Every breastfeeding mother would want a smooth breastmilk production in order to fullfil the needs of her baby optimally. If necessary, abundant production, in order to donate breast milk to those who need it.

However, there are times when mothers have difficulty in producing breastmilk for one reason or another. In fact, breast milk is very important for the baby's growth and development. The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that breast milk is the best food for babies with various advantages which is not possessed by cow's milk.

Breastmilk advantages

Although the protein content of breastmilk is lower than cow's milk, it is absorbed easily. While, cow's milk protein tends to clot easily so it is more difficult to be absorbed. That is why cow's milk usually causes digestive problems in infants.

In addition, the iron content in breast milk is also absorbed more easily and sufficient for infants up to the age of 6 months. Breast milk also contains several substances that are not found in cow's milk, such as antibodies and antibacterial which can increase immunity and support the baby's growth.

The advantages of breastfeeding are so beneficial for babies and mothers, so WHO recommends that mothers give breastfeeding exclusively for six months. After that, breastfeeding can be continued until the age of two years, in addition to the complementary food (MPASI).

Problems that are often faced by nursing mothers

Although it looks simple, it turns out that breastfeeding is not easy, especially for mothers who have just given birth to their first child. Lack of experience and information will makes mothers restless and lack of confidence.

Some nursing mothers may experience abnormalities in the breastmilk tissue in their breasts, hormonal disorders, and had undergone surgical procedures on the breast. These also inhibit the fulfillment of nutrients for the baby.

In fact, quite a lot of mothers experience difficulty in breastfeeding, even though they don't have any obstacles. There are a number of things that have been documented - such as inadequate breast milk, crack on the nipple, the mother has a certain disease, or may have to return to work.

Of all these, the most problem is that mothers feel that they produce breastmilk less than how much the baby needed. Therefore, sufficient knowledge is needed to smoothen breastmilk production.

Increase breastmilk through food intake

Breastfeeding mothers may feel jealous to friends who show photos of refrigerators which filled with bottles of breast milk, while she is still struggling to fullfill the baby's daily breastfeeding needs. Not surprisingly, various ways are done by mothers to be able to increase breastmilk production.

Therefore, many mothers rely on food or supplements that are believed to facilitate the production of breast milk, known as booster milk or galactagogue such as:

1. Katuk leaves

One of the most famous breast milk booster among nursing mothers is katuk leaf. For generations, katuk leaves have been trusted as food that can smoothen and increase milk production.

This turned out to be true. This plant with the Latin name Sauropus androgynus has been proven its efficacy through various studies.

A study conducted in Yogyakarta giving katuk leaf extract using a dose of 3x300 mg for 15 days to nursing mothers, resulted in increased breastmilk production by 50 percent on 2-3 days.

Other research in Klaten also showed the same result. It found that 70 percent of mothers who consumed katuk leaf extract at a dose of 2 capsules a day succeeded in producing abundant milk for their babies, compared with mothers who did not consume katuk leaves.

2. Fenugreek or klabat seed

In Indonesia, fenugreek is known as Klabat. Other than being useful as a breast milk booster, Klabat seeds can also be used as a cooking spice, especially for Indian cuisine. Just like katuk, fenugreek has also been tested to smoothen milk production clinically.

According to the American breastfeeding association, La Leche League, fenugreek can increase milk production by 75 percent for breastfeeding mothers who consume it.

The dose of fenugreek supplement consumption recommended by the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine's Protocol is 1-4 capsules, which are taken 3-4 times a day (or as much as 1.74-4.9 grams a day).

Compared to America, the recommended dose of fenugreek in Germany is higher, which is 6 grams a day divided into 3-4 doses.

Well, these are some food that can help you smoothen breastmilk production. If you feel unable to consume katuk leaves as suggested above, you can take them in the form of supplements.

Katuk and fenugreek leaves supplements have been proven safe for breastfeeding mothers to increase milk production, so you don't need to worry. If you are still in doubt, you can consult a doctor before starting to consume it. 

[NP/ RH]

Sumber:

1. Sim TF et al. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2015 Sep; 12(9): 11050–11071.
2. Budzynska K et al. Breastfeed Med. 2012 Dec; 7(6): 489–503.
3. Bazzano AN et al. Ochsner J. 2016 Winter; 16(4): 511-524.
4. Sa’roni et al. Effectiveness of the Sauropus androgynus (L.) Merr Leaf Extract in Increasing Mother’s Breast Milk Production. Media Litbang Kesehatan Volume XIV Nomor 3 Tahun 2004.
5. Kuswati ES et al. Pengaruh Konsumsi Ekstrak Daun Katuk terhadap Kecukupan ASI pada Ibu Menyusui di Klaten. Jurnal Terpadu Ilmu Kesehatan, Volume 5, No 2, November 2016, halaman 110-237.