2 month old Aria-Soleil
First of all pat yourself on the back! This ain’t easy. After healing from a c-section, this has to be the hardest and most rewarding part of the journey. Breastfeeding. It’s amazing to know that you are enough when it comes to providing nutrition for your baby. But it can also be very trying, tiring and frustrating. We all have different stories but one thing remains we want to know that baby’s getting enough.
I had shared on both IG & Facebook that I was having some latching troubles I had in the beginning. A poor latch can really mess up your supply. My village really swooped in and supported me. I also did much research and one day it just clicked. Baby girl latched with ease and no pain. I stopped stressing and pretty much let her do what her do her job. I also let go of the fear. Yes I was afraid of the pain that came with her latching once I let it go it went away.
Going from 1oz here and there in a 20-30min pump session to 5oz last month and now sometimes 8oz this month. I’ve definitely come a long way. Funny enough I knew I would. Was just really going through the motions and lets face it new moms go on emotional rollercoasters daily and sometimes don’t see the light at the end of the tunnel until we’re at the end of the tunnel. I remember one day I was pumping while my husband was bottle feeding her breastmilk from the last of my small stash of breastmilk and while she was drinking one ounce I was racing to produce another ounce before she’d finish. Once she finished that 2nd ounce Im trying to race to pump another. It was a nightmare hearing her belt out hungry cries. It broke my heart. So that day after speaking to one of the nurses who took care of my baby who happen to find me on IG that same day. I ended up giving Baby Moon 🌙 formula because she was literally crying and screaming for food. I felt defeated and my nipples were so sore at one point cool and hot air hurt it. So this is a real huge victory for me the stash that you see below. While she only had formula for about a week or two and even then it was once or twice a day I still felt so guilty about it. Not to shame moms who prefer formula but this was not my preference. Not what I had planned for my baby.
So now I nurse when baby’s hungry. That can be every hr. Every 2-4hrs. I pump while and in between feeds and have maintained this rhythm and plan to do so for as long as I have to. I want to continue this stash for Baby Moon 🌙 and incorporate with her solids when the time comes.
CAUTION: the holidays are here so stay away from peppermint. I’ve learned there are other things to stay clear of that will dry your milk ducts such as sage and of course alcoholic beverages.
Here is a list of my go-tos with links for you to get what you need. These have helped me increase and keep a good milk supply. . Take a look at my lists on amazon to see some items not listed here that love and suggest. Again these are suggestions that have worked for me and some of the moms I know who have shared some gems with me. So that are tried and tested. Please note that these suggestions are in no particular order.
Healthy balanced eating regime - Grains, oats, healthy fats, proteins, and leafy greens
I love my smoothies and shakes packed with vitamins, probiotics, adaptogens and all that good stuff my body needs (click on link to get yours)
Flax seeds
Sesame seeds
Lots of water! You’ll be thirsty all the time anyway so drink up!!
Mothers Milk Tea - I didn’t love the fenugreek maple syrup smell at first but hey it’s worth it!
Lactation cookies and treats.
Nurse baby every 2hrs
Pump other breast while nursing your baby #everydropcounts
Should you choose not to pump while nursing you can hand express or place a bottle (haakaa) there to catch milk that lets down instead of wasting milk in breast pad
Pump breast RIGHT AFTER baby feeds for10-15 mins (I do up to 20mins) to signal to your body more milk is needed
Power pumping
Stay positive
Don’t give up
Try not to stress too much
Try not to go more than 4 hrs without pumping / nursing
Dry brushing! Yes your boobs. Brush in a downward motion while nursing / pumping helps with let down. Thanks mommy for this one. She actually told me to use a comb but since I don’t have many in my home I thought to use my dry brush while pumping and it worked.
Use a hot compress while pumping / nursing
Pump right after a warm/hot shower
Find support groups or Baby Cafes in your town (local or your delivering hospital should be able to provide you with a list) there are also groups on social media that are awesome
YOU GOT THIS!!!
And whether you nursed for a day, a month, 6months or a year. You are still your babys super hero. You’re doing a great job.
Let me know if any of these have worked for you below in the comments. Share with your mom community. Takes a lot of pressure off when you have support. This also builds your confidence. We mommas need all the help we can get from one another.
xo,
Cat
