Is Your Breast Milk On E?????

With my first child, breast milk seemed to flow like a never ending river, but then it started to slow down tremendously and to be honest; I wasn’t ready for it to! Looking all over the internet and asking around, I was DESPERATE to find a product that would help stimulate my milk supply and bring my “river” back.

I found several methods that when I combined them, they helped to bring back my supply so I was happy again!

One of the first methods was drinking about 5 – 6 cups of fenugreek tea (hot) a day. Now don’t worry, this tea is completely caffeine free. You should be able to purchase fenugreek tea from your local health food store or even from Amazon.com (for a really good price J). The taste does take some getting used to, but after awhile, it’s not that bad. I must say that it does make your breast milk smell like maple syrup, but it’s completely harmless to your baby!

Here’s the brand I purchased and loved below:

The second method was to eat old fashioned oatmeal cooked with milk frequently. It’s important to remember to purchase “old fashioned” and not the “quick oats” or “instant” because the other types do not work as effectively. But I ate oatmeal every time I was hungry and this was in addition to the main meals; breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The third method was to eat lactation cookies, munching on them as snacks throughout the day!

Here’s the recipe:

Lactation Cookies

1 cup butter

1 ½ cups brown sugar

4 tbs water

2 tbs flaxseed meal

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla

2 cups flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

3 cups oats (thick cut)

1 cup chocolate chips

2 – 4 tsps of brewers yeast

Mix all ingredients until a cookie like dough forms. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place dough in medium sized balls on cookie sheet. Bake 8 – 12 minutes, depending on the size of the cookies.

***Brewers yeast and flaxseed meal can be found at your local health food store***

The fourth method was to either attempt putting my baby to my breasts; if exclusively pumping or have my husband mimic the baby. Yes, I know I laughed when I was given the advice to do so too! But to be honest, it actually worked because your breasts don’t know that a grown man is “breastfeeding” and not your baby. So the same motions helped to stimulate and get my milk flowing.

Of course remember to always get plenty of rest when you can and drink lots and lots of water! And don’t stress out! Everything will be alright, trust me!

J

 

Breastfeeding…the Painfully Wonderful Experience

Before giving birth to my oldest daughter, Kay, I was determined to breastfeed. I was taught that breastfeeding was the best and healthiest option for my baby. So I was excited. The first time I breastfed was a different experience than I had expected. While it was lovely and an amazing thought to know that my body was able to produce nutrients for a living being, I was not aware that it would hurt.

I had a c-section with my first child as well because at the last minute, even after I’d dilated 8 or 10 centimeters, she’d managed to turn herself around. But I didn’t realize how much breast feeding affects the area where the incision was made. Whenever I would put my daughter to my breast to nurse, I would feel a pain, not only in my breasts but around the incision area. One of the lactation nurses at the hospital explained to me that when you’re breastfeeding, your body contracts and you can really feel it when you’ve had a cesarean. I remember being in pain so bad to the point where I was in tears. I honestly felt like giving up at one point, but then I realized and remembered that this wasn’t just for me, breastfeeding was for my daughter’s health.

I will be completely truthful and admit that it actually took a couple of months for me to get use to breastfeeding. By then, I had a couple of techniques that I would use while breastfeeding to make it a less stressful situation:

1.    

          Eat and drink water while breastfeeding

                                 i.            As long as the baby was positioned correctly with pillows and one arm providing support, I would have a hand free to do other stuff. Having water near, as well as keeping your body relaxed, hydrated and your mind off of the nursing.

2.  

          Create a relaxed environment

                                 i.            I would love nursing while laying in the bed, being completely surrounded with pillows, music playing, the lights dim and even lighting a candle.

Even now with my second daughter, I still cringe a little, but now that I have more experience with breastfeeding and how to properly do so, it seems like a piece of cake.

If you’re a new mother and planning to breastfeed, remember:

• ·         It’s very important to relax
• 
  
• ·         Stay hydrated
• 
  
• ·         Try to nurse in a quiet room
• 
  
• ·         Consult a lactation specialist if needed or go online and chat with someone at the La Leche League www.llli.org

      

-                                                                                                          Breastfeeding Mom :-)