Managing Breastfeeding Challenges: Milk Supply and Appetite

So it is important to determine the mother’s prakruti (constitutional type) and to be sure the diet she is eating is appropriate. If your child has a diminished appetite and you are secreting more milk EMPTY YOUR BREASTS than gets used, it is important to empty your breasts. This will avoid congestion of the mastic and lymphatic tissue. Be sure the breasts are emptied of milk at least 2 or 3 times a day.

A related situation occurs when a woman chooses not to breastfeed IF YOU DECIDE NOT TO BREASTFEED her child. Then the milk is stagnant, which may be one of the causes of fibrocystic changes in the breast. So it is important to empty the breasts whenever milk is present. THERE IS INSUFFICIENT MILK The child has a strong appetite, but lactation is scanty.

This problem is the reverse of the first. Here are several suggestions to increase the quality and quantity of milk. To increase lactation, Ayurveda recommends a delicious concoction called SHATAVARI KALPA shatavari kalpa: the herb shatavari roasted in a pan with ghee and natural brown sugar. Take one teaspoon of that sweet, roasted shatavari in warm milk 2 or 3 times a day.

You can also use plain shatavari with ghee and sugar. Mix together equal PLAIN SHATAVARI amounts of shatavari and natural sugar, and take 1 teaspoon of the mixture with 1 teaspoon of ghee along with a cup of hot milk. Another formula to increase breast milk is almond milk. Soak 10 almonds ALMOND MILK overnight in water.

In the morning, peel them and blend them in the blender with a cup of hot water or hot milk. Pour the mixture into a cup or glass, and add 1 teaspoon honey or date sugar, and a pinch each of ginger, cardamom, and saffron. Drink twice a day. To maintain healthy lactation, use this herbal formula: HERBAL FORMULA kutki 2 parts shilajit 2 parts shatavari 3 parts Take ¼ teaspoon of this mixture 2 or 3 times a day with a spoonful of honey.