Natural Cures Guide

Breast milk is the best nourishment you can give a baby, for whom it has been custom-made. It contains so many nutrients that all have not been identified yet. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants be breastfed exclusively for six months and that breastfeeding continue for at least the first year. But any amount that you breastfeed provides some benefit to your child. And breastfeeding is a nurturing and rewarding experience for most mothers that will long be remembered with joy.
But for some mothers, breastfeeding brings frustration and feelings of inadequacy, usually because their milk supply is not enough for their baby. The initial days of breastfeeding are often time-consuming and tiring. That can make matters worse, because stress and fatigue contribute to a lowered milk supply. It can take a month before a new mother feels comfortable nursing her baby.
Lactation, or the production of milk, depends upon several hormones produced by the mother’s body. During pregnancy, high levels of estrogen and progesterone prevent milk from being made. After birth, estrogen and progesterone decrease and prolactin levels increase. Prolactin is responsible for stimulating milk production in the breast.
But prolactin does not work alone. Oxytocin, which a mother’s body releases in response to the baby’s suckling, has two roles. It helps maintain the levels of prolactin necessary for milk production and it stimulates the release of milk from the breast–sometimes called ejection.
Mothers have used herbs to foster better production of breast milk for centuries. Many of these herbs can’t be taken during pregnancy, however, because they may stimulate uterine contractions. Once your baby is born, herbs not only can help boost the supply of your breast milk while you’re nursing, once you’re finished they also can help your body reduce the supply and eventually eliminate it. Some can help ease nipple soreness or other minor complaints associated with nursing.
In addition, many hospitals now have a lactation consultant. This person is usually a nurse trained in breastfeeding who can help a new mother get started. Licensed nurse/midwives also are often knowledgeable in natural health care for nursing mothers. Finally, the La Leche League is a long-established organization that assists new mothers with breastfeeding.

Herbal Remedies

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)

These seeds are an ancient treatment for increasing milk production. They have oxytocin-like effects on the body, stimulating milk production and contracting the uterus. Start with a low dose and slowly increase it if necessary. Typical dosage: up to six 600-or 700-milligram capsules per day; or up to 1/2 teaspoon of seeds per day. Caution: Do not use fenugreek while pregnant.

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)

Another age-old treatment for increasing milk flow, fennel works in a way similar to the body’s hormones. You can eat fennel seeds in food or drink them as a tea. A side benefit to fennel is that it typically eases any mild post-pregnancy digestive problems. Typical dosage: up to three 400-or 500-milligrams capsules per day; or one cup of tea per day (simmer 2 to 3 teaspoons of crushed seeds in 1 cup of hot water for 10 to 15
minutes). Caution: Do not use fennel during pregnancy.

Aniseed (Pimpenilla anisum)

This seed contains a volatile oil component known as anethole, which can promote ptolactin secretion and thus milk production. Like fennel, aniseed promotes digestion. Typical dosage: 1 cup of tea per day (simmer 2 to 3 teaspoons of crushed seeds in 1 cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes). Caution: Do not use aniseed during pregnancy.

Aloe (Aloe vera)

It may not increase your milk supply, but pure aloe vera gel soothes the skin and can be applied to nipples after you nurse to avoid cracking and dryness. Use topically as necessary.