New Mom Guide: Info on Breastfeeding Herbs
What are herbs and spices? Herbs come from the leafy green part of the plant, and spices come from other parts of the plant, like stem, seeds, root, bulb or bark. Then they are dried.
Often, they have specific effects on the body, and this list has been identified in many cultures as promoting health safely while breastfeeding, as well as promoting lactation itself.
The easiest way to ingest these breastfeeding herbs is to simply sprinkle them into hot water to make tea, or soak them in hot water with a diffuser if you don’t like chewing your tea.
Personally, I think herbs are beautiful. I filled a whole cabinet with jars full of them and I admire them often. Sometimes I even remember to make tea with them!
NOTE: Always have a healthcare provider overseeing changes when you take herbs, even “natural” ones, such as these breastfeeding herbs.
Great Breastfeeding Herbs
Fenugreek: The most famous breastfeeding herb. When I took it I produced so much milk that I had to start pumping the extra.
Red raspberry leaves (Rubus idaeus): Naturally rich in absorbable calcium, magnesium, iron, and vitamin C. Great for pregnancy and digestion.
Fennel seeds: Known for their relaxing effects on a baby’s digestive system and their ability to help increase milk supply.
Hops: The same hops flowers used in beer can help you relax and stimulate milk production – drink nonalcoholic beer.
Vitex (chaste berry): Enhances pituitary hormone prolactin, stimulating milk secretion.
Blessed thistle, Aniseeds, and Nettles: Support lactation and digestion.
Catnip: For colic – taken in tea form by a breastfeeding mother, catnip is said to gently relieve cramps in a baby’s intestines. Also try avoiding garlic, onions, broccoli, beans, chile, and perhaps dairy products for one week to see if the colic subsides.
Rosemary or wintergreen tea: A cup of these can help with symptoms such as headaches, body aches, and cramping. If your baby has a fever, avoid mint teas.
Echinacea (echinacea Angustifolia): Said to enhance the immune system if you get a cold. Try wild cherry bark as a safe cough expectorant.
Herbal extracts of Nettle and Yellow dock root (Rumex species), as well as molasses: Good for iron-deficiency anemia, as they are non-constipating sources of absorbable iron, and have been shown to be effective in raising red blood cell count.
Cumin, turmeric, and ginger: All have wonderful health benefits, including supporting digestion and elimination.
Dandelion or chamomile tea: To relieve mastitis or dry, cracked nipples. Also, try chamomile and/or echinacea root. Increase your intake of vitamin C. Also, a poultice of warm cabbage leaves or thinly sliced raw potatoes can provide blessed relief. Get in touch with your healthcare practitioner as you might need antibiotics.
Avoid While Breastfeeding
Caffeine
Herbal antihistamines: including mahuana (Ephedra) and osha root.
Cutting calories: You still need extra energy to produce milk without getting depleted. Hold off on losing weight and focus on eating healthier.
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