In ayurveda breast milk is called as nectar. Brest milk is sterile; it has got all the nutrients and antibodies what the child needs. Ayurveda believes that the benefits of the breast-feeding, has no parallel. Breast milk is rich in all the vital nutrients and provides the baby with requisite energy for the all round growth. It is a wholesome diet for the newborn, which is easy to digest, enhances immunity, and balances the doshas. Moreover the breast milk is available at the temperature most suited for the infant and is free from all possible sources of contamination.
Apart from the nutritional aspect the process of breast-feeding fosters a bond between the mother and the child, which acts as a reassuring factor for the baby and makes him feel safe in the new surrounding. Ignorance of the advantages of breast-feeding and the proper method often leads to discontinuation in most cases.
Basic Facts about Breast Feeding:
• The ability of the breasts to produce milk diminishes soon after childbirth, without the stimulation of breast-feeding.
• The immunity factors in breast milk can help the body fight off infections.
• Breast milk contains vitamins, minerals and enzymes, which aid the baby’s digestion.
• Breast and formula feeding can be used together.
Advantages of Breast-Feeding:
• It is the simplest way to feed the baby.
• Breast milk contains infection-fighting anti-bodies from the mother.
• Breast feeding increases the immunity of the baby.
• The amino acids in breast milk, the building blocks of proteins, are well balanced for the baby. These proteins best aid the baby’s intestinal tract.
• It’s strengthens the emotional bonding between the baby and mother.
According to ayurveda, in addition to love and affection for the baby the following factors help in breastfeeding:
• Breast feeding mother should avoid excessive exercise. She should be at rest and should take proper sleep.
• Fatigue – both physical and mental should be avoided.
• Mind should be happy. Anger and grief are the states of mind that might interfere with the process of lactation.
Breast feeding- Myth and reality
Myth #1 – Bottle Feeding is Easier than Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a simple natural process which ensures essential nutrients to baby. Bottle feeds will damage kid’s digestion.
Myth #2 – Breastfeeding will lose the shape of breasts.
The shape of the breast is never lost by the feeding whereas loose clothing etc will sag the breast.
Myth #3 – Breast Milk Doesn’t Have Enough minerals for Your Baby.
Mother’s milk is a complete food for baby containing all the essential vitamins and minerals.
Myth #4 – Packed supplements are About the Same as Breast Milk
No artificial recipe can substitute the holistic nature of breast milk.
Myth #5 – You Shouldn’t Drink Alcohol When Breastfeeding.
You can consume alcohol in reasonable amount.
Myth #6 – Women with Flat or inverted Nipples Can’t Breastfeed
Baby suck whole the breast not the nipples, so even flat nipple is okay for breast feeding.
Myth #7 – Pain When Breastfeeding is Normal
No. Consult a doctor for the same.
Myth #8 – Many Women Don’t Have Enough Milk for Breastfeeding
It depends. Most of have enough milk and in case of shortage use a powder of fenugreek and cumin.
Myth #9: Breastfeeding is an effective contraceptive.
To some extent, but should take other measures to prevent pregnancy.
Myth #10: Your milk will “come in” immediately after you give birth.
No. The first coming fluid is colostrums which is an excellent drink for baby. Don’t squeeze it out.
Myth #11: Breastfeeding makes you obese.
No.
Myth #12: All medicines are contraindicated in breastfeeding.
Some are contraindicated. Consult your GP before the intake.
Diet to increase breast milk
There are no specific foods to eat that will stimulate production of breast milk, but there are things that can help with milk production. The best prescription for maximum milk production is effective and frequent breastfeeding or milk expression, plenty of fluids, adequate calories and rest.
Fluids
Drinking enough fluid helps. It doesn’t have to be milk; water or juice is fine. It is a good habit to drink a glass of water while your baby is nursing. Drinking sufficient fluids is important in replenishing lost fluids.
Caffeine, soda and other aerated drinks stimulates milk production, but these also stimulate your baby. They find their way into breast milk and large amounts can act on your baby as it does on you. Caffeine stays in baby’s system longer than in an adult’s, which will prolong its effect. Also, caffeine can make your baby irritable, and interfere with his sleep.
Barley Grass and Barley Water
Barley grass may be able to increase the fat content of mother’s milk, resulting in a creamier, more nutrient-rich and filling diet for baby. Barley water can also be prepared as a galactagogue. Simmer one cup of flakes or pearled barley in a quart of water for 2 hours. Add 2-3 teaspoons of fennel seeds and steep for 10 minutes, add water as needed.
Spirulina
Spirulina is another green food reputed to increase milk supply and increase the fat content of milk in some lactating mothers
Fennel Seed
Fennel helps to improve milk supply; the seeds are a stronger agent and have been used by women for centuries as a galactagogue. It is recommended that fennel be used only for a couple of weeks or one week on, one week off for longer periods. Paradoxically, a side effect of fennel use can be a depressed milk supply.
Oatmeal
Have a big bowl of oats each morning or snack on it in the afternoon, really helps.
Other foods that help to increase breast milk production are:
Brown Rice – contains B vitamins, selenium, iron, fiber and manganese.
Avocados – contains potassium, vitamin B6,
Beets – high in potassium
Carrots – high in vitamin C
Barley – high in phosphorus, magnesium, and vitamin B6.
Dulse – a red algae high in B vitamins, iron, and potassium.
Kombu – edible kelp rich in glutamic acid
Some mothers and lactation consultants believe that certain herbs can increase the production of breast milk. Some herbal suggestions include…
• Fenugreek
• Blessed Thistle
• Alfalfa
• Fennel
• Brewers Yeast
• Raspberry Leaf
These come in various forms, as tinctures, tablets and teas. Besides that, certain plants and foods like kheer of halim, methi, poppy seeds and dates, and medicinal products made up of shatavari, musali, jeevanti, etc. may help to improve the quality and quantity of breast milk.
