Top 5 Supplements that can Increase your Milk Supply!

1. Hot Milo

If you had read my previous post on Top 5 Food for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Mommas here, you would have remembered that drinking hot milo 3x a day will help you to produce more milk, and to thicken it. Just go easy on the milk powder and sugar. I usually prepare my cuppa with Greenfields low fat milk.

2. Fenugreek

Fenugreek was one of the first few supplement that I took personally when I had trouble producing enough milk for my boy during the initial few weeks. I find that it works well for me. After using it, it will take about 3 - 10 days for the increase in production to notice a change. Give your body some time to adapt. The only side effects is that your urine may smell abit like maple syrup, that is normal so not to worry. Fenugreek can be used short-term to boost milk supply or longer-term to augment supply or pumping yields. Once your supply is up, you may choose to discontinue using it. The best way is still to nurse your baby frequently to stimulate both breasts and keep emptying it every 2-3 hours. 

You can buy Fenugreek from Nature's Way shop in town or easier online at iHerb. Simply quote discount code: NFN837 to get USD$10 off from your first purchase of $40 or more. Or you may click on this link to read more. http://www.iherb.com/Nature-s-Way-Fenugreek-Seed-610-mg-180-Capsules/4217

3. Nursing Tea

A couple of my girl friends swear by mother's milk tea. The herbs in mother's milk tea contain Phyoestrogens that can imitate female hormones. This tea namely has herbs like fennel, fenugreek, blessed thistle, aniseed and coriander which are believed to help increase milk supply. Do not worry when you are drinking this as it does not contain any caffeine and it is all organic. You may want to also add some honey for taste and do drink it just before you nurse your baby. I find that drinking once a day is sufficient for boosting milk supply. Remember all things in moderation. You may also purchase this from iHerb. Simply quote discount code: NFN837 to get USD$10 off from your first purchase of $40 or more. Or you may click on this link to read more. http://www.iherb.com/Traditional-Medicinals-Organic-Mother-s-Milk-Caffeine-Free-16-Wrapped-Tea-Bags-99-oz-28-g/6800#p=1&oos=0&disc=0&lc=en-US&w=nursing%20tea&rc=18&sr=null&ic=7

4. Obimin Tablets

Obimin tablets was given to me by my gynae when I was pregnant. It is a highly-voted prenatal vitamin by most mommies as it contains all the essential daily vitamins and minerals other than the all important folic acid, calcium and vitamin D. Ensure that you are having your Obimin vitamins regularly when you are nursing your baby as you do not want to lose out on the nutrients yourself. So even though this supplement will not significantly increase your milk supply, nonetheless take it, your body will thank you for it.

5. Lactation Cookies

Lacation cookies may be the best-kept secret among nursing mommies. The ingredients, primarily brewer's yeast, flaxseed meal and whole oats are what helps a lactating mother's milk supply. These cookies contain galactagogues (similar to Fenugreek) substances that promotes lactation. I find that making your own lactation cookies are your best bet. The cookies taste heavenly and it really helps to fight fatigue and the "baby blues" away! The enzymes found in the ingredients of lactation cookies are important to increase the content of breast milk. Oats which are naturally high in fiber and full of iron are really what you need to have that surge of production. Find a leisure afternoon when your baby is sound asleep and bake in peace. I have included a easy peasy recipe which you can do in half an hour! No kidding!

:: Chocolate Chip Lactation Cookies ::

* Preparation time: 15min. Oven: Preheat to 170C. Makes 16 cookies *

1. 130gm Organic wholemeal flour 
2. 3gm Baking powder
3. 115gm Butter
4. 130gm Brown sugar
5. 30gm Flaxseed meal
6. 40gm Brewer's yeast
7. 1 Large egg
8. 50ml Water
9. 3gm Sea salt
10. 15gm Vanilla essence (optional)
11. 210gm Organic rolled oats
12. 90gm Semi-sweet chocolate chips (or your fave cookie toppings)

* Let's get started! *

• Using a large mixing bowl, whisk the butter and sugar. Then add the egg and vanilla. Mix well (using a mixer) into a cream-like texture.
• In a separate small bowl, combine the flaxseed meal and water. Let it sit for a few minutes before adding to the mix.
• Add the dry ingredients (apart from the oats and the chocolate chips) and mix well again.
• Finally, stir in the rolled oats and chocolate chips.
• Make the cookie using a tablespoon as a guide. Place them onto a lined baking tray.
• Bake it for 12-15 minutes - slightly soft, longer if your like your cookies crunchy.

Now kick back and enjoy that cuppa hot milo with your wholesome homemade lactation cookies while your breastmilk spray like a fire hose! Be careful, you have been warned! haha! :D