Fenugreek seeds are one of the best natural ingredient that increases breast milk naturally. The botanical name of fenugreek is Trigonella Foenum and it is one of the ingredients that we extensively use both in cooking and in home remedies. Usually after delivery mothers are given great care in our village, traditionally we stay in our mothers house till the baby turns at least 7 months old. During the time, mothers are given nutritious foods to encourage sufficient breast milk supply for the baby. And traditionally there are certain ingredients that are given to breast feeding mothers that boosts breast milk and one such ingredient is fenugreek. This traditional practice has been backed by research, you can read the study that supports this claim here. Fenugreek is an excellent galactagogue and has been used for centuries for it. At home, we make fenugreek porridge regularly and I have given the recipe for it below. Usually you will start noticing increase in breast milk supply within a day or two of consuming fenugreek seeds but for some women it might take longer. Fenugreek Dosage For Breast Feeding: Usually the general safe dosage recommended is around 1 to 1.5 tsp per day. It is generally the approximate amount that is given to pregnant women in our place too. In the clinical study mentioned above 7.5 grams of fenugreek powder was given three times a day for four weeks but I would suggest starting with 1 to 1.5 tsp. Fenugreek seeds are rich in fiber and suddenly consuming large amounts of fiber will lead to stomach problems and bloating. Also fenugreek reduces blood sugar levels and too much fenugreek consumption might interfere with certain medications, so moderation is the key for consuming fenugreek. You can take fenugreek in the form of fenugreek capsules (tablets), fenugreek extract or fenugreek seeds. If using fenugreek seeds, try any one of the three recipes given below. Fenugreek extract and tablets can be easily ordered online…
3 Ways To Use Fenugreek Seeds For Increasing Breast Milk Supply:
1. Fenugreek In Yogurt:
Take
1/4 cup of yogurt in a bowl. Add in 1 tsp of fenugreek seeds, let it
soak for at least 2 to 3 hours and it is ready to eat. This is one of
the easiest ways to consume fenugreek seeds if you don’t want to make
fenugreek porridge.
2. Fenugreek Tea:
For making fenugreek tea, Take 1 tsp of fenugreek seeds in a bowl along with a cup of water. Boil till the color of the water changes and strain.
3. Fenugreek Porridge:
Wash 1/4 cup of raw rice and soak it along with 1 tsp of fenugreek seeds for 10 to 1 5 minutes. Now take them in a pressure along with 2 pods of garlic, 2 cups of water and enough salt to taste. Pressure cook for 4 whistles. Open and mash it nicely with the back of a spoon and add 1/2 cup of coconut milk while still hot and your delicious porridge is ready!
