Lactation tea for increasing milk supply

When a baby is born, many mothers naturally assume that the newborn will immediately latch on, and the milk will start flowing effortlessly. In reality, however, things can be very different. Lactation is a process that does not always begin as smoothly as guides suggest. Additionally, stress and fatigue can effectively suppress milk production.

Fortunately, there are natural ways to gently support a nursing mother in boosting her milk supply. Fenugreek and fennel have long been recommended in traditional practices as plants with potential galactagogue properties, meaning they may help increase milk production.

Fennel is one of the most commonly used herbs to support breastfeeding. Traditionally, it has been used both by nursing mothers and infants—especially to help relieve colic.

Two small clinical studies showed that women who consumed fennel experienced:

• an increase in milk volume,
• higher fat content in their milk,
• better weight gain in their infants.

Fennel has also been safely used in infants (alone or in herbal blends) to treat colic. For this reason, small amounts of compounds passing into breast milk are generally considered safe at typical doses.

Some sources recommend not using fennel for longer than two consecutive weeks without a break.

Precautions:
Mothers should avoid fennel if they or their babies are allergic to plants in the Apiaceae family, such as carrots or celery.

Fenugreek is one of the best-studied herbs for increasing lactation.

Typical doses used during breastfeeding range from 1–6 g per day and are generally well tolerated.

However, high doses (around 25 g per day or more) may:

• lower blood sugar levels,
• reduce cholesterol,
• interact with warfarin, increasing the risk of bleeding.

Caution is advised for:

• women with diabetes or insulin resistance,
• individuals taking anticoagulant medications (especially warfarin).

Lactation tea for increasing milk supply

Emilia Hughes

Simple lactation tea with fenugreek and fennel

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Course Drinks

Servings 1

Ingredients

  

• 1–2 teaspoons of fenugreek seeds
• 1–2 teaspoons of fennel seeds
• 250 ml (1 cup) of water

Instructions

 

• Crush the fenugreek and fennel seeds lightly using a mortar and pestle (optional, but helps release their flavor).
• Bring 250 ml of water to a boil.
• Add the seeds to the boiling water.
• Reduce the heat and simmer for 5–10 minutes.
• Strain the tea into a cup.
• Let it cool slightly before drinking.

Notes

In summer, it tastes great served over ice with a slice of lemon