These 5 Surprising Foods Will Increase Your Milk Supply

While the #normalizebreastfeeding tag is still doing work on social media, there are dozens of products available to increase milk supply and support nursing moms. We mean, have you seen the lactation cookie options at the grocery store? Breastfeeding mothers can now pick up trusty tools like lactation tea during their weekly errands and there are literally tons of recipes you can use to power that leche locomotive.

So while you’re at it, and certainly before you head out to the store on your next diaper run, you will want to pick up a few surprising foods that can boost your milk supply— sometimes overnight!

Scroll down for the 5 Surprising Foods That Will Increase Milk Supply.

Garlic

It’s not just for spaghetti and meatballs anymore! Nursing moms have used garlic for ages to amp up their milk supply and adding a few cloves to soup and sauces can do wonders. If you’re not a garlic fan, there are garlic pills that will do the trick without the bad breath.

Carrots

You’ve heard the legend that they’re great for your eyes, but did you know eating carrots can also teach your ta-tas to make more milk? Eat them raw, steamed, pureed, or in juice form to reap the benefits and soak in the Vitamin A which not only promotes lactation, but boosts the quality of your milk.

Sesame Seeds

Don’t just order a burger with the dotted bun and call it a day— you will want to work sesame seeds (even black sesame seeds!) into your daily diet. Blend them with almond milk in smoothies or opt for tahini—a delicious sesame paste—in sauces or (hot tip!) on sweet potatoes.

Apricots

This sweet fruit can help work out the hormonal imbalance that takes place in your body during pregnancy and postpartum. Add chopped apricots to oatmeal (which can also boost milk supply!), eat them dried, or blend them into your morning elixirs.

Fennel

Black licorice in flavor, fennel and fennel seeds have been used by nursing moms for centuries to kick their milk makers into overdrive. Many of the lactation teas you will find in the grocery store incorporate fennel in some form, so brew a nice, hot cup or consider roasting it or eating it on your next salad.

What helps you boost milk supply? Share with us below!

You will also want to read these 6 Things to Know Before Starting Baby on Solid Foods or steal Rebecca Minkoff’s Favorite Cookie Recipe.