What to Drink to Increase Breast Milk Naturally at Home: Top Lactation Drinks and Homemade Remedies

Breastfeeding is one of the best ways to nourish your baby, but many mothers worry about low milk supply. If you're looking for what to drink to increase breast milk naturally at home, you're not alone. The good news is that several simple drinks made with everyday ingredients can support your body’s ability to produce more milk.

In this blog, you’ll learn about the best lactation drinks, natural milk boosters, and easy homemade remedies to help you feel more confident and supported in your breastfeeding journey.

Why Hydration and Nutrition Matter in Breastfeeding

Breast milk is made up of about 90% water, which means staying hydrated is very important. Drinking enough fluids helps your body produce milk more efficiently.

But it’s not just about water. Your body also needs nutrients, such as iron, calcium, and healthy fats, to make rich, nourishing milk. Some special ingredients, like herbs and seeds, may even act as galactagogues—substances that help boost milk production. If you're curious about the differences between feeding options, here's a helpful comparison of breast milk vs formula.

So, what you drink each day really can make a difference!

What to Drink to Increase Breast Milk Naturally at Home

If you're wondering what to drink to increase breast milk naturally at home, here are the top options that are easy to prepare and safe for most nursing mothers.

Each of these drinks works differently—some keep you hydrated, others help your hormones work better, and some soothe your digestion, which also supports milk flow. For moms who pump frequently, knowing how long does breast milk last after warming can be essential when storing this drinks for later use.

Best Lactation Drinks to Include in Your Daily Routine

Here are some of the most popular and effective lactation drinks that mothers around the world use to support their milk supply.

Quick Recipes:

• Fenugreek Tea: Boil 1 tsp fenugreek seeds in 1 cup water. Steep for 10 minutes, strain, and drink.
  
  

• Fennel Water: Soak 1 tsp fennel seeds overnight. Drink the water the next morning.
  
  

• Cumin Water: Boil 1 tsp cumin seeds in water for 5 minutes. Let cool and sip slowly.
  
  

Natural Milk Boosters You Can Sip On Daily

These natural milk boosters are gentle on your body and full of nutrients that help your milk flow naturally. They’re also easy to include in your daily routine and offer added health benefits for new moms. To track effectiveness, many moms use a baby milk calculator to monitor intake and supply balance.

Top Picks:

• Coconut Water: Keeps you hydrated and balances electrolytes. It’s light, refreshing, and helps prevent fatigue and dehydration, which can lower milk supply. Great for hot weather or post-feeding energy.

• Warm Milk with Turmeric: Supports your immune system and aids milk flow. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties and may help with postpartum healing. Drinking it at night can also promote better sleep.

• Oats Smoothie: Rich in iron and fiber, it helps maintain energy and supplies. Blend oats with banana, almond milk, and flaxseeds for a creamy, filling drink that also supports digestion and keeps you full.

• Almond Milk: Packed with calcium and healthy fats. This plant-based drink is gentle on the stomach and ideal for moms who are lactose intolerant. You can drink it plain or add it to smoothies.

• Herbal Teas: Choose non-caffeinated blends like chamomile or rooibos to relax and support milk let-down. These teas are calming, help reduce stress, and promote better milk flow by supporting hormonal balance and relaxation.

Homemade Remedies to Increase Breast Milk

You can create your homemade remedies with ingredients already in your kitchen. These drinks are not only simple to make, but they’re also gentle and nourishing. Interested in storage options? Here’s how long freeze-dried breast milk lasts for moms looking to prepare ahead.

Many mothers also explore using freeze-dried breast milk powder as a safe and convenient option for preserving and reusing breast milk without compromising nutrients.

Easy-to-Make Remedies:

Lactation Smoothie

• Ingredients: Oats, banana, almond milk, flaxseed, and honey
  
  

• Blend and enjoy as a breakfast or snack.
  
  

Boiled Fenugreek & Fennel Mix

• Simmer 1 tsp each of fenugreek and fennel seeds in 2 cups of water.
  
  

• Strain and sip 2–3 times daily
  
  

Cumin & Mint Infusion

• Boil cumin seeds with a few mint leaves.
  
  

• Drink warm water after meals to support digestion and flow.
  
  

These drinks work best when taken consistently, along with frequent nursing or pumping.

Drinks to Avoid While Breastfeeding

While many drinks are helpful, some can reduce your milk supply or affect your baby. Avoid or limit the following:

 Avoid These:

• Caffeinated Drinks (coffee, energy drinks): Can dehydrate and disturb the baby’s sleep. Too much caffeine can pass into your breast milk and make your baby irritable or restless. Limit caffeine to no more than 1–2 cups of coffee per day, and avoid high-caffeine energy drinks entirely.

• Sugary Sodas: Add empty calories and offer no nutrients. These drinks provide no real value for your body or your milk supply. Excess sugar may lead to weight gain, fatigue, and even energy crashes. They can also affect your baby's digestion if consumed in large amounts.

• Alcohol: Passes through breast milk and can harm your baby. Even small amounts of alcohol can be passed to your baby through breast milk. It can affect your baby’s development, sleep, and feeding patterns. If you choose to drink, wait at least 2–3 hours per drink before nursing.

• Unknown Herbal Teas: Some herbs are not safe for breastfeeding. Always check first. Teas with herbs like parsley, sage, peppermint, or ginseng can reduce milk supply or cause side effects. Always consult your doctor or a lactation expert before trying any new herbal blend.

• Flavored Waters with Additives: May contain artificial sweeteners and preservatives. These can upset your stomach and may not be safe for your baby. Stick to plain or naturally flavored waters made at home using fruits and herbs like lemon, mint, or cucumber.

Stick to natural, mild, and nutrient-rich drinks for the best results.

Tips to Maximize the Effectiveness of Lactation Drinks

Drinking the right fluids is helpful, but it works best when you follow other healthy breastfeeding habits, too.

Try These Tips:

• Drink regularly: Don’t wait until you feel thirsty. Keep a water bottle nearby at all times. Sip throughout the day, especially after each feeding session.

• Nurse often: Frequent feeding or pumping signals your body to make more milk. Feeding every 2–3 hours helps maintain the supply. Cluster feeding (baby feeding more often during certain times) is also normal and boosts production.

• Get enough rest: Your body needs energy to produce milk. Even short naps help. Try to rest when your baby sleeps and ask for help when needed.

• Eat a balanced diet: Include proteins, whole grains, veggies, and healthy fats. Your meals should be colorful and nourishing. A well-fed body produces better-quality milk.

• Track what works: Notice which drinks give you the best results. Keep a simple journal to track what you drink and how it affects your milk supply, energy, and baby’s feeding behavior.

If you’re storing milk to build a stash, you might want to explore tips on how to thaw frozen breast milk safely without losing nutrients.

Conclusion

Knowing what to drink to increase breast milk naturally at home can make your breastfeeding journey smoother and more satisfying. From lactation teas and natural milk boosters to simple homemade remedies, these drinks are safe, easy, and effective.

Just remember—every mom’s body is different. Be patient with yourself, stay consistent, and always listen to your body and your baby. Small daily habits can make a big difference in your milk supply.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How soon do lactation drinks show results?
   Some moms notice changes in a few days, while others may take 1–2 weeks. It depends on your body, diet, and how often you nurse or pump. For best results, use the drinks consistently and pair them with frequent breastfeeding sessions.
   
2. Can I take more than one drink per day?
   Yes, but keep your intake balanced. Drinking 1–2 types of lactation drinks spaced out during the day is usually enough. Overconsumption of certain herbs may cause side effects like gas or an upset stomach.
   
   
3. Are herbal drinks safe while breastfeeding?
   Many herbal drinks like fennel, fenugreek, and chamomile are generally safe, but always check with your doctor first. Herbs like moringa, anise, or blessed thistle may interact with medications or affect some moms differently.
   
   
4. What if I don’t see an increase in milk supply?
   Keep feeding or pumping regularly. Also, ensure you're drinking plenty of water, eating nourishing meals, and getting rest. If supply doesn’t improve after a few weeks, consult a lactation consultant to rule out latch issues or hormonal imbalances.
   
   
5. Can I use these drinks after returning to work?
   Absolutely! Prepare them in advance and carry them in a thermos or insulated bottle. You can sip them during work breaks or before and after pumping sessions to help maintain supply.
   
   
6. Are there side effects of fenugreek or other herbs?
   Yes, some moms may experience bloating, gas, or a maple syrup-like body odor with fenugreek. If you feel uncomfortable, reduce the quantity or switch to a different herb like fennel or moringa.
   
   
7. Can I store homemade lactation drinks in the fridge?
   Yes. Most homemade remedies, like fennel water or oat smoothies, can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Shake or stir before drinking, and avoid keeping them out at room temperature for too long.
   
   
8. Are lactation drinks enough to boost milk supply on their own?
   Lactation drinks help, but they work best alongside frequent breastfeeding, a healthy diet, hydration, and rest. Think of them as part of a bigger routine that supports milk production.
   
   
9. Can I add sweeteners to these drinks?
   Natural sweeteners like honey or jaggery are okay in small amounts. Avoid artificial sweeteners, especially those not recommended during breastfeeding, as they may upset your baby’s digestion.
   
   
10. Should I continue lactation drinks after my milk supply improves?
    Yes, you can continue drinking them in moderation to help maintain your supply, especially during growth spurts, pumping phases, or if your schedule changes (like returning to work or night weaning).