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A couple of weeks ago I was really sick...I mean really sick. I had strep throat and the flu at the same time and with a 103 degree fever I was not interested or able to eat very much. Once I started feeling better I noticed a decrease in my milk supply. I panicked for a minute because I knew that I want to nurse Lyric until she's at least two so I started researching ways to increase milk supply online and came across a recommendation for oatmeal. This was one I hadn't heard of before. I had tried teas and herbs with Bishop and they worked fine but nothing like what the oatmeal has done. I noticed a drastic increase in supply within the first day of eating it for breakfast and it has just continued. If you need a little boost in your supply I would definitely recommend giving it a try. Here are some other things you can do....
- water- try to drink half your body weight in ounces
- galactagogues like fenugreek or goat's rue
- brewer's yeast- 1 Tblsp mixed in food or drinks
- teas which can be found at most grocery stores
- nurse on demand- try to nurse every 1 1/2 to 2 hours
- pump after nursing, the theory is the more you empty from your breasts the more they will be replenished with milk
Here are some things to try to avoid...
- birth control pills particularly ones with estrogen
- pacifiers or breast shields which can create nipple confusion
- supplementing
- scheduled feedings like with supplementing reduces the time that baby nurses and stimulates more milk production
Helpful sources...
- Le Leche League
- Kelly Mom
- hospital lactation consultant...you can call even after you've been discharged
I completely understand that circumstances arise where a mother is unable to nurse and I am sensitive to that. Recently a good friend of mine was in and out of the hospital after the birth of her daughter and consequently was unable to breastfeed. But if you can then go for it! It is a great way to bond with your baby and give them immunity and vital nutrients to grow.
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5 comments:
hi there, friend! i'm so glad you commented so i could come to YOU! anyway, i'm hoping to nurse ezra for as long as possible, too. even though we want to get pregnant again relatively soon, i'm hoping he'll nurse through the pregnancy...which can be done! if anyone can do it, I WILL! i love this post, it's going to be so helpful for so many mamas out there. i take fenugreek and drink the mama's milk tea, just as insurance. and it works wonders.
I'm with you! My daughter will be 2 in July and we are still going strong! Here is a post I wrote for Lactation Cookies:
http://mommyscornerdiy.blogspot.com/2011/02/lactation-cookies.html
They are soooooo good!!
-Brittany
Tricia that would be great if you could nurse through your next pregnancy! My son weaned himself at 1 1/2 and that was when I got pregnant again but I pump him a bottle of mommy's milk everyday. :)
That's a good idea to go ahead and take the fenugreek and drink the teas to prevent shortage. I like the taste of the teas anyways. So glad you stopped by!
Brittany I can't wait to make your cookies! I'm going to post the recipe when I make them too! Thank you for sharing it!
Thanks for this post! I just came across your blog when I read about your product on the "Finding My Feet" blog (and also just purchased some of the coconut wash for my 4.5 month old son who is battling eczema). I just had to have my gallbladder removed and ever since then have noticed a decrease in my milk supply. It's been scaring me as I'd like to nurse as long as possible. I'm going to run out to the store tomorrow to get some oatmeal!! I hope it helps me out the way it's helped you. :)
-jenny
Thanks for stopping by Jenny! I hope the oatmeal helps! Try some of the teas too. They are really good. And thanks for the coconut wash order. I hope that you're enjoying it! :)
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