Most of our regular readers know that I'm pregnant. I have about 5 weeks left until baby and I'm finally getting a few things ready for the big day. This is our third and it's funny how much less you actually "do" to get ready the third time around. I've had some issues with low milk supply during breastfeeding with my other two though and have been researching ways to encourage my body naturally to produce enough milk. There are so many things out there, but one thing I'm definitely stocking up on is herbs to make teas. I thought I would share some of my research with you - if you aren't currently breastfeeding, pass this information on to an expectant or new mother that you know - she will thank you!
Most Common Herbs: These herbs are the most commonly used to stimulate milk production. They can all be purchased in bulk and used as a tea and/or mixed together for a tea blend. My favorite place to buy cut, bulk herbs and seeds is our affiliate Mountain Rose Herbs. They have a great variety of herbs, fantastic quality, and reasonable prices.
- Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)
- Goat's Rue (Galega officinalis)
- Milk Thistle (Sklybum marianum)
- Blessed Thistle leaves (Cnicus benedictus)
- Borage Leaves (Borago officinalis)
- Hops (Humulus lupulus)
- Alfalfa (Medicago sativa)
- Anise (Pimpinella anisum)
- Raspberry Leaf (Rubus Idaeus)
- Nettle Leaf (Urtica dioica)
- Fennel (Foeniculum vulagare)
- Caraway Seed
Galactogogue Brew: My OB gave me this great recipe for a breastfeeding tea that can be made at home.
1 oz dried Blessed Thistle or Borage leaves
1 oz dried Raspberry leaves or Nettle leaves
1 teaspoonful of any of these seeds: Anise, Cumin, Fennel, Caraway, Coriander, Dill
Place leaves in a half-gallon jar and fill to the top with boiling water. Cap tightly and let steep overnight. Strain out herbs and refrigerate liquid until needed. As you get ready to nurse, pour off one cupful of the brew and heat it almost to a boil. Pour it over a teaspoonful of any of the aromatic seeds listed above. Let it brew and cool for 5 more minutes before drinking.
I know that some may not want to mess around with cut herbs or making your own teas. Weleda makes a highly praised nursing tea that incorporates several of the herbs listed above. You can read more about that by clicking the link below.
Karla
3 comments:
Thank you for all the research! congratulations on your baby to come :) I hope you have an easy labor and delivery. It is true what you said, lots less planning the third time around. We have 3, hoping to have 4 someday soon. Nothing better than children in life :)
That was very interesting... I sometimes drink nettle leaf tea and love its earthy taste.
Hello Michelle and Hanlie and thanks for stopping by and commenting! I love nettle tea as well Hanlie!
Karla
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