As parents, we strive to always make the best choices for our baby’s health and the issue of breastfeeding is one of the first we face as new parents. The benefits of breast milk for baby are well publicised these days and Australians are getting the message that breastfeeding is a valuable time for both mother and baby. In fact, 88% of babies in Australia in 2005 had been breastfed according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Breastfeeding is now considered so important for health that the National Health and Medical Research Council has modified its guidelines to encourage Australian mothers to be breastfeeding their babies at 6 months of age, up from 4 months of age as was previously outlined.

Why is Breastfeeding Important?

Breast milk provides ideal nutrition for a newborn in the correct ratio for healthy growth and development. The colostrum that the baby receives in the first few days of breastfeeding contains antibodies that protect against infection and stimulate the baby’s own immune system. A study conducted in America and published in the medical journal Paediatrics found that exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of an infant’s life reduced the incidence of respiratory tract infections. Equally important, the unique combination of fatty acids in breast milk are crucial for the baby’s brain development. Breastfeeding is also an environmentally friendly choice with no need to rely on buying food or formula from outside resources.

Herbs to Support Breast Milk Production

Fenugreek has been used for centuries to increase milk production and enhance lactation in breastfeeding women. It is known as a traditional galactogogue which means that it promotes the secretion and flow of breast milk. Traditionally, Fenugreek was seen to possess nutritive qualities which also helps to improve the quality of milk produced.

Blessed Thistle contains a bitter component called cnicin and therefore acts as a bitter tonic, stimulating the digestive system. It has been traditionally used by nursing mothers to stimulate breast milk and it is thought that the action of the bitter principles in Blessed Thistle may help in its stimulatory action on the mammary glands.

Asparagus, also known as Shatavari, is known in the Ayurvedic medicine tradition for its rejuvenating properties on the female reproductive system. The herb’s female tonic properties combined with its ability to promote lactation make it ideal for supporting women during breastfeeding when a woman’s energy needs are high.

When it’s Time to Stop

Sage is known to have an oestrogenic effect when taken as a therapeutic herbal medicine. As oestrogen levels drop significantly after birth, along with progesterone and the other pregnancy hormones, oxytocin kicks in order to stimulate and support breast milk production. For this reason, Sage has been used traditionally to stop milk flow when this is desired.