Mothers-Milk Tea: A Miracle Named Mothers Milk

Mother’s milk is a liquid produced in the mammary glands with the help of the hormones prolactin and oxytocin. Prolactin starts milk production in the mother’s body, while oxytocin helps deliver that milk to the nipple.

Mother’s milk is a dynamic nutrient that can actually adapt to your baby’s changing needs. It’s made up of about 87% water, 7% lactose, 3.8% fat, and 1% protein.

Right after birth, the mother produces a special kind of milk called colostrum. Colostrum is different in color, texture, and composition than mother’s normal milk. This first milk is incredibly important for the baby’s health—it’s packed with nutrients and immune-boosting properties.

While in the womb, the baby grows and develops in complete isolation from the outside world. That all changes with birth. Birth is a big, even traumatic, moment for the baby—they leave that safe, closed environment and start interacting with the outer world with their very first breath.

The baby no longer has mom’s protective shield and is now out in the world, directly facing everything on their own. Consuming colostrum right after birth is a crucial step in boosting their immune system.

Interestingly, mothers already start producing milk during pregnancy, but the content of this milk changes after birth. It turns into a biologically rich liquid, full of proteins, lactose, glucose, and immunoglobulins—powerful components of the body’s defense system.

Immunoglobulin G (IgG) protects the baby while still in the womb, passing through the placenta to help build early immunity.

But after birth, the baby’s immune system needs extra support. That’s where Immunoglobulin A (IgA) in mother’s milk steps in to save the day.

Benefits of the Mothers Milk

It brings tons of benefits for the baby’s physical, mental, and immune development.

It’s packed with all the essential nutrients to support growth and brain development.

It has antibodies and white blood cells that help protect the baby from infections.

Super easy to digest—helps reduce things like gas and constipation.

Babies who are breastfed tend to show faster mental development.

It might even lower the risk of obesity later in life.

What Helps Boost the Mother’s Milk?

The lactation process in a mother’s body begins with the start of pregnancy. In simple terms, lactation is the process of preparing the mammary tissue in the mammary glands to produce milk. Prolactin is the hormone responsible for producing the milk. It’s secreted from the pituitary gland and acts on the milk-producing glands (alveoli) in the breast. Oxytocin is the hormone that helps push the milk through the milk ducts and out of the nipple—this is known as the let-down reflex. Mother’s milk is made up of nearly 90% water, which is why staying well-hydrated is super important for moms during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

In addition to hydration, certain foods can also help support milk production. Let’s take a closer look at three helpful plants: fennel, anise, and caraway fruit.

1. Fennel

• Fennel helps boost milk production and also supports digestion.
• It’s rich in natural compounds called phytoestrogens, which are plant-based substances that act like estrogen in the body. Two of the main ones in fennel are anethole and fenchone.
• These compounds can bind to estrogen receptors and support estrogen levels in the body.
• And here's the link of estrojen and prolactin: Estrogen can increase the release of prolactin from the pituitary gland—and prolactin is the key hormone responsible for milk production.
• Fennel also relaxes muscles, easing digestion and reducing gas discomfort, which in turn can reduce stress in the mother and support milk flow indirectly.

2. Anise Fruit (Aniseed)

• The main active component in anise is anethole, which affects both the hormonal and digestive systems.
• Thanks to its phytoestrogen properties, anise can also help increase prolactin secretion, supporting milk production. Some studies even suggest that anise might directly increase milk supply.
• Plus, it has antispasmodic and calming effects—so a relaxed mom is a better-producing mom.

3. Caraway Fruit

• Caraway fruit is packed with minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium, which are especially important during breastfeeding.
• It helps meet the increased mineral needs of new moms, which can also improve the quality of the milk.
• Caraway fruit has a soothing effect on the digestive system and can reduce gas, making both mom and baby feel more comfortable.
• Traditional and some modern studies suggest caraway fruit has galactagogue properties (meaning it helps boost milk production). While the exact mechanism isn’t fully understood, it’s believed to work through its effect on hormonal balance and circulation.

A Quick Look at the Science Behind Milk Production:

Milk production is all about hormones, especially prolactin and oxytocin, both produced in the brain.So does that mean anyone with a brain can make milk?
Well… not quite!

Unfortunately, males are out of the game once puberty begins. In females, with the start of puberty, the mammary glands begin to develop thanks to estrogen and progesterone.

In males, prolactin levels are much lower, and they either lack milk ducts entirely or only have very few. In short—they simply don’t have the full hardware!