe you were told that what you eat doesn’t affect your breastmilk. As a new mom, I got that piece of “advice” from a medical professional. I will tell you that that information was a disservice for me. My baby was screaming for 8 hours a day, and I couldn’t figure out why. The lactation consultants, ER nurses, and pediatric nurses couldn’t figure out why either! 3 years later when I had my 2nd baby who was also screaming for 8 hours a day, I finally learned what the problem was – GLUTEN!
My babies are allergic to gluten, and they were getting it in my breastmilk! Once I took that out, my baby STOPPED screaming 100%! Crazy, right?
That’s why I’m a firm believer that what you eat DOES, in fact, affect your breastmilk and helps your body boost milk supply.
I’ve heard from several other mothers who also experienced a boost in milk production after eating certain foods. Let’s take a look below at what these foods are.
8 Foods To Eat That Boost Your Milk Production
There are certain foods that are called galactagogue. By definition, a galactagogue is a food or drug that promotes or increases the flow of a mother’s milk. Many of the foods listed below are galactagogues. Others have been thought to boost milk supply as well. As you read these, see where you could fit these into your diet.
Whole Grains
Whole grains are a popular food to eat for lactating mothers to boost milk production. It is thought consuming whole grains helps your body support prolactin. Prolactin is the hormone that tells your body “make breastmilk”!
The best source of whole grain for breastfeeding mothers is old fashioned oats. If you don’t enjoy oatmeal in the morning, try making oatmeal cookies or adding oats to meals.
Dark Green Vegetables
Some of us enjoy our vegetables more than others. However, eating dark greens like spinach, kale, and broccoli are all great foods to eat to help boost milk production.
Fennel Seeds
Personally, I love fennel seeds! If I think a dish I made tastes too bland, I immediately grab fennel and red pepper flakes and feel satisfied. Not only are fennel seeds great in flavor, they are great for breastfeeding mothers to help boost milk production. Simply sprinkle some fennel on your dinner and enjoy the great flavor and benefits it gives your milk!
Join The Challenge!
If you would like even more tips on how you can further boost your milk supply, take the free 5 Day Boosting Milk Supply Challenge!
You will learn about topics not discussed in this article, so it’s all new information!
Fill out the form below and take advantage of this free resource just for you!
Garlic
Garlic is another galactagogue. Eating it helps boost milk production.
This can be a touchy one because some babies don’t enjoy the taste of their mother’s milk after she eats garlic. Hopefully, your baby will be like many others who aren’t phased by the extra strong taste it brings to your milk!
Chickpeas/Garbanzo Beans
Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are another galactagogue! (By now, are you coming up with dinner plans that are made up of galactagogues?) Chickpeas can be found in hummus, salads, or stir fries. They are great for you and great for your milk!
Please Buy BPA-free Lined Cans!
Chickpeas are often sold in cans. Please buy a can that states “Non BPA Lining”! You can find these at Alid, but not Walmart (at least I haven’t yet). BPA can enter your breastmilk and have harmful developmental affects on your baby.
Infants’ bodies more readily absorb BPA than adults due to their rapid breathing and sensitive skin (if they touch plastic that contains BPA).
Babies exposed to BPA may experience an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, hyperactivity, thyroid developmental issues, poor brain development, and developmental issues in the prostate gland.
Sesame Seeds
Sesame seeds are not considered a galactagogue. However, due to their estrogen content, they are believed to help promote milk production. Additionally, they are high in calcium, are a healthy source of good calories, and can easily be added to any dish!
Almonds
Almonds are high in calcium and protein. They are another healthy source of calories, oils, and proteins that your body needs to function. They can be easily added to your diet by putting them in smoothies, snacks, or tossed on a salad.
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Fresh Ginger
Another food to help boost milk production is fresh ginger. Fresh ginger is better for this than dried or candied ginger. You can boil ginger and make tea, shave it into a stir fry or dish, or eat it plane.
Additionally, ginger is great for your stomach and helps relieve digestive upset or nausea.
Want All Of These In One Scoop?
Now you know the 8 foods to eat that boost your milk production! However, being a mother is super time-consuming. Thinking of how you’re going to add these extra foods to your diet may be a little overwhelming to you. I get it!
Let me introduce you to something that will make your life so much simpler! You will get ALL of the benefits of these galactagogues without spending the time putting them in your diet. Actually, with this product, you will be able to boost your milk production using ingredients ONLY from galactagogues! Sounds good?
The Lactation Booster!
Made in the USA, gluten-free, dairy-free, and made from only galactagogues, the Lactation Booster by Milk Bliss is great for busy breastfeeding moms like you and me who want to boost their milk supply!
I have tried this lactation booster and had great results! Within 24 hours, just by using one scoop, I was producing 1-2oz more per feeding than the day before!
Another reason I loved it is because my babies are allergic to gluten, so I couldn’t eat gluten. This lactation booster is gluten-free! Perfect for mothers or babies with gluten allergies or sensitivities!
Additionally, I LOVE that it’s made in the USA! The more USA products we put in our homes, the better!
Finally, it’s made purely from galactagogue foods! This is really powerful stuff in regards to boosting milk supply! I highly recommend it to any breastfeeding mother who wants to boost her milk supply! It’s not that expensive either and can fit anyone’s budget!
However, if you’d like a discount on your Lactation Booster purchase, use the code KELSEY20 to get 20% off your first order from Milk Bliss!
Code: Kelsey20
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Want To Learn More?
Check out these articles on milk supply to learn more about how you can have a healthy supply for your baby!
The Breastfeeding Accelerator Course – Get Real Answers To Common Breastfeeding Challenges!
3 Tips To Increase Your Emergency Stash of Frozen Breastmilk
How Common Is It For Mothers To Struggle With Milk Production?
Pump It Up! How To Increase Your Milk Supply By Pumping
The Secret To Using Essential Oils To Boost Milk Supply
This One Simple Thing Helped Me Produce 1-2oz More Per Feeding!