Karuna Rathore, who has a one-year-old son, still remembers her woes with breastfeeding. And, with good reason too. During the initial days when she used to breastfeed, Karuna felt she was not producing enough milk. A concerned Karuna rushed to the doctor who diagnosed insufficient milk flow in her.

Insufficient milk flow in young mothers is a common health issue seen in women today. Every mother goes through a period when she will doubt whether she will have adequate milk supply for her baby, especially when she starts breastfeeding. Sufficient milk flow in the mother ensures a healthy baby.

There are several factors that influence the failure of exclusive breastfeeding. More than 80 per cent of reasons are caused by psychological conditions of lactating mothers. Stress in lactating mothers will reduce the amount of oxytocin hormone production (the hormone that serves to produce breast milk). It is also influenced by health issues like insufficient glandular tissue, hormonal endocrine problems and intake of certain medication or herbs during pregnancy. Since a mother’s milk is the gift of nature, it’s safe and healthy to choose natural ways to boost it.

Though women need not consider yoga as a way to get back in shape post-delivery, it is an ultimate healer for many pre-and post-pregnancy related health issues. Practicing yoga can stimulate the pituitary gland to stimulate an increase in the prolactin hormone, which produces more breast milk.

The main yoga exercises for lactating mothers focus on the chest region. These poses become more powerful when combined with complete respiration or Ujayyi pranayama as well as relaxation and meditation.