Many breastfeeding mothers have the problem of insufficient breast milk supply, and they try various methods to promote milk production, such as dietary supplementation, massage, and medication. Can honey water help increase breast milk supply?
Can Honey Water Increase Breast Milk Supply?
No, it cannot.
The process of stimulating milk production in breastfeeding mothers who have little or no milk secretion is called "lactation induction" or "increasing milk supply." Honey water is a common nourishing beverage that contains rich nutrients such as vitamins, amino acids, and proteins, and it has various benefits such as beauty enhancement, moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. However, honey does not have the ability to promote milk production, so honey water cannot be used to increase breast milk supply.
Does Drinking Honey Water During Breastfeeding Cause Milk Regression?
No, it does not.
Milk regression, also known as weaning, refers to the process of reducing milk production in the breasts after a child is weaned. Honey water does not have the ability to stimulate or reduce milk production. It has no significant effect on milk secretion.
Can Breastfeeding Mothers Drink Honey Water?
Yes, they can.
Honey water contains various minerals, vitamins, iron, calcium, copper, manganese, potassium, phosphorus, as well as fructose, glucose, amylase, oxidase, and reductase. Drinking honey water in moderation during breastfeeding can have benefits such as beauty enhancement, intestinal regulation, improved immune function, and protection of cardiovascular health. Therefore, breastfeeding mothers can drink honey water.
What Precautions Should Be Taken When Drinking Honey Water During Breastfeeding?
1. Do not use boiling water to make honey water
The optimal temperature for making honey water is around 40-60 degrees Celsius. High temperatures can destroy the nutrients in honey and reduce its nutritional value. It can also make the honey water taste sour.
2. People with high blood sugar should avoid drinking honey water
Honey contains 49% sugar, so it has a high sugar content. Drinking honey water may cause a direct increase in blood sugar levels for people with high blood sugar, leading to symptoms of hyperglycemia such as palpitations, dizziness, and blurred vision.
3. People with dampness in the middle-jiao should avoid drinking honey water
Dampness in the middle-jiao refers to the accumulation of dampness in the spleen and stomach, causing symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, limb soreness, and sticky stools. Honey has a sticky texture, so it may worsen discomfort in individuals with dampness.
What Foods Can Help Increase Milk Supply?
Braised Pig's Feet with Chinese Dodder
Ingredients: 400g pig's feet, 30g peanuts, 5 red dates, 5g Chinese dodder, ginger slices, scallion segments, cooking wine, a pinch of salt.
1. Wash the pig's feet and cut them into pieces.
2. Soak the red dates and peanuts in water until soft. Wash the Chinese dodder and cut it into segments.
3. Add an appropriate amount of water to a pot and bring it to a boil. Add the pig's feet and blanch them to remove impurities. Remove and set aside.
4. Heat oil in a pan, add ginger slices and pig's feet, and stir-fry for a moment with cooking wine.
5. Add water, Chinese dodder, red dates, peanuts, and scallion segments.
6. Cook over medium heat until the soup turns white. Season with salt.
Carp Soup
Ingredients: 500g carp, cooking wine, ginger slices, salt to taste.
1. Remove the gills and internal organs of the carp, and wash it.
2. Heat oil in a pan and lightly fry the prepared carp for a moment.
3. Add an appropriate amount of salt, cooking wine, ginger slices, and water to the pan. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat and simmer until the soup turns milky white.
