Oats are the most well-known breast milk makers. Eaten by nursing mamas worldwide and recommended by lactation consultants alike, oats are a nutritional powerhouse. Saponins — which oats are full of — are antibiotic and anti-inflammatory, supporting the immune system. They also provide you with whole grains, fiber, vitamins and minerals.
Ground Flax Seeds
Flax seeds provide essential omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. Omega-3's are necessary for baby's brain development and easily pass from mother to baby through breast milk. Flax seeds also have phytoestrogens; which have been shown to influence milk production! And of course these little superfood are packed with fiber... and as you know, fiber is a girl's best friend.
Chia seeds are becoming increasingly popular and for good reason. They are similar to flax in that they are loaded with fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. Don't let these little seeds fool you - they pack a punch with plenty of high quality protein, and several essential minerals and antioxidants. Chia seeds are said to improve risk factors for heart disease, diabetes and lead to better digestive health.
Coconut oil has a multitude of benefits when it comes to lactating mamas'. Medical studies published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that moms who consumed coconut oil produced a higher concentration of healthy fatty acids in their breast milk. These fatty acids, known as luric acids, are vital in helping babies stay protected from viruses and other unwanted illnesses.
Nuts, especially raw almonds are healthy and full of protein and calcium. Many nursing mothers choose to eat almonds or drink almond milk to increase the creaminess, sweetness, and amount of their breast milk. Packed with protein, almonds are surprisingly a great source of calcium, which is a huge plus for the dairy-free mamas out there!
Brown sugar is a combination of cane sugar and molasses. Molasses is extremely rich in minerals such as calcium, copper, and iron. The minerals are easy to absorb, as molasses is famous for increasing iron levels in iron-depleted mothers - helping with fatigue and the prevention of anemia. Since straight molasses is not as palatable as some other galactagogues, or milk-inducing foods, we chose to make a brown sugar out of it.