Ayurvedic Remedies for Lactational Problems

Common lactation problems faced by nursing mothers

As a new nursing mother, you may face some common challenges that can affect your milk supply or your baby’s feeding.

The good news is there are natural Ayurvedic remedies that can help support you through these issues.

Engorgement

When your milk first comes in, your breasts may become painfully engorged with milk.

Apply warm compresses, massage your breasts gently, and nurse frequently to relieve pressure and encourage milk flow. Turmeric, an anti-inflammatory, can also help reduce swelling when taken orally in capsule form or as turmeric tea.

Mastitis

Inflammation of the breast tissue mastitis causes breast pain, swelling, and fever. Turmeric and fenugreek, an herb that boosts milk production, can help reduce inflammation and increase milk flow when consumed as supplements or in tea.

Apply warm compresses and nurse frequently from the affected breast.

See a doctor if symptoms don’t improve in 12-24 hours.

Low Milk Supply

If you’re concerned your baby isn’t getting enough milk, try nursing more often and feed for at least 15 minutes in one breast.

Intake of milk and other galactagogues can help increase milk production.

Nipple cracks

Nipple cracks can be managed by enhancing fluid intake and applying cow ghee or medicated ayurvedic ghee over the nipple area.

Ayurvedic Remedies for Lactational Problems

Here are some Ayurvedic remedies for lactational problems.

• Fenugreek seeds: Fenugreek seeds, known as methi in Ayurveda, are galactagogues, meaning they stimulate milk production. Add 1 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds to a cup of water and boil until the seeds become soft. Strain and drink the water. 
• Green gram: Green gram is an excellent source of protein and helps enhance breast milk production. You can consume it alone as soup or with moringa leaves.
• Fennel seeds: Fennel seeds, or saunf, are also excellent for increasing breast milk. Simply chew on about 1/2 teaspoon of fennel seeds 3 times a day, especially after meals.
• Turmeric: Turmeric, the golden spice known as haldi, boosts milk production and helps maintain healthy breast tissue. Add 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder to a cup of warm milk once a day. You can also take turmeric supplements in capsule form, usually around 500 mg, up to 3 times per day.
• Coconut milk: Coconut milk is a natural galactagogue that contains lauric acid, which has antimicrobial properties to support breast health. Drink one cup of warm coconut milk with a pinch of turmeric powder once a day. 
• Shatavari: Shatavari is an Ayurvedic herb known as “she who has 100 husbands,” referring to its ability to help support fertility and vitality in women. It is available in powder, tablet or liquid extract form. The typical dosage is 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of the powder up to 3 times a day or as directed. Shatavari helps balance hormones and increase prolactin, the hormone responsible for breast milk production.

Holistic approaches to support lactation

Apart from nutritious foods, certain holistic approaches like yoga help in nurturing both mother and baby. Some gentle remedies can help support lactation and your little one’s health during this tender time.

Yoga Asanas

Practicing yoga asanas like padmasana, surya namaskar, bhadrasana, shavasana etc, can help facilitate the production of breast milk in lactating mothers. It helps improve blood circulation, stimulates the pituitary gland, aids in the secretion of prolactin and enhances the production of breast milk. It also helps with post-pregnancy weight loss and relieves neck and back pain caused due to breastfeeding.

Skin-to-skin contact

Cuddling your newborn against your bare chest has profound benefits for you both. Skin-to-skin contact releases oxytocin, the “love hormone” that stimulates breast milk let-down and mother-infant bonding. 

Try to spend at least an hour of skin-to-skin time with your baby each day.

These Ayurvedic approaches, along with adequate rest, nutrition, and hydration, can help ensure your breastfeeding journey is a beautiful, empowering experience for you and your little bundle of joy. 

Diet

Your diet plays an important role in supporting breastfeeding and your baby’s health. What you eat passes through your breast milk, so focus on nourishing, ayurvedic foods.

Fresh, Organic Foods

Eat fresh, organic, whole foods as much as possible. Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds. 

These provide vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats essential for you and your baby. Avoid processed foods, sugar, and preservatives that lack nutrition.

Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water and herbal teas like fenugreek, fennel, or milk thistle tea. 

Aim for 3 liters of water per day to keep your milk supply ample and your body hydrated. 

Coconut water is also very hydrating and provides electrolytes.

Healthy Fats

Include good fats like ghee, coconut oil, butter, and flax oil in your diet. They provide essential fatty acids important for your baby’s brain and eye development. 

Have 1-2 tablespoons per day of oil or ghee. 

Galactagogues

Add galactagogues, or foods that increase breast milk, to your diet, like oats, fenugreek, fennel, green gram, and turmeric. Fenugreek tea and turmeric milk are easy ways to incorporate these.

Avoid Irritants

Reduce or avoid potential irritants for babies like garlic, onions, and cabbage. 

And chili, which can pass through your milk. 

Also, avoid alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine, which may disrupt your milk supply.

Following an ayurvedic diet during breastfeeding will give your baby the best start in life. 

Focus on fresh, whole foods, stay hydrated, include healthy fats and galactagogues, and avoid irritants. 

Conclusion

That covers some simple and natural Ayurvedic remedies to boost breastfeeding and support your baby’s health. 

As you’ve seen, you have so many gentle options to try before rushing to supplements or medications. 

Focus on eating warm, nourishing foods, staying hydrated, resting when you can, and avoiding excess stress. 

Little by little, these remedies can help increase your milk supply, reduce discomfort, aid digestion, and strengthen immunity for you both.