5 Breast Milk Supply Tips for Postpartum Doulas

Breast milk supply not solely a physical matter

Breast milk quantity is often thought of as a purely physical issue, but according to Ayurveda, it is influenced by a combination of digestive health, emotional state, and nurturing postpartum practices. For the postpartum mother, understanding these factors can make a profound difference in her lactation journey.

Postpartum Digestion and Lifestyle

Ayurveda teaches that the body’s ability to digest food efficiently directly impacts how much of rasa dhatu (nutrient essence) can be transformed into stanya (breast milk). This is why postpartum nutrition focuses on easily digestible, fresh, and unctuous (satiating, moist, oily and nourishing) foods, taken in small portions to avoid overloading the digestive system. Therefore digestive spices are highly recommended in addition: cumin (jeera), fennel (saunf), ginger (shunthi), black pepper (maricha), asafoetida (hing). Note: depending on vikruti the quantities of those spices should be adjusted.

Cold foods, drinks, or exposure to cold environments (like breezes or cold baths) are discouraged, as they can slow digestion and disrupt milk production.

Daily practices such as Abhyanga massage are also recommended for one month after birth, supporting circulation and overall vitality (Ojas).

Emotional and Energetic Factors

Interestingly, breast milk supply is not just about digestion. The traditional Ayurvedic texts highlight the importance of the mother’s emotional state and heart energy. The openness of the heart orifices and arteries influence the quantity of milk supply. The flow of milk is said to be influenced by “uninterrupted affection” between mother and child.

A mother experiencing grief, fear, anger, or lack of affection may produce less milk, regardless of diet. This underscores the importance of a supportive, loving environment during the postpartum period.

Foods That Support Lactation

The following foods are traditionally recommended in Ayurveda to enhance milk supply:

5 Tips for Postpartum Doulas

A postpartum doula plays a critical role in supporting both the physical and emotional well-being of the mother. Here are some practical tips for doulas based on Ayurvedic principles:

1. Encourage Small, Nourishing Meals Until Agni is Stable – Help the postpartum mother eat freshly prepared, warm foods in small portions throughout the day to optimize digestion and milk supply. Once bowel movements are regular and appetite (Agni) is strong you can switch to bigger portions. Learn more about how to balance Agni in our Ayurvedic Postpartdum Doula Training.

2. Create a Warm, Loving Environment – This is related to the emotional and physical level. Practice deep listening, validate feelings, and look for support if the issues that arise are more complex. This part starts prenatal to create rings of support so that the mother has a circle of people she can rely on. Emotional nourishment is just as important as physical.

3. Promote Gentle Vata Balancing Lifestyle Practices – Daily Abhyanga massage is the best practice to suggest to increase the postpartum mother's vitality and stamina and balance Vata Dosha. In addition, make sure she stays warm and avoids cold foods, and cold practices etc. Learn about the 5 main Vata balancing practices in our Ayurvedic Postpartum Doula training.

4. Lactation Supporting Foods – Introduce lactation-supporting foods such as rice, wheat, coconut, cow's milk and gourd, and explain their benefits in simple terms. Or prepare more specific galactagogue (shatavari, fennel, fenugreek, blessed thistle etc) infusions if you know more about the postpartum mother's vikruti.

5. Support Mother and Newborn bonding - Foster uninterrupted affection between mother and baby support not only bonding but also milk production.

Ready to learn more Ayurvedic Postpartum Healing methods? Join our Ayurvedic Postpartum doula training here. Until the end of the month receive 50% discount.