The most common complain with mothers is either having plugged ducts or having low milk supply. What methods can a mom use in order to increase her milk supply? Are there natural methods for increasing milk supply? Yes there are indeed, and many mothers have definitely been successful in increasing their supply using all natural methods.
Breastfeeding mothers may have a lot of anxiety when it comes to their ability to produce enough milk, but many have no issues at all. Using natural methods such as herbs and essential oils, can work well along with good nutrition and drinking enough fluids. During postpartum, in order for milk supply to not decrease it is important to stay relaxed and keep persisting with the feedings.
Herbs for Breastfeeding Supply
Herbal teas are an excellent choice for nursing mothers, since they are less concentrated than essential oils and can provide good fluids to the mother. Limiting caffeine and sugar, which can cause dehydration, and focusing on drinking around half gallon of fluids daily. Some great herbs to focus on are ones that contain galactagogues. These teas can be taken as infusions which can be consumed around 3 times a day. Here are some galactagogues rich herbs:
- alfalfa
- blessed thistle
- coriander
- dandelion
- fennel
- nettles
- fenugreek
- raspberry leaves
- spearmint
Most mothers do not need galactogogues in order to increase milk supply and just need to focus on less stress and nutrition. Other mothers use galactagogues in order to build up a supply of milk for the freezer before they go back to work.
Essential Oils for Milk Supply
Aromatherapy can be used to relax the mother and used in a massage in order to increase milk supply. It is first important to mention that the recommended dilution for breastfeeding mothers is starting with 1% and moving to 2% when needed. With a 1% dilution a mother can use 1 drop of oil mixed with 5ml (1 tsp) of carrier oil or 5-6 drops of essential oil in 1 oz (2 TBSP) of carrier oil. At a 2% dilution it is 2 drops per 5ml (1tsp) of carrier oil or 10-12 drops in a 2oz (2TBSP) of carrier oil.
When mothers are dealing with stress as a main concern when dealing with milk production oils such as roman chamomile and lavender can be of great help. Both can de diffused, used in an inhaler or bath when mama needs to relax. When using in a bath, use a carrier oil when mixing oils since oil and water do not mix and the carrier oil will help distribute the oils without causing skin irritation.
Click here for bath safety protocols with essential oils.
Other essential oils that can help in a massage are clary sage and geranium. Mixing those two oils with a choice of carrier oil and the recommended dilution a massage oil is made. To massage your breast, use the flat part of the fingers and press firmly but gently. Start at the top of the breast and massage onto breast in circular motions towards the center, avoiding the nipple area.
Milk Production and Baby
A baby who is gaining weight and has around 6-8 diapers a day is considered to be getting enough milk. A baby does not to be on a schedule and be sleeping through the night, so they can be fed on demand. Frequent feedings will signal to the body to make more milk. If there is not enough milk being produced due to poor latching, a lactation consultant can be of help. There are also local Le Leche League Groups which you can find support in that can help.
Drinking enough fluids, eating enough calories, feeding your baby on demand and doing a breast massage may be enough to get your supply up. I remember with my first child, stress about enough milk was a top concern.
If you need support during breastfeeding using natural methods, don’t hesitate to reach out! Start by grabbing a free guide on essential oils to see how aromatherapy can help you.
Grab your FREE printable here to get started.
Within the guide you will find safe ways to use oils, which oils are ok to use with babies, how to store oils, how to find good quality oils just and much more. Do not hesitate to reach out!
Much love,
Krystina
