What Do You Need to Know About Herbs For Breastfeeding?

Herbs to affect breast milk supply – sounds a bit risky, don’t you think? What goes into the milk, goes into the baby.

There are definitely herbs that should be avoided while breastfeeding, but there are also herbs for breastfeeding that have documented effects on breast milk supply if used in the right amounts; both to increase and decrease milk supply.

Here you can learn which herbs that may increase or decrease milk supply, which herbs to avoid while breastfeeding and what myths there are on the topic.

Herbs to increase milk supply

Perhaps the most well known milk-increasing herbal remedy is fenugreek. Fenugreek is a plant grown primarily in the East, particularly China and India, but can also be found throughout some European countries. Many Moms are familiar with fenugreek as it’s a main component of store-bought curry powders. Studies have found that consuming fenugreek tea daily not only increases maternal milk supply but also helps newborns put on weight. In one study, babies whose Mothers consumed fenugreek tea generally lost less weight immediately following the birth and also regained this weight quicker than others.

Similarly, fennel has also been found to increase breast milk supply. Fennel is known for its aniseed-like flavor and, like fenugreek, is often added to Indian curries for a bit of flavor and spice. It’s thought that fennel helps to increase the milk supply because it contains phytoestrogens which are chemicals found in plants that mimic the actions of female sex hormones, particularly estrogen. Researchers suggest that phytoestrogens stimulate the milk glands, producing more milk.



To make fennel tea, crush 2 teaspoons of fennel seed and add 1 cup of boiling water.

A third helpful herb for breastfeeding milk supply is blessed thistle. This one is less well known than the others, but comes from the same family as milk thistle which is a common remedy for liver problems.

Blessed thistle, along with fenugreek, is one of the few herbs actually medically recognized as an aid to breastfeeding. Blessed thistle is consistently shown to work so well that it’s the recommended herb for inducing lactation in non-biological Mothers.

Find Out What to Eat While Breastfeeding

Do you remember the long list of foods to avoid while pregnant? It is all gone now. What you can eat while breastfeeding is… almost everything!

Most foods will not harm your baby, but his or her wellbeing may be affected. Then there are some foods, especially some fish, that really should be avoided. And for colicky babies, breastfeeding mom can make a difference by adjusting her diet.

This article will show you what foods are and aren’t appropriate while breastfeeding and why.

The good news is that the body will more or less produce excellent breast milk no matter what you stuff your body with. (OK, within limits!)

The bad news is that if you follow a really poor diet, your body will be depleted of important nutrients, such as iron and calcium. You might become more tired than necessary; get headaches, experience poor complexion, as well as other issues.

My first piece of advice is to remember to eat food in the first place!

It is very easy to not prioritize eating when you have a baby who wants to be in your arms more or less all the time. So make a choice to eat healthy food or you will almost certainly reach for convenience food such as candy, and other choices that are not that great if you want to feel good and maybe lose some weight!

What To Eat While Breastfeeding

★ Water
★ Whole grain
★ Fruits
★ Spicy foods
★ Gassy foods
★ Fish

Warning: Never ever get drunk while you are responsible for your baby – breastfeeding or not!