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Fennel increases breast milk supply

October 6, 2020

Malnutrition in the first year of life is the reason of two-third of deaths in fewer than five years old children in the world. Exclusive breastfeeding in first six months of life and continuing with complimentary nourishment decrease malnutrition and as a result decreases mortality of fewer than five years old children (3, 4). Breastfeeding immediately after birth empowers the infant’s immune system and reduces the risk of mortality up to 20%. The risk of mortality in infants who are not exclusively breastfed is 14 times more than those exclusively breastfed (5). Maternal advantages of breastfeeding include more rapid return to pre-pregnancy weight, decreased risk of type 2 diabetes, osteopoosteoporosis, post-delivery depression and breast and ovarian cancer (6).

As a new mother, one is most concerned about breast milk production and duration of feeds to their infants. Breast milk insufficiency is one of the mothers’ main reasons to stop breastfeeding in the first six to eight weeks after birth (7). Using Galactogogues is recommended to resolve this problem. Galactagogues are some substances or medicines that initiate, enhance and maintain milk production (8, 9).

Fennel is a herb with galactogogues property. The scientific name of Fennel is Foeniculum vulgare, which belongs to the Umbelliferae family. The root, leaf, fruit and seed of Fennel are used (11, 12). This plant contains comphen, Fencho and Anethol essences. About 60% of oilseed essence consists of Anethol. It seems that Fennel galactogogues mechanism results from the Estrogenic and Phyto-estrogenic properties of Anethol and its polymers such as Di-Anethol and Photo-Anethol. Phyto-estrogens due to their structural similarity to estrogens can attach to α and β Estrogens’ receptors to exert estrogenic properties (13-15). In simple terminology, a galactagogue is a drug or a food source that aids in increasing the milk supply of nursing mothers. The reason that fennel is considered to be one is that it has phytoestrogens, which is similar to the estrogen hormone that is naturally formed by the human body.

Here is how you can consume fennel as part of your breastfeeding diet:

1. As tea
2. As a flavoring agent in any dish
3. As capsules
4. For topical application

Apart from increasing lactation, there are additional health benefits of consuming fennel:

1. Prevents Anaemia
2. Helps in digestion
3. Prevents constipation
4. Boosts Immunity
5. Regulates blood pressure

But as a feeding mother, one should be mindful of the conditions when the consumption of fennel should be avoided, as mentioned below:

1. Epilepsy or other seizures
2. Diabetes or Hypoglycaemia

Fennel has many benefits, but it should be consumed in moderate amounts, after discussing duly with the Medical expert. If you are not careful, it can be detrimental to your health.

Disclaimer : The information given in this article is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We urge readers to seek the advice of a physician before trying any home remedies.

References

1.World Health Organization. Infant and young child feeding: Model chapter for textbooks for medical students and allied health
professionals. Geneva; 2009.
2. Marshall JL, Godfrey M, Renfrew MJ. Being ‘a good mother’: managing breastfeeding and merging identities. Soc Sci Med.
2007;65(10):2147–59.
3. WHO & UNICEF. Global Strategy on Infant and Young Child Feeding. 55th World Health Assembly. Geneva; 2003.
4. Mihrshahi S, Oddy WH, Peat JK, Kabir I. Association between infant feeding patterns and diarrhoeal and respiratory illness: a cohort study in Chittagong, Bangladesh. Int Breastfeed J. 2008;3:28.
5. Unicef . Iran: Association of breastfeeding.. Available from: http://www.unicef.org/iran/fa/World_Breastfeeding_Week_2013_Key_
Messages_FA.pdf.
6. Chung M, Raman G, Chew P, Magula N, Trikalinos LJ. Breastfeeding and maternal and infant health outcomes in developed countries. Evid Technol Asses. 2007;153:1–186.
7. Mannel R, Martens PJ, Walker M. Core curriculum for lactation consultant practice. In: Hoover K, Marasco L editors. insufficient Milk
Production.. USA: Jones; Bartlett Publishers; 2012. pp. 817–48.
8. Gabay MP. Galactogogues: medications that induce lactation. J Hum Lact. 2002;18(3):274–9.
9. Turkyilmaz C, Onal E, Hirfanoglu IM, Turan O, Koc E, Ergenekon E, et al. The effect of galactagogue herbal tea on breast milk production
and short-term catch-up of birth weight in the first week of life. J Altern Complement Med. 2011;17(2):139–42.
10. Nordeng H, Havnen GC. Use of herbal drugs in pregnancy: a survey among 400 Norwegian women. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf.
2004;13(6):371–80.
11. Gori L, Gallo E, Mascherini V, Mugelli A, Vannacci A, Firenzuoli F. Can estragole in fennel seed decoctions really be considered a danger
for human health? A fennel safety update. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:860542.
12. Moura LS, Carvalho JRRN, Stefanini MB, Ming LC, Meireles MAA. Supercritical fluid extraction from fennel (Foeniculum vulgare): global yield, composition and kinetic data. J Supercrit Fluid. 2005;35(3):212–9.
13. Mir Heydar H. Plant Sciencess:used in the prevention and treatment plants. 9 edTehran: Office of Islamic culture; 2010.
14. Shamse Ardakani MR, Haji Akhoundi A, Jamshidi AH, Abdi Kh. [The study of volatile oil of Foeniculum vulgare miller in their tissue culture and comparison with the whole plant]. j.med.plant Res. 2005;4(15):73–80.
15. Patisaul HB, Jefferson W. The pros and cons

Fennel increases breast milk supply

Table of Contents

Here is how you can consume fennel as part of your breastfeeding diet:

Apart from increasing lactation, there are additional health benefits of consuming fennel:

But as a feeding mother, one should be mindful of the conditions when the consumption of fennel should be avoided, as mentioned below:

References