7. Red and Orange Root Vegetables
While red and orange vegetables have yet to be studied specifically for their galactagogue properties, they have been used as lactogenic foods in many cultures around the world for hundreds of years. Red and orange root vegetables such as carrots and yams have also been used for generations in the traditional Chinese zuoyuezi diet (zuoyuezi means “sit the month” and is a time of resting for new parents) with the belief that they not only nourish the birthing person, but help nourish the child by increasing the quality and quantity of the breast milk.
Any lactogenic properties that red and orange root vegetables might have are likely similar to those of green leafy vegetables. The phytoestrogens in these plants in addition to their high-nutrient density may play a role in improving breast milk.
8. Seeds
Seeds are a nutritional gift! They are the very beginning of life for every plant on earth. They provide a concentrated source of all the nutrients found in the mature plant as well as the nutrients needed to grow the tiny seed into a beautiful blooming plant. Seeds are high in protein and essential minerals such as iron, zinc, and calcium, as well as healthy fats.
Like nuts, seeds are not clinically proven to have lactogenic properties, but they have been used for centuries to help breastfeeding parents thanks to their high vitamin and mineral content. Every seed has its unique nutritional makeup, so choose a variety including sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and sesame seeds.
