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Breast
milk is a complete nutrition for infants. Breast milk
production is automatically stimulated in mothers due to
secretion of specific hormones after pregnancy. Besides
nutrition, it also provides digestive enzymes, minerals,
vitamins and other necessary ingredients required for the
growth of an infant.
Breast milk contains valuable antibodies that may help
the baby resist
infections.
According to Ayurveda breast milk is a kapha
substance. In the mother breast milk is produced by rasa
dhatu. Rasa dhatu is the first of the seven tissues
produced after proper digestion and assimilation of the
food. According to Charaka Samhita, the most
authentic textbook of Ayurveda, breast milk provides
vitality and increases ojas, which is responsible
for immunity and growth of the baby. It nourishes the child
physically and emotionally, and is easy to digest.
Factors which decrease breast milk
Modern lifestyle and diet which includes processed food,
mental stress and irregular eating and sleeping, may cause
formation of toxins (ama) in the body. Ama is
a mucus type of material produced as a result of indigestion
and mental stress. This ama blocks the secretion of hormones
and as a result breast milk production is stopped or
reduced. Vata aggravation may also lead to
dehydration and thus drying of the milk glands. In addition
certain chemical medications, birth control pills, illnesses
and dehydration may also cause improper formation of breast
milk. Lack of emotional support, grief, sorrow and
depression can also decrease lactation.
Solution
Diet:
Mother should take more kapha foods and avoid
foods that increase pitta/vata. Cold milk, cold juices
and cold drinks should be avoided. In addition foods that are dry,
crispy, light in weight like potato chips, corn flakes, and
popcorn should be avoided or eaten only after soaking
in warm water or milk. Acidic, processed and deep fried
foods increase pitta and should be avoided. Coffee,
smoking, meat, alcohol and junk food should not be taken.
Grains, milk products, porridge, rice, lentils, fruits, and
cooked vegetables should be eaten for increasing breast
milk. The breastfeeding mother should drink 3-4 cups of
warm milk with honey in a day. Ghee or clear butter is also
good for breast milk production. Sweet porridge with milk,
khichari (rice and moong lentils cooked
together), dry fruits and nuts are also beneficial.
Emotional
The breastfeeding mother should receive emotional
support and love, which is an important factor for breast milk
production. Mother's mind should be calm and relaxed.
Full body massage with sesame oil is very good. Ayurveda
describes in detail about the postnatal care of women. Husband
and other family members should care for the mother after delivery.
Mother's love towards the baby also increases breast milk. Mother
should try to keep the baby close to her and cuddle and
fondle the baby.
Lifestyle
Avoid overworking, physical exertion, vigorous exercises
and hectic lifestyle. Full body massage with warm sesame oil
and a warm shower half an hour after the massage is very
good. Adequate rest is necessary for adequate milk production.
Frequent breastfeeding is required for increasing lactation. As the baby sucks
the mother's breast, quantity of
milk increases.
Special care for breasts during breastfeeding
- Massage around the breasts (when they are empty) with almond
oil. Apply oil on nipples.
- Always clean your nipples before breastfeeding.
- Sometimes milk is blocked in glands and creates very
painful situation. Use hot fomentation on the breast. It
will help in opening the blocked milk channels.
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