The issue of milk supply can be a constant source of anxiety for breastfeeding mums. If your baby seems to be hungry shortly after feeding time, then it’s possible your little one is not getting enough to eat. Mothers who breastfeed need to maintain a balanced and nutritious diet to meet the various demands placed on their bodies. Your plate should feature the five food groups: fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy and protein. NouRiche takes pride in providing nutritious meals including confinement food for new mothers in Singapore, and we’ll share the types of food you can incorporate into your confinement meals that will support lactation and help naturally increase your milk supply.
Barley
Whole grains are very nutritious for breastfeeding moms, and they are also thought to have properties that support the hormones responsible for making breast milk. Barley is an excellent choice for your intake of whole grains with one of the richest dietary sources of beta-glucan. Beta-glucan is a polysaccharide that has been shown to increase prolactin, the hormone responsible for lactation. High in fibre and a good source of niacin, a vitamin B that protects against cardiovascular risk factors, there is no denying the health benefits barley brings.
Oats
Oats and oat products are a great addition for a healthy breastfeeding diet and as confinement food. These food products come with many positive effects on nursing mothers. With the abundance of nutrients in oats, it’s considered a superfood when it comes to increasing a woman’s milk supply. Oats contain iron, which is a must for breastfeeding mothers, helping to promote lactation.
Papaya
Despite its sweet taste, papayas have low sugar content and are an excellent food option to include in confinement meals. They possess a number of benefits and high nutritional value that are useful for you and your baby. Apart from aiding in digestion to soothe your baby’s tummy, papayas also have the essential vitamins and minerals that you need to recover from giving birth. Additionally, papayas are known to have a lactogenic effect, which helps increase milk production in nursing mothers. This is especially so in green papayas, and hence, nursing mothers should definitely also try out different recipes incorporating them.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is a type of herb that often is used in Asian and Middle Eastern recipes. It can range in taste from slightly maple-flavoured to bitter, depending on your palette. Most often used to increase milk supply, it has been reported to be an excellent galactagogue for some mothers, and is thought to boost the production of breast milk due to an effect on the stimulation of sweat production. Most women can consume fenugreek without any complications. However, do speak with your healthcare professional before using it if you’re allergic to peanuts or chickpeas, or if you take blood thinners or medication for diabetes.
Lean meat
Protein is essential in ensuring a steady supply of milk. Adding lean meat in your confinement meals is a great source of iron and protein which has proven to increase milk supply. Eating lean meat in general is recommended to fuel both you and your baby.
NouRiche ensures the confinement food we serve is filled with the best ingredients for both mother and baby. Reach out to find out more if you’re looking for a pregnancy meal delivery service in Singapore.