Foods that Increase Milk Production for Breastfeeding Mothers
For mothers who have difficulty producing enough milk while breastfeeding, especially if the issue is not related to health problems like having a lump or abscess in the breast, we recommend trying the following foods:
1. Dates
Eating dates alone or with milk, or drinking date juice mixed with milk can help. A recommended portion is a quarter kilogram of dates daily.
2. Black Pepper
Adding black pepper to porridge, juice, or boiling it and drinking it as tea can stimulate milk production.
3. Pumpkin Seeds
Eating pumpkin seeds and the flesh of the pumpkin, or chewing roasted pumpkin seeds regularly, can help increase milk production.
4. Octopus or Squid Soup
Drinking soup made from octopus or squid can help boost milk production for breastfeeding mothers.
5. Beef, Goat, or Sheep Soup
After giving birth, it's good for mothers to drink soup every morning, especially soups made from beef marrow, goat meat, or sheep meat. These types of soups are beneficial for mothers who have trouble producing enough milk for their babies and also help restore energy lost during childbirth.
6. Boiled Green Bananas
Boiled green bananas are also effective in addressing milk production issues. They should be boiled until soft, and a traditional dish like "mtori" (banana soup) can also help treat this condition.
7. Water
New mothers should ensure they drink enough water every day as it helps in increasing milk production for their newborn.
8. Porridge with Black Pepper (Pilipili Manga)
It's advisable for mothers to drink porridge with black pepper, not regular spicy peppers. Black pepper offers two benefits:
- It helps heal scars from the stretching of the belly during pregnancy.
- It helps increase milk production to ensure the baby receives adequate nutrition.
9. Vegetables
As we know, vegetables play a significant role in improving health and stimulating milk production. New mothers should consume vegetables regularly to support their breastfeeding needs.
