10 Superfoods for New Mothers

8. Almonds

Almonds provide a wide range of nutrients like vitamin E and essential fats that are important for the health of your body as well as your baby’s. The essential fatty acids including omega-3 fatty acids in almonds also help increase milk supply. These healthy nuts also provide protein and calcium for your bones and teeth.

Enjoy a few dry roasted almonds as a daily snack. To increase breast milk, soak four to six almonds in water overnight and eat them the next morning.

9. Fenugreek

Fenugreek contains phytoestrogens that help increase breast milk production. It is also rich in iron, fiber, calcium and various vitamins and minerals. Plus, it contains choline and saponins that are required to ensure good development of newborn babies.

Fenugreek also helps alleviate digestive troubles like constipation and flatulence that are common among new mothers.

Both the seeds and leaves must be included in a nursing mother’s diet. One good option is to soak one tablespoon of fenugreek seeds in one cup of water overnight. The next morning, boil the water along with the seeds for several minutes. Strain and drink it every morning.

10. Fennel

Fennel is another excellent superfood for new mothers as it helps increase lactation and also aids digestion. It can also help prevent colic.

One good way to include fennel in your diet is to drink fennel water. To prepare fennel water, boil one or two teaspoons of fennel seeds in four cups of water and then let it simmer for another five minutes before turning off the heat. You can also add one-half teaspoon of sugar or honey for taste. Strain and drink this fennel water throughout the day.

You can also chew one teaspoon of fennel seeds after meals. In addition to increasing lactation and promoting digestion, it will also work as a natural mouth freshener.

Along with these superfoods, new mothers need to drink plenty of water. This is very essential as breastfeeding mothers are at higher risk for energy-draining dehydration.

To keep your energy level and milk production up, make sure you stay well hydrated by drinking water, fruit juices, vegetable juices and coconut water. Stay away from caffeinated and alcoholic beverages that can be dehydrating.