Don’t Give Up Mama.
Life comes with highs and lows, but like I always say, “your response to any situation will make or break you”. It seems like mama’s can’t catch a break. There was first a RECALL on baby formula and now we are witnessing a baby formula SHORTAGE. To start, do not panic because that will solve nothing. I always recommend breastfeeding for situations like this and just the overall health of yourself and your baby. I understand there are situations where breastfeeding isn’t an option, but it’s always worth a try. The amount of breast milk a woman can produce after childbirth depends on a plethora of factors. Some are not within her control , but some can be managed with extra planning and support. Please please please try your hardest NOT TO STRESS! STRESS is the #1 killer of breastmilk supply; especially in the first couple of weeks following delivery. Being a first time mom or mom in general can be overwhelming, causing a rise in an inflammatory hormone known as cortisol, which can dramatically reduce your milk supply. I have witnessed women have ample amounts of milk, and within 24 hours of stressing, they had little to none. With this being said please keep your stress levels down.
After your baby is born, the breast operates on SUPPLY and DEMAND. Understand that milk is supply and demand, the more you pump/breastfeed, the more milk you will produce. The more you take milk out the more that will come in. When baby is first born you have a whole lot of milk, as you feed your body produces just enough milk for your baby to be fed. Your body will regulate itself and say okay baby needs this amount of milk so your body will adjust and produce just that. Stimulating the body is the most important, if you want more milk you have to pump/ breastfeed more (even if little to no milk comes out) so you can send the message to your body that it needs to produce more milk. This can happen in a matter of days or 1-2 weeks (everyone’s body is different). Even if nothing comes out KEEP PUMPING until your body responds, don’t give up, be patient with your body.
Also understand that supplementing with formula for multiple feedings every day tells your body that it doesn’t need to produce as much milk, which will in turn cause your supply to decrease or dry up. You can counteract this by pumping at regular feeding intervals throughout the day. Pumping signals to the body to keep producing, even if the baby isn’t eating at the moment.
Diet (calories) is super important when it comes to breastfeeding also. It’s Important that you eat enough to replenish the 500 calories breastfeeding burns each day. Consider eating a healthy snack, such as an apple with a nut butter, between meals to close the calorie gap. HYDRATE HYDRATE HYDRATE HYDRATE!!! The amount of liquid you put into your body affects how much breastmilk you can produce. I always encourage mamas to carry a bottle of water for themselves in their changing bag. Here is a tip, drink 16-20oz of water everytime you nurse, this way you can ensure you are drinking enough water.
GALACTAGOGUE’S ARE SUPER IMPORTANT!
WHAT ARE GALACTAGOGUE’S?
Galactagogue- a substance that promotes lactation in humans and other animals. Used to induce, maintain, and increase milk production.
Here are a list of Galactagogue’s that you can add to your daily regimen to increase your milk supply.
Fennel - helps stimulate and increase milk supply.
Fenugreek - contains phytoestrogens, which can help increase milk production, as well as help promote lactation.
Garlic- used to increase milk supply.
Ginger- helps to increase breastmilk volume.
Barley Water- contains beta-glucans that help increase prolactin levels (breastfeeding hormone).
Directions:
Take 1 TABLESPOON OF FENNEL and FENUGREEK and add to 36oz of water. Allow to boil and steep until you see the water turn a yellow color. You can steep a piece of ginger root inside of your 36oz of fennel and fenugreek also. I prefer you steep overnight so the drink is ready by morning. You should consume 2 18oz glasses daily. One in the MORNING and one in the EVENING (5-6pm), until you see changes in your supply.
Adding garlic into your daily meals is how you can incorporate garlic!
When it comes to the BARLEY WATER, add 1 TABLESPOON to 16-20oz of water. Bring to a boil and then turn off your pot. Allow mixture to steep overnight and consume the barley water in the morning also. Be sure to strain your drink so that you are only left with a LIQUID mixture. Consume this drink ONCE EVERY MORNING until you see an increase in milk supply.
Remember, breast milk is produced on a supply and demand level . Feed very often to produce more milk. Make sure you are staying hydrated, keep your stress levels down, and have faith in your body! It is so resilient and strong! Please share this with other mamas, and keep for yourself! YOU GOT THIS!
Love you guys,
HerbaWhore
