What to Drink to Increase Breast Milk

 

What to Drink to Increase Breast Milk — Real Tips, Real Sips

You know that moment when you're cradling your baby and suddenly wonder, “Wait, am I even making enough milk?” Yup — it happens to the best of us.

While your body’s already doing the amazing work, there are a few old-school and new-age drinks that moms swear by to give their supply a gentle push. Some are as desi as your dadi’s advice, others come straight from smoothie culture. But hey, every sip counts when you’re nursing!

🍼 First, Why Fluids Even Matter

Hydration = milk production fuel. That’s it.

Your body uses water to make milk. So if you’re even slightly dehydrated, your supply might feel it. But don’t just chug plain water all day (unless you love that). There are actually tasty, nutrient-rich drinks that could do a lot more than just hydrate.

Let’s talk about those.

Also Read: Which milk is better to drink empty stomach

💧1. Warm Jeera (Cumin) Water — A Desi Favourite

You’ve probably heard this one from moms, aunties, or your dadi. And guess what? There’s something to it.

👉 Cumin seeds may support digestion and lactation
👉 Warm water keeps you hydrated and soothes the body

How to make it: Boil 1 tsp cumin seeds in water, strain, and sip warm.

🌿2. Fenugreek Water — Old School & Still Gold

Fenugreek (aka methi) is another traditional go-to.

👉 Methi may increase prolactin, the hormone that boosts milk production
👉 Some moms see a difference in just 2–3 days

Tip: Soak 1 tsp fenugreek seeds overnight and drink the water in the morning.

🍵3. Herbal Lactation Teas — If You’re Feeling Fancy

Don’t want to DIY every time? Grab a lactation tea from a trusted brand.

Look for herbs like:

• Fennel (saunf)

• Alfalfa

• Blessed thistle

• Goat’s rue

👉 These herbs are often used in small amounts to support supply
👉 Great for when you want a soothing evening ritual

Also Read: 

🥛4. Oat Milk Smoothie — Breakfast That Works Overtime

Oats are rich in iron, and low iron has been linked to low milk supply. Add that to their high fibre and milk-boosting rep, and it’s a win.

Try this:
Blend soaked oats, banana, almond butter, milk (or dairy-free milk), and a dash of cinnamon. Sip chilled.

🥥5. Coconut Water — Nature’s Electrolyte Shot

Feeling drained? Coconut water can help.

👉 Rehydrates quickly
👉 Offers potassium & natural sugars
👉 Some moms say it helps with letdown

Bonus: It’s gentle on the tummy too.

🥣6. Barley Water — Underrated & Super Hydrating

Barley (jau) is cooling and packed with beta-glucans.

👉 May help boost prolactin
👉 Also keeps digestion smooth

Soak barley overnight, boil, strain, and sip warm with a bit of honey or lemon.

🍶7. Milk With Shatavari — Ayurveda’s Gift to Mamas

Shatavari is an ancient herb known for supporting women’s health.

👉 Believed to balance hormones
👉 Can improve milk quantity & quality

Available in powder or tablet form — just ask your doctor first.

☕ 8. Avoid Too Much Coffee — But a Cup Won’t Hurt

One or two cups? Fine. But excessive caffeine might:

• Dehydrate you

• Affect baby’s sleep (via breast milk)

Balance is key.

💦9. Plain Water — Yep, It Still Deserves a Spot

As basic as it sounds, don’t underestimate it.

👉 Aim for 8–12 glasses daily
👉 Add a slice of lemon or cucumber if you’re bored of plain

Keep a bottle near your nursing spot — it helps.

🥤10. Ajwain (Carom Seed) Water — Great for Postpartum Recovery

Another dadi-nani classic.

👉 Soothes digestion
👉 Helps reduce gas in both mom & baby
👉 May gently support milk production

Sip warm first thing in the morning.

Real Talk: What Not to Rely On

❌ Soft drinks and sugary juices — no help
❌ Detox drinks — unnecessary while nursing
❌ Alcohol — can affect supply and baby’s health

Stick to nourishing sips that love your body back.

Final Sip: Trust Your Body, One Drink at a Time

Milk supply is a whole journey, not a race. Some days are great, others feel meh — and that’s normal.

The best “drink” for milk production? Support. From your partner, family, and your own inner cheerleader. The fluids you choose help, but so does rest, nutrition, and confidence.

So go ahead — pour yourself that warm jeera water or make a smoothie that feels like self-care. Your body’s doing something incredible. And it deserves every sip of support.

🧡 FAQs — What to Drink to Increase Breast Milk

1. What should I drink daily to boost breast milk?

Try a mix of water, jeera water, and oat-based smoothies. Herbal teas also help.

2. Can I drink milk while breastfeeding?

Yes. Regular milk is safe unless you or baby show signs of dairy sensitivity.

3. Does coconut water help in milk production?

It doesn’t directly increase supply, but helps rehydrate quickly and supports your body’s energy.

4. Are lactation teas safe?

Most herbal teas are safe in moderation, but always read labels and check with your doctor.

5. How much water should I drink while breastfeeding?

Aim for 8–12 glasses daily, more if you feel thirsty often.

6. What is the best morning drink for breastfeeding moms?

Warm methi water or jeera water are great morning choices to support milk flow.

7. Can caffeine reduce milk supply?

Excess caffeine might — stick to one or two cups of coffee or tea a day.

8. Is barley water good during breastfeeding?

Yes. It hydrates, aids digestion, and may support prolactin levels.

9. What smoothies help with breast milk?

Oats + banana + almond butter + milk = a tasty milk-boosting combo.

10. Should I avoid any drinks while breastfeeding?

Yes — skip energy drinks, excess coffee, alcohol, and overly sugary beverages.