If you haven’t heard the buzz yet, celebrities across the country are talking about moringa—and for good reason! Moringa is nutrient-dense and has anti-inflammatory benefits that rival those of turmeric. It has more iron, calcium, protein, fiber, B vitamins, and antioxidants than spinach or kale. Moringa can also help new mothers with nursing, by increasing the quality and quantity of their breast milk.
Women in the later stages of pregnancy need to prioritize three nutrients: calcium, iron, and folic acid. Prenatal vitamins can help with this, but are not readily available in some parts of the world. Moringa offers a global solution to help pregnant and breastfeeding women. One tablespoon of Pure Moringa Vegetable Powder can provide about 50% RDV iron, 15% RDV of calcium, and 5 mg folic acid.
You can add moringa powder to casseroles, smoothies, and more recipes!
3 Ways Moringa Can Help New Mothers
Moringa has so many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and can be used in every stage of motherhood. Let’s dive into the three ways moringa can help new mothers.**
1. Moringa is a Lactation Enhancer
A study showed that women with premature infants who used moringa 4-5 days after giving birth experienced increased milk production. This increase is also documented in full-term mothers. In a 2003 study, women showed a a significant increase in lactation when they consumed 350 mg of moringa daily in comparison to mothers who were given a placebo. (1)
As a bonus treat, moringa can also help with the fatigue that often comes with new motherhood. Because it is so nutrient-dense, moringa is a great daily addition to your overall diet. You can learn more about moringa’s top ten benefits here.
2. Moringa Can Increase Nutrition in a Mother’s Breast Milk
A breastfeeding mom knows that when she eats healthy food, her baby receives healthy food too. Moringa is comparable to other dark leafy greens, and can be incorporated into a mother’s diet as one way to increase nutrition for both her and her child.
Consuming moringa also increases the mother’s intake of beta-carotene, the precursor to vitamin A. Beta-carotene is important for newborn babies; blindness, infectious diseases, and protein-energy can be linked to vitamin A deficiency. Postpartum use of moringa increases maternal vitamin A intake, thus increasing the vitamin A content of breast milk for at least six months (2).
Mothers for Moringa: Good for You and for Your Child!
Further studies are needed to understand the nutritional and medicinal profiles of moringa, though its multivitamin components are well-documented (4). Mothers in developing countries have used moringa for years. Generations shared knowledge of this powerful and nourishing plant. When you incoporate moringa into your lifestyle, you are eating as many mothers have for thousands of years!
Besides adding moringa powder to smoothies for a nutritional boost, you can also switch it up. Why not make yourself a baked treat with moringa, or add moringa to your next batch of guacamole? We have lots of quick and easy recipes Moringa Recipes here.
3. Moringa Can Supplement Your Child’s Diet Too
Throughout the world, mothers incorporate moringa into their child’s weaning foods for a nutrient boost (3). The great thing about moringa powder is that you can add it to almost anything your child eats. It can be mixed into smoothies, savory dishes, and even into your baby’s mashed bananas.
As always, it’s important to discuss the addition of supplements to you or your child’s diet with your doctor. The suggested daily serving of moringa powder is six tablespoons for a nursing mother and three tablespoons for a child of one to three years (5).
It can be difficult to make sure that you and your family receive the nutrition you need. For many years, mothers have relied on moringa to boost the wellness of themselves and their children. Because moringa is so nutrient-dense, people who consume moringa also tend to feel like they have more energy throughout the day too.
Add this superfood to your life, and let us know in the comments how it goes! We hope this article provides some answers as you learn more about the powerful, nutritional role of moringa.
**Note: It is important to avoid moringa in the early stages of pregnancy, as two studies have shown moringa leaves can act as a contraceptive in rats. Research has not fully determined the safety of moringa use before the final weeks of pregnancy.**
Additional Research
For those of you wanting additional studies on moringa and lactation, as well as moringa as rural food and medicine, please explore these articles below.
- Moringa Breastfeeding Study, Moringa Philippines Study
- Postpartum Use of Moringa
- Moringa as a Weaning Food
- A Review of Moringa Research
- Moringa as Rural Food and Medicine
We’d love to hear from you and all about your moringa and motherhood journey in the comments below!
Follow us @kulikulifoods so we can see some of your favorite ways to add this energizing superfood to your daily routine.
I have had success with Moringa for increasing my milk supply. I see your article mentions a dose, however, is it possible to take too much? A naturopathic doctor told me I should never take more than 500mg a day. I cannot find anything to support her claim that doing so could cause toxicity. I’d like to take more, if it’s safe. I take moringa leaf capsules.
Thank you for such informative articles about moringa. These have been the best I have found.
Hi Faten! It’s good to follow advice from doctors and medical experts, especially if taking moringa leaf capsules with higher mg/dose. For new mothers wanting to increase lactation, it seems like 350 mg is a good balance that is safe. As always, check with your doctor for additional insight or concerns!
Hi, I am in 3rd trimester and having gestational diabetes. Can I take moringa powder?
If so how much quantity should be taken and what time it’s better to take?