Benefits of Moringa for Breastfeeding and Postpartum

Moringa for breastfeeding is not new to Asia. It has been used for many decades to increase the milk supply and to restore lost nutrients during delivery. Moringa has iron, calcium, and vitamins that help new mothers in their postpartum period.

Breast milk is the best and most nutritious food for a newborn. A fed baby is a happy baby. It is loaded with protective antibodies and nutrients that are essential for defending against infections, preventing allergies, and supporting immune systems. It helps overall health.

But it is not available to all newborns. Sometimes it is the mother who decided not to, unable to breastfeed for a reason. For others, it is their body that refuses to pump enough milk to their babies. Nowadays mothers finding difficulties in producing milk for babies have been increasing which might be due to lifestyle changes and food habits. Whatever it is, for a mother it is really stressful. So people find formula milk for these cases. But there are a few things you can do to increase your breastmilk supply nursing on demand or frequent pumping is one way of increasing milk supply.

However, nursing and pumping alone can not make enough milk supply you needed that’s where you look for a galactagogue. 

Galactagogue is a substance that increases breast milk production. There are many galactagogues are available so often it is hard to pick the right one for you. Lactation professionals suggest galactagogues that are time-tested, simple, and natural. Moringa is one of the best galactagogues that increases breastmilk for nursing mothers.

Moringa: The Superfood for All

Moringa (moringa oleifera) commonly called The Miracle Tree is native to Asia and Africa. All of the parts of this tree are useful for various purposes. The tree has been praised for its medicinal values and health benefits. Moringa is not just great for lactation but it is a stable superfood that has essential nutrients that our body needs.

In Asian and African cultures, Moringa leaves have been used as food, vitamin source, and healing herb. The nutritional values of moringa are high that’s why it is being most expensive exported food in the world.

Moringa has been consumed as food, powder, supplements, and drinks like Moringa tea.

Also Read: Health Benefits of Moringa Tea

This nutrient-dense food is rich in essential minerals and vitamins such as iron, calcium, vitamins A, E, and K. Moringa leaves also contain huge plant protein with all essential amino acids, fiber, and antioxidants.

The nutritional profile of Moringa leaves, gram for gram comparison:

• 25x the iron found in spinach
• 15x the potassium of bananas
• 17x the calcium of milk
• 10x the vitamin C of carrots
• 9x the protein of yogurt
• 7x the vitamin C of oranges

Among all the nutrients, protein, calcium, iron, and vitamin K are helpful for new mothers in breastfeeding.

Iron in Moringa reduces fatigue and tiredness – Most new mums experience these two problems. New mothers indeed lack iron as they lose blood during giving birth. It makes them weak and exhausted. A single serving of moringa leaf powder provides 46.8% of their iron requirement. Add moringa powder to green smoothies with other leafy greens.

Calcium in Moringa strengthens bones and teeth – It helps both mother and baby. Babies during pregnancy and breastfeeding eat a lot of their mother’s calcium so mothers need additional supplements to make sure both of them get enough calcium supply for strong bones.

Vitamin K in Moringa helps with normal blood clotting – It is important for new mothers and infants. Usually, newborns are given vitamin K either using an injection or oral table when they are born. While it is also important for the mother post-birth, especially when bleeding heavily.

Moringa for Breastfeeding: The Study Reports and Research Claims

Moringa is scientifically proven to increase breast milk supply. The leaves are natural galactagogue which has been used since ancient times to increase lactation and also for providing early nourishment for babies and new mothers.

(1) The first study, in a study published in The Philippine Journal of Pediatrics in 2013, reviewed five scientific studies testing moringa and its effect on breastmilk supply. The final report finalized from all five small randomized studies showed that Moringa increased breast milk volume more than a placebo.

(2) In the second study, published in the same The Philippine Journal of Pediatrics, mothers of preterm infants were given moringa or a placebo after 3 days of delivery. The participants let pumped on the same types and schedules. The results showed mothers who took moringa pumped more milk 4 and 5 days postpartum. The conclusion is Moringa leaves increased breastmilk supply on postpartum days 4 to 5 among mothers who delivered prematurely.

(3) Another study in 2002, from the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Breastfeeding, reviewed the Lactmed section on Moringa and also found that moringa consumption positively affects milk production in new mums. The study also examined mothers of premature babies. They have been given moringa, placebo, or medications, examined with the same pumping schedule and instructions. Moms who intaken moringa or medications domperidone, or metoclopramide had more milk supply compared to placebo.

No evidence claims the side effects of consuming moringa for breastfeeding. In most cases, it received only the benefits such as more milk production, energy, and immunity.

Anyhow, take your decisions by consulting a lactation consultant or doctor. 

If you are pregnant or trying, or on medication and want to take moringa products, talk to your physician before that.

How Moringa is Taken For Lactation?

Moringa has been used as medicine and food for many years, especially during postpartum. Asian countries use moringa leaves in dishes, soups, drinks, and more. They add moringa leaves to chicken soups for new mothers to increase breastfeeding.

After many decades, now the benefits of moringa for breastfeeding and general health have been spread to the Western world and they started finding the right way to consume moringa to get the most out of it, especially for mothers.

If you are accessible to fresh moringa leaves, include them in your soups, smoothies, and vegetables, and prepare infused hot drinks. Otherwise, buy organic moringa powder and add it to the same dishes and enjoy. Moringa is now available as supplements too.

What Does Moringa Taste Like?

Moringa is rich in iron so it has that string earthy green flavor which is similar to matcha and spinach greens.

Moringa tastes great when mixed with green smoothies and juices, apple juice, coconut water, and savory dishes.

Shop The Moolihai Moringa Range

Moolihai Moringa Leaves – 100% Natural and Organic Fresh Moringa Leaves that can be cooked in curries and added to vegetable fries. Make a fresh and spicy soup with moringa leaves, pepper, salt, and your choice of vegetables.

Moolihai Moringa Powder – Moringa leaves are taken from naturally grown trees, dried, and powdered. We assure you No overprocessing, Not overheating, No added ingredients, No added color, and No added preservatives. Add 1 or 2 tablespoons of powder to your smoothie and enjoy it.

Moolihai Moringa Capsules – Healthy supplements made from the same organic moringa powder for convenient and easy consumption. The capsules also include a few other Ayurveda herbs for added benefits. Typically, two capsules a day is recommended, however, it is better to consult your healthcare provider.

Moolihai Moringa Tea – An excellent brew from naturally dried moringa. It has an earthy flavor similar to green tea. Add mint leaves, honey, lemon, or cinnamon sticks for flavor. Compared to green tea, moringa tea take time for brewing. Have a cup of hot moringa tea after meals in the morning or evening for better effects. 

Does Moringa is Right For Me?

The answer to this question should be from your doctor who help you decide if moringa is right for you and what type of moringa supplement should you take for breastfeeding.

As there are no side effects recorded for moringa for breastfeeding, moringa is recommended for everyone. Moolihai Organics is available to help you choose the best supplements as well.