5 Nigerian Foods That Boost Breast Milk Production

As a new mum, breastfeeding can be a challenge, especially when your supply is low. Some days, it flows unstoppable and other days, it flows in minute quantities.

After delivery, you may experience some difficulty producing enough breast milk for your baby. This is normal for some women, and there are affordable Nigerian foods that can help increase your breast milk production.

This article will outline everyday Nigerian foods you can consume to help increase your breast milk production.

What are galactagogues?

Galactagogues are foods that help to boost breast milk supply in women. Here are five rich Nigerian galactagogues you should eat if you have a low breast milk supply:

Pap (Akamu)

Pap, also known as Eko or Akamu, is a Nigerian breakfast staple in most households. Pap is made from fermented maize, corn, millet or sorghum. You may also add spices like cloves and ginger to improve the taste.

Pap is mainly made up of water, which is essential in breast milk production. Taking hot pap a few hours before you express breast milk will help boost your breast milk production.

Sweet potato

Sweet potato contains a high level of fibre and phytochemicals, which aid in promoting your overall health. Aside from its general functions, it increases prolactin levels, the hormone responsible for stimulating breast milk production.

Oats

Oats are high in fibre, and consuming oats helps to relieve constipation and portrays a filling effect. Oats are rich in iron, which helps to boost milk production.

They increase oxytocin levels, which stimulate breast milk production. You may eat oats in the form of porridge, pancakes, cookies and even oats pap.

Tiger nut juice

Tiger nut juice popularly known as kunun aya is a nutritious, healthy, and delicious milk drink containing a high percentage of water, fat, sugar and proteins. It boosts breast milk production and may help to manage blood pressure due to the presence of casein.

Sugarcane juice

Sugarcane juice is packed with natural vitamins and antioxidants. These antioxidants help to reduce cell damage. Drinking sugarcane juice as a nursing mother helps you stay hydrated.

While there is no scientific evidence to support this, nursing mothers have reportedly experienced a significant increase in their breast milk supply after consumption. Do not consume if you have diabetes.

The breastfeeding phase is a tasking yet beautiful journey. To ensure your milk supply stays high, you should constantly hydrate yourself and avoid dehydrating foods and alcoholic drinks. Water is the most potent galactagogue, so drink enough clean water to help increase your milk supply.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I drink coffee as a nursing mother?

Coffee contains caffeine, which is unsafe for your baby’s nutrition. If you take coffee, drink in small amounts, and when you’re not breastfeeding in a few hours.