Boosting Supply with Proper Nutrition and Effective Nursing - APPARENTLY!
Taken From http://www.soilandhealth.org/02/0201hyglibcat/020110shelton/020110shelton02.html
"There are only two ways of increasing the supply of milk--namely, an improved diet, and the complete emptying of the breasts at each nursing.
"Water drinking will not help. There are no drugs to be taken internally or applied locally and no patented foods that will stimulate milk production.
"Eating large quantities of rich foods is useless. These only derange digestion and destroy the mother's appetite. The one class of foods that greatly increases milk production in animals, and there are reasons for believing they will do so in woman, are green foods. An abundance of these should be eaten.
"Prof. McCollum says: "There is good reason to believe that the common practice of confining the diet to too great an extent to bread, meat, sugar, potatoes, beans, peas and breakfast cereals (before birth and during the nursing period) is in no small measure responsible for the failure of many mothers to produce milk of satisfactory quantity and quality for the nutrition of their infants. There is no great hardship (but great benefit) in the restriction of the intake of meats, etc., and the increase of milk, fruits and green vegetables, and the mother who does so will greatly minimize the danger of a break In the healthy growth of her baby."
"Dr. Page says:- "The woman who lacks a reliable appetite for any sort of plain wholesome food, is not a well woman; if she indulges in that which is unwholesome, she cannot maintain good health; if she is overfed, abnormally fat and plethoric, she is a sick woman; and such mothers cannot supply a perfect food for the nursing child." "Much sloppy food, hot drinks, profuse drinking between meals 'to force the milk,' are injurious to both mother and child. Much animal food is not advisable either in winter or summer, and in the latter season especially should be avoided altogether." "Nausea, lack of appetite, fitful appetite, 'gnawing' at the stomach--the latter so generally mistaken for a demand for food--all result from excess or the use of unwholesome food or condiments."
HOWEVER - ANECDOTES TELL A DIFFERENT STORY !
Many women find that they struggle to maintain adequate supply without a proper diet, rich in fats, proteins, and furits / veggies. Some swear by chocolate, plenty of water or other non-caffienated soft drinks, cheeses, and nutrient rich fruits like mangoes and pineapple.
Good luck - and tell us what works for you