Important tips to get more breast milk

When it comes to miraculous foods, breast milk is undoubtedly at the top of the list. Breast milk is very valuable as it provides many essential benefits from strengthening the baby’s immune system to reducing the risk of many diseases such as heart, obesity, diabetes and cancer. To ensure that breast milk is good enough, it is very important that it is of good quality and in abundance. Expert dietitian Selahattin Dönmez wrote…

BABY’S PROTECTIVE SHIELD

The formation of breast milk, your baby’s most precious nutrient, is a complex process influenced by hormonal, physical and psychological factors. The prolactin hormone, also called “maternity hormone” or “milk hormone”, reaches its highest level after birth and is responsible for the formation of breast milk. In addition to the hormone prolactin, levels of oxytocin, also known as the “love hormone”, increase after birth. Oxytocin is the hormone that allows breast milk to reach the nipple. For your baby whose digestive system is still developing, breast milk is the main food source that is easy to digest and highly nutritious. Mother’s milk takes care of your baby’s mental development and physical growth. Thanks to the antibodies it contains, it plays an important role in the immune system and provides protection against common infections, especially in newborns.

BALANCED NUTRITION INCREASES

Every mother worries about whether her milk is enough and whether her baby is getting enough nutrition. Studies show that maternal nutrition has a direct effect on milk production. Drinking plenty of fluids, eating protein-rich foods and getting enough sleep increase the quantity and quality of breast milk. Adding foods that make breast milk to the feeding program has a positive effect on the process. For this reason, it is necessary for the mother to drink plenty of water, consume liquid foods, eat protein rich foods, sleep and be away from stress.

IMPORTANT TIPS

– Communication between mother and baby is effective in increasing breast milk. Skin-to-skin contact and eye contact during breastfeeding increase the level of prolactin and oxytocin hormones and increase breast milk.
– The psychological state of the mother influences milk production. Mothers who sleep well and are not stressed have more milk production.
– Breastfeeding your baby in the right position that’s right for you and your baby encourages your baby to suckle. More breastfeeding leads to more milk production. In addition, correct and frequent breastfeeding increases milk production.
– No additional feeding is recommended during the first six months. During this time, your baby’s breast milk will only increase milk production.
– Especially after a caesarean section, the chest canals cannot be opened sufficiently. You can use a breast pump to increase the amount of milk and not to waste breast milk.
– Balanced and regular nutrition ensures an increase in breast milk. Many mothers follow a diet that makes them hungry for a long time or cause malnutrition after giving birth in order to lose their pregnancy weight quickly. Uncontrolled diets reduce the quantity and quality of breast milk.
– During breastfeeding, the mother’s energy needs increase. If you follow a balanced diet, especially if you stay away from foods or drinks that reduce milk production, your milk will probably be enough for your baby. But to increase the amount of milk, you can take advantage of food and increase your milk.

THESE NUTRIENTS INCREASE BREAST MILK

Galactagogues or lactogenics are substances used to increase the quantity and quality of breast milk. Studies have shown that it supports milk yield, milk production, milk fat increase and protein digestion with the contribution of isoflavones, polyphenols, saponins, A-linolenic acid and tannins in galactagogue plants. Foods with galactagogue effect; In addition to the properties that increase the amount of breast milk and ensure the fluidity of milk, it also works as a way to relax the nervous system of the mother and baby, relieve the gas problem in the mother and baby, and provide the necessary elements such as vitamins and minerals for adequate milk formation.

Black Seeds: Thanks to its steroidal compounds such as thymoquinone, thymohydroquinone and dithymoquinone, black cumin increases the synthesis of the hormone prolactin, which is responsible for the formation of breast milk and ensures the proliferation of breast milk. It also contains antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds and vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium and magnesium, which are important for the health of breastfeeding women and the proper development of their babies. Reportedly, these effects of black cumin become apparent after the eighth day of application. That is, it must be used for a long time to be effective.

CEMEN GRASS: Widely used in Indian cooking and Ayurvedic medicine, fenugreek seeds can help increase breast milk. The steroidal structures in this seed, which is very beneficial for health, support milk production and increase hormone synthesis. Studies show that regular consumption of fenugreek for two weeks significantly increases breast milk. Apart from this, although the mental issues of the mother play a major role in weaning, fenugreek seeds have been observed to have a calming effect and positively affect milk production. Breastfeeding mothers can see their milk production increase if they regularly consume a teaspoon every morning and evening for two weeks.

FENNEL: Drinking two cups a day, fennel tea stimulates the production of estrogen hormone, which is necessary for breast milk, as it is rich in anethole, dianethole and photoanethole, which trigger hormone changes. In addition, anethole prevents the suppressive effect of prolactin secretion by binding to the dopamine hormone receptor, and accordingly stimulates prolactin secretion and increases milk production. It not only increases breast milk but also helps to relieve the gas problem of both mother and baby.

SEVKETIBOSTAN HERB: Herbal galactagogue, which shows the effect of increasing breast milk, shows the effect of increasing the flow of breast milk by increasing the mother’s prolactin levels. Put one or two tablespoons of dried herb in a cup of boiling water, wait 15 minutes, strain and drink, you will see that your milk has increased.

ANISE: Thanks to the anethole component, anise is good for gas formation and indigestion of the digestive system, as well as for increasing breast milk, thanks to its sedative effect, it has a soothing effect in baby colic. Add half a teaspoon of anise to a glass of boiled water and wait for it to infuse for 10 minutes and drink it.

OATS: Thanks to the beta-glucan, plant estrogen and other substances in its content, it both directly increases breast milk and supports the production of hormones that ensure the secretion of breast milk. Beta-glucan also helps strengthen the immune system. You can consume oats with milk or yogurt, you can boil it with water and mix it with fruit or add it to an omelette.

QUALITY PROTEIN SOURCES: While breastfeeding, your body expends 7 calories per 1 ml of milk. This will make you hungrier and increase your cravings for sweets. For this reason, consuming a high-quality source of protein such as a boiled egg, cheese, meat, chicken and fish before lunch or dinner each morning helps you stay full and improves your milk quality. Consuming fish and eggs every day, especially twice a week, also supports your baby’s brain development.

WATER: Remember that the most important nutrient that will increase your milk is water. Every time you breastfeed, your body naturally runs out of fluid and replacing it is very important for new milk production. I can say that water, which makes up to 90 percent of breast milk, is very important for increasing breast milk production. Because milk production is less in a dehydrated body. Make sure to drink 3 liters of water throughout the day to increase your milk supply.