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Breastfeeding During Your Period

low supply during period

What to do when your period slows  your milk supply

Many women believe that they won’t have their period while they are breastfeeding, but this belief is often not true. While some women may not experience the start of their normal period until months after their child is weaned, other women may begin their period within a few weeks or months after giving birth, while other women may spot off and on while breastfeeding or have irregular periods. Whether or not you get your period while you are breastfeeding is going to depend on many things and it is possible that with each pregnancy your period may start at a different time.

How Your Period Affects Your Breast Milk

Some women worry that having their period while breastfeeding will somehow make their breast milk unhealthy for their baby to drink. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Your breast milk is still perfectly healthy for your child and there is no reason why you can’t continue breastfeeding during your period, although your breasts may feel a little tender.

However, your period may have some minor effects on your breast milk. In some cases, your breast milk may taste a little different to your infant during your period so they may become fussy or not drink as much as normal. In other cases, the supply of your breast milk may diminish slightly due to hormonal changes in your body. As long as your baby is continuing to eat enough and gain weight there is nothing to worry about. However, if you are worried that your infant is not getting enough to eat either because they refuse to feed due to the taste of your milk or because you have less milk, then consult a medical professional.

Things You Can do to Keep Your Supply of Milk Abundant During Your Period

If your breast milk supply does slow or dwindle there are some natural things you can do to help stimulate your body into making more milk. Here are some things you can try to help increase production during this time.

  • Increase Feedings- One of the first things you could try is increasing the number of times you breastfeed a day and the length of time you spend breastfeeding each session. If your breast milk supply has decreased, your baby will probably welcome an extra feeding or two. In the alternative, your infant may also want to feed longer at each feeding to feel full. By increasing your feedings to meet your baby’s hunger, you will be also encouraging your body to produce more milk.

 

  • Stimulate Your Breast Between Feedings- Stimulating your breasts between feedings by either using a breast pump or by hand stimulation can also help increase your production of breast milk. Power Pumping helps too.

 

  • Herbal Breastfeeding Tea- You can also drink some herbal breastfeeding tea to help gently increase your breast milk production.

 

 

  • Stay hydrated: It’s important to stay hydrated during your period, as this can help reduce engorgement and discomfort.

 

  • Use pain relief: If you’re experiencing menstrual cramps, over-the-counter pain relief medication can help. Just be sure to consult with your doctor first.

 

  • Change nursing pads frequently: To prevent leaks and maintain hygiene, it’s important to change nursing pads frequently during your period.

 

  • Use a warm compress: A warm compress can help relieve engorgement and discomfort during breastfeeding.

 

  • Take care of yourself: Don’t forget to take care of yourself during your period, by getting plenty of rest, eating well, and practicing self-care

 

Conclusion

Breastfeeding during your period can be a challenging experience, but it’s important to remember that it’s safe and won’t harm your baby. With the right information and support, you can continue breastfeeding successfully even during your menstrual cycle. By following the tips and advice in this article, you can make the experience as smooth and comfortable as possible. Remember, the most important thing is to take care of yourself and your baby, and to seek support from a lactation consultant or healthcare provider if you need it.

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The Benefits of a Breastmilk Bath for Your Baby

breastmilk bath

The Benefits of a Breastmilk Bath for Your Baby

As a parent, you want to give your baby the best care possible. From feeding to bathing, every decision you make has a big impact on your baby’s health and well-being. In this article, we’ll be discussing one such decision that many parents often overlook – using breastmilk in their baby’s bath.

A breastmilk bath can have numerous benefits for your baby, and it’s a simple and easy way to incorporate the natural goodness of breastmilk into your baby’s daily routine. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what a breastmilk bath is, the benefits it offers, and how to prepare and give one to your baby.

What is a Breastmilk Bath?

A breastmilk bath is exactly what it sounds like – a bath for your baby that uses breastmilk instead of soap or bubble bath. To prepare the bath, you’ll need to express a small amount of breastmilk and add it to the bathwater. The breastmilk acts as a natural and gentle cleanser, nourishing and moisturizing your baby’s skin.

The Benefits of a Breastmilk Bath

There are many benefits to giving your baby a breastmilk bath. Here are just a few of the most notable:

Hydrates and Moisturizes Skin

Breastmilk is a natural source of hydration, and it can help to soothe and moisturize your baby’s delicate skin. This is especially important during the winter months, when the air is dry and can easily dehydrate your baby’s skin. A breastmilk bath can help to combat dryness and keep your baby’s skin soft and smooth.

Reduces Inflammation

Breastmilk is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which can help to reduce inflammation and soothe irritated skin. This is especially helpful for babies with eczema or other skin conditions, as a breastmilk bath can help to relieve itching and discomfort.

Supports Immune System

Breastmilk also contains antibodies and other immune-boosting compounds that can help to protect your baby against infection and illness. By incorporating a breastmilk bath into your baby’s routine, you’ll be helping to support their immune system and keep them healthy.

Gentle and Safe

Commercial baby soaps and bubble baths can contain harsh chemicals that can irritate your baby’s delicate skin. With a breastmilk bath, you can be sure that your baby is being bathed in a gentle and safe solution that won’t cause any harm.

How to Give Your Baby a Breastmilk Bath

Giving your baby a breastmilk bath is simple and straightforward. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Breastmilk
  • A basin or tub for bathing
  • Warm water
  1. Express a small amount of breastmilk (around 1/4 cup) and set it aside.
  2. Fill your basin or tub with warm water (around 100°F(37Deg) to 105°F(40Deg)).
  3. Pour the expressed breastmilk into the bathwater and stir gently to mix.
  4. Place your baby in the bath and let them soak for 10 to 15 minutes.
  5. Drain the bath and wrap your baby in a soft towel to dry.

It’s that simple! With just a few simple steps, you can give your baby the benefits of a breastmilk bath.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a breastmilk bath is a simple and easy way to incorporate the

natural goodness of breastmilk into your baby’s daily routine. By providing hydration and moisturization, reducing inflammation, supporting the immune system, and being gentle and safe, a breastmilk bath can offer numerous benefits for your baby’s health and well-being.

As a parent, it’s important to make informed decisions when it comes to caring for your baby, and incorporating a breastmilk bath into their routine is a great place to start. Whether you’re looking for a natural and gentle way to cleanse your baby’s skin or simply want to give them the benefits of breastmilk, a breastmilk bath is a simple and effective solution.

So, next time you’re preparing your baby’s bath, consider giving them a breastmilk bath and experience the numerous benefits for yourself. Your baby’s delicate skin will thank you!

P..S

My infant has experienced outbreaks of eczema and after incorporating a breastmilk bath into their routine, there has been a noticeable improvement in their condition. The use of a milk bath for your baby has numerous benefits, as the moisturizing fats found in breastmilk can help to soothe redness from sunburn or alleviate the dryness and itching associated with skin conditions such as xerosis or eczema [WebMD].

It is important to note that while a milk bath can offer numerous benefits, if you have concerns about your baby’s skin condition that is not improving, it is crucial to seek the advice of a dermatologist before attempting any form of self-treatment, including a milk bath.

Incorporating a breastmilk bath into your baby’s routine is a natural and effective way to promote healthy skin, and with the added benefits of hydration and moisturization, it is a great addition to any baby’s hygiene regimen.

Love,

Joanna

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How to increase your milk supply without losing your mind

increase supply

How to Increase Your Milk Supply Without Losing Your Mind

Becoming a mother is a wonderful experience, but it can also be incredibly challenging, especially when it comes to breastfeeding. If you are struggling to produce enough milk to feed your baby, it can be an incredibly stressful experience. You may worry about not being able to provide your baby with the nourishment they need, and this stress can take a toll on your mental health. However, there are many things you can do to increase your milk supply and reduce your stress levels at the same time. In this article, we will explore some of the best ways to do just that.

Understanding Milk Supply

It is important to understand how milk supply works so that you can take the necessary steps to increase it. Your milk supply is directly influenced by how often you nurse or pump. The more you nurse or pump, the more milk your body will produce. This is because your body responds to the demand for milk by producing more.

Another factor that influences milk supply is the amount of time your baby spends nursing. When your baby is nursing, they stimulate your breasts, which signals your body to produce more milk. If your baby is not nursing effectively, it can reduce your milk supply.

Establishing a Good Latch

Having a good latch is one of the most important things you can do to increase your milk supply. A good latch allows your baby to nurse effectively, which in turn stimulates your body to produce more milk. If your baby is not latching well, it can reduce the amount of time they spend nursing and reduce your milk supply.

To establish a good latch, it is important to position your baby correctly. Make sure their mouth is open wide and that their lips are flanged out. Make sure their tongue is positioned correctly, so that their nipple is in their mouth and not just the tip. A lactation consultant or midwife can help you get the correct positioning, so don’t hesitate to ask for assistance.

Nursing or Pumping Frequently

One of the best ways to increase your milk supply is to nurse or pump frequently. The more often you nurse or pump, the more milk your body will produce. It is recommended to nurse or pump at least 8 to 12 times per day, or every 2 to 3 hours. This will help ensure that you are keeping up with the demand for milk and increasing your supply.

If you are having trouble finding time to nurse or pump, consider using a hands-free pump or a double electric pump to maximize your efficiency. This will allow you to pump while you are doing other things, such as working, reading, or watching TV.

Staying Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water is essential for maintaining a healthy milk supply. Dehydration can reduce your milk supply, so make sure to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day. You can also drink other liquids, such as herbal teas, soups, and broths, to help increase your hydration levels.

Eating a Balanced Diet

Eating a balanced diet is also important for maintaining a healthy milk supply. Make sure to include plenty of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates in your diet. You can also consider taking a lactation supplement, such as fenugreek or blessed thistle, to help increase your milk supply. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking any supplements, as they may not be safe for everyone.

Getting Enough Sleep

Getting enough sleep is essential for maintaining a healthy milk supply. When you are well-rested, your body is better able to produce milk and respond to your baby’s demand for it. Aim for at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night, and try to take naps during the day if possible. If you are having trouble sleeping, consider trying relaxation techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing, to help you wind down and get the rest you need.

Dealing with Stress

Stress can have a negative impact on your milk supply, so it is important to find ways to manage it. Consider trying stress-reducing activities, such as yoga, exercise, or simply taking a relaxing bath. You can also talk to a counsellor or therapist if you need additional support.

Working with a Lactation Consultant

If you are struggling to increase your milk supply, consider working with a lactation consultant. A lactation consultant can provide you with personalized advice and support, and can help you identify any issues that may be impacting your milk supply. They can also help you with latching techniques and provide guidance on breastfeeding and pumping techniques.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, increasing your milk supply can seem like a daunting task, but it is possible with the right tools and support. Remember that every mother and baby is different, so what works for one may not work for another. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a lactation consultant or other professional for help if you need it. By taking these steps, you can increase your milk supply, reduce your stress levels, and provide your baby with the nourishment they need to thrive.

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Daddies Cheat Sheet: How can you support your breastfeeding wife

breastfeeding wife

 

How can you support your breastfeeding wife

Breastfeeding is a natural and beautiful process that provides numerous health benefits to both the mother and the baby. However, it can also be challenging, especially for first-time mothers who are still learning the ropes. As a husband, you play an essential role in supporting your wife during this time. This guide will help you understand how you can be a supportive and understanding partner to your breastfeeding wife.

Understanding the Benefits of Breastfeeding

Breast milk is nature’s perfect food for infants, providing all the necessary nutrients for their growth and development. It also helps build immunity and provides the baby with protection against infections and diseases. Additionally, breastfeeding releases hormones that help the mother bond with her baby and reduces the risk of postpartum depression.

Supporting Your Wife Physically

Your wife will likely be physically exhausted during the breastfeeding journey, especially in the early days. To help her get through this stage, you can offer to do household chores, cook meals, and provide her with a comfortable place to rest and breastfeed. Additionally, you can offer to help with baby duties such as diapering and burping.

Encouraging Emotional Support

Breastfeeding can be emotionally challenging for some mothers, and it’s not uncommon for them to feel overwhelmed, anxious, or even frustrated. As a husband, you can provide emotional support by listening to your wife’s concerns, offering encouragement, and reminding her of the benefits of breastfeeding. You can also offer to attend breastfeeding classes and support groups with her to provide additional support and guidance.

Overcoming Common Breastfeeding Challenges

Breastfeeding can be challenging, and it’s not uncommon for mothers to experience problems such as engorgement, mastitis, or low milk supply. To help your wife overcome these difficulties, you can research and suggest solutions, offer to help with household chores, and provide emotional support. Additionally, you can encourage your wife to seek professional help if needed, such as visiting a lactation consultant.

Providing a Supportive Environment

Creating a supportive environment at home is crucial for a successful breastfeeding journey. You can help by ensuring that your wife has a comfortable and private space to breastfeed, avoiding smoking or using scented products around the baby, and avoiding feeding the baby with a bottle or pacifier, which can interfere with breastfeeding.

Making Your Wife’s Health a Priority

Breastfeeding can take a toll on a mother’s physical and emotional health, and it’s essential to prioritize her well-being. Encourage your wife to eat a healthy diet, stay hydrated, and get plenty of rest. You can also offer to help with baby duties and household chores to reduce her stress levels and ensure that she has time for self-care.

In conclusion, supporting your breastfeeding wife is a critical part of the parenting journey, and it’s essential to understand the benefits of breastfeeding and the challenges that may arise. As a husband, you play a vital role in providing physical, emotional, and practical support, and creating a supportive environment at home. Remember, your wife is doing an amazing job, and your support and encouragement can make all the difference.

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Am I a low supply mummy?

low milk supply

Am I a low supply mummy?

Am i a low supply mummy? I don’t think I’m producing much milk. Should I worry? This is the most common questions that many new mummies worry about. Most mummies are worried that their body isn’t making enough milk and thus, this is one of the most common reason given for giving up breastfeeding. However, the good news is that nearly all women are capable of making plenty of milk for their baby.

But first, let us show you some myth to determine if your milk supply is enough.

Ways to determine if you are a low supply mummy

  • baby taking full bottle after nursing session 
  • did not of leaking milk/ not having letdown feeling
  • feeling full / empty with your breast
  • the frequency / length of feedings
  • how much milk you pumped

These are NOT reliable indicator of to which if you have enough milk.

So, what are the correct signs? Our general thump of rule is as long as baby is pooping, peeing , sleeping well, not fussy and gaining weight means baby is getting enough. There are plenty of definitive signs that’ll let you know whether your baby is getting enough milk and if you are producing enough to meet baby’s demand.

Ways to determine if baby is getting enough milk

  • Your baby’s pooping. If you’re changing at least five diapers daily filled with large, seedy, mustard coloured poops, your baby’s getting enough milk. From around two to three months old, the rate would drop to one poop a day, or even one every other day, your baby is getting enough milk too.
  • Your baby’s peeing and its light in yellow color. If your baby has 6-8 very wet cloth diapers or 5-6 wet disposable diapers and 2-5 bowel movements per day (after the baby is three days old). To feel what a wet diaper is like, pour three tablespoons of water into a clean diaper.
  • Your baby’s content after feedings. Just like how you feel after a full meal, content and ready to nap. If your baby’s crying and fussing a lot after a full nursing, it could mean he’s still hungry (and/or that you’ve got a poor milk supply). Keep in mind, however, that he could be fussing for reasons unrelated to hunger etc colic. In general, if your baby’s active, alert, and healthy overall, your fine.
  • Your baby’s gaining weight. There’s no surer sign of good milk supply than a baby who’s putting on the weight. A weight gain of 120g to 200g on average per week indicates he’s getting enough milk.

What causes low supply?

increase milk supply singaporeIn a breastfeeding relationship, mom’s body responds to baby’s demand. The supply and demand equilibrium between the mummy and baby can break down sometimes, causing a supply issue.  The situation can be compounded by:

  1. Supplementing. Nursing is a supply & demand process. Milk is produced as your baby nurses, and the amount that she nurses lets your body know how much milk is required. Every bottle (of formula, juice or water) that your baby gets means that your body gets the signal to produce that much less milk.
  2. Bottle preference. A bottle requires a different type of sucking than nursing, and it is easier for your baby to extract milk from a bottle. As a result, giving a bottle can either cause your baby to have problems sucking properly at the breast, or can result in baby preferring the constant faster flow of the bottle.
  3. Pacifiers. Pacifiers can affect baby’s latch. They can also significantly reduce the amount of time your baby spends at the breast, which may cause your milk supply to drop.
  4. Nipple shields can be a useful tool in some cases, but hey can also reduce the stimulation to your nipple or interfere with milk transfer, which can interfere with the supply-demand cycle.
  5. Returning to work. Being separated from their baby for long periods of time, as well as the stress associated with re-entering the work force can make it difficult for moms to maintain their supply. The article Returning to Work has information about how to deal with these challenges.
  6. Scheduled feedings interfere with the supply & demand cycle of milk production and can lead to a reduced supply, sometimes several months later rather than immediately. Nurse your baby whenever she is hungry.
  7. Sleepy baby. For the first few weeks, some babies are very sleepy and only ask to nurse infrequently and for short periods. Until baby wakes up and begins to breastfeed well, nurse baby at least every two hours during the day and at least every 4 hours at night to establish your milk supply.
  8. Cutting short the length of nursings. Stopping a feeding before your baby ends the feeding herself can interfere with the supply-demand cycle. Also, your milk increases in fat content later into a feeding, which helps baby gain weight and last longer between feedings.
  9. Offering only one breast per feeding. This is fine if your milk supply is well-established and your baby is gaining weight well. If you’re trying to increase your milk supply, let baby finish the first side, then offer the second side.
  10. Health or anatomical problems with baby (including, jaundice, tongue-tie, etc.) can prevent baby from removing milk adequately from the breast, thus decreasing milk supply.
  11. Mom’s health (uncontrolled anemia or hypothyroidism, retained placenta, postpartum hemorrhage…), previous breast surgery/injury, hormonal problems (e.g.PCOS), anatomical problems, medications she is taking (hormonal birth control,sudafed…), or smoking also have the potential to affect milk supply.

Identifying and targeting your problem areas can help you bring your supply back up to baby’s demand.

Boosting Your Milk Supply

Here’s the golden rule you got to remember: Baby drinks more, you produce more. 

  1. Getting into the right position. A good latch will ensure that all your milk gets from your breast to your baby effciently and pain-free. Your pain and baby’s lack of swallows indicate a problem and the first suspect is latch or position. A lactation consultant can help you check and see if your latching correctly. Check out how to latch here.
  2. Go hands-on. Encourage milk letdown and flow by applying warmth to your breasts, shoulders and upper back before nursing. Breast massage and compressions also help.
  3. Demand Feeding Many mummies find success with demand feeding. You can either nurse-in with your baby to bed with you; nurse and cuddle all day long! Have your partner bring you food, drinks, snacks and allow you to relax so you can bond with your baby. Latch at the slightest signal of baby wanting to nurse regardless how long and how frequent it might takes The extra nursing and the the skin-to-skin contact tells your body to make more milk.
  4. Use good pump. Use a high quality pump after each feeding (or as often as possible). This helps “empty your breasts” completely, sending the signal out for more milk production. (Do note that you cannot “empty your breast’ as your breast is constantly producing milk, pump as much as you can is good enough.)
  5. H2O Yeah! Stay hydrated.Keep a bottle of water near the area you breastfeed and drink while your baby does. A warm cup of  lactation tea will help you relax, and produce even more milk, which makes for more pleasant and effective nursing sessions. 
  6. Power pumping . The powe pumping sessions work like a charm as it mimics cluster feeding thus encourages your body to make more milk.
  7. Pumping between feedings as often as you can can help to build up your supply even more
  8. Rest Rest Rest and more rest, while this is not easy, have your partner take care of your baby for a few hours and have a good sleep works wonders. If you your exhausted, how do you produce milk?
  9. Do NOT be stress. STRESS IS NO1 MILK KILLER

Galactagogues

Despite your best efforts, sometimes your supply still needs a boost.

  1. Food.Here is a list of galactagogues that we have compiled that might give you an idea what to get your hands on.
  2. Medications.Your doctor might also prescribe certain medications to help with lactation. Metaclopamide, domperidone, and the antipsychotics, sulpiride and chlorpromazine work by blocking dopamine receptors. This would results in higher prolactin levels and can increase milk supply.
  3.  Singapore Lactation Bakes’ BAKES. We recommend our very own lactation bakes series. They come in cookies, muffins and even pancake mix. Our bakes contains some key ingredients that can help BOOST your breast milk supply. The key ingredients to our bakes are Rolled Oats, Brewer’s Yeast, and Flax Seed and yes there are options to add other herbs that were known to boost milk supplies that you can consider adding to. Read more informations about our lactation bakes here.

When Supplementing is Necessary

You’ve tried everything but your supply still doesn’t meet your baby’s demand, it might be necessary to supplement.

Here’s the golden rule is: offer breast first! Always empty your breasts before offering more nutrition. Even the tiniest amount of breast milk has a huge variety of health benefits and not forgetting nursing more encourages your brain to produce more ( remember the latch more produce more rule?)

The most important thing to understand is this: You are not a failure. A healthy breastfeeding relationship is more than just nutrition nor the milk! You do not need to be full breastfeeding to be a full time mom. It’s about the beautiful bond between your precious little one and you. Supplementing is just another way to enjoy time with your baby.

Sources:

  1. Poor milk supply  http://www.whattoexpect.com/poor-milk-supply-breastfeeding.aspx

  2. Increasing Low Milk Supply http://kellymom.com/hot-topics/low-supply Kelly Bonyata, BS, IBCLC

  3. Increasing your milk supply Increasing Your Milk Supply by Anne Smith, IBCLC

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SLB Eating Guide and Storage Guide

SLB Eating Guide: SLB Eating instruction and Storage Guide

Thank you mummies for having SLB here with you in your marvellous breastfeeding journey! Now that you have the bakes with you, let us SLB eating guide you on how to have the bakes, the SLB eating instructions, how the bakes are suppose to help and things to take note of when you are having our bakes! Feel free to copy and save the above infographic so that you could do reference at any point of time.

How our Lactation cookies works?

Breastfeeding is nature’s gift to mothers: It’s all-natural and free, and it provides a host of benefits to you and your baby’s overall health. However, it’s often a concern for new mothers that their milk supply isn’t enough. Your milk supply may indeed temporarily diminish if you’re not feeding your little one often enough for a variety of reasons.

Remember that milk supply works the same way as economics: there’s a law of supply and demand. With breastfeeding, the more you nurse, the more milk you produce given the proper positioning and latch. Unfortunately for a number of mothers, their milk supply may still be low. Enter galactagogues, the most popular and most convenient being lactation cookies.

Singapore Lactation Bakes’s bake contains some key ingredients that can help support your breast milk supply.

SLB cookies helps in a way in which our bakes will help with your let down sensation. Once you feel the let down at any point of time, latch or pump immediately. This way your body will respond to the need to make more milk as there are “demand”.

So say you pump 5 times a day with 20ml per pump, now with more let downs, maybe you pump 7 times a day with extra 10ml each pump. So your total output of milk would increase from 100ml to 120ml per day.  If you continue with this routine, you could then slowly wean off the cookies while maintaining the “new” output.

How long does it takes to see effect?

SLB eating guide suggests you enjoy 8-10 cookies per day and or with 1-2 muffins / brownies a day for best results. You may feel fuller/ more let downs by that evening, or it may take a few days before you notice a boost in supply. Some women may not experience an increase; each body is different and responds differently to foods.

However, SLB ‘s cookies, muffins and brownies have helped to support many mummies with milk supply and deliver on taste and nutrition to everyone. Each mother respond differently to lactation cookies. Some moms notice a significant increase in their milk supply within a few hours, while some take a 4-5 days while other could take 1-2 weeks after following the SLB eating instructions.

Can my family members / friends enjoy the lactation bakes?

Absolutely! There is no mystery estrogen in Our lactation bakes, just whole, honest ingredients. With sustained energy from oats, omega 3s from flax,  these bakes are the perfect addition to any man’s gym bag, briefcase. Bring on the daddies! It’s also great for toddlers, kids and older folks too!

Who should avoid eating lactation cookies?

Basically anyone in the family can eat the cookies! ( my 3, 5 and 8 year olds are my cookie testers!). However, Lactation bakes are not suitable for pregnant ladies but its ok to start eating them straight after birth.

We also have some Articles on breastfeeding such as how do you know if you are low supply do you have sore nipples or why your baby keeps drinking and well as some Breastfeeding Tips and pumping hacks that you could adopt to make your breastfeeding journey a little easier. Read thru our breastfeeding recipes too as we have compiled some easy recipe for you too! Lastly, Don’t forget to Eat SLB . Breastfeed. Repeat and continue to put baby to breast as often as possible, pump when necessary, stay hydrated and, most importantly, well-rested (yeah, right).  Thank you for reading our SLB eating guide. I commend you for even reading this far. ?

More questions? read our FAQ for more infos or live chat us if you have more questions ya =)

*Our bakes are not intended as a replacement for professional lactation support. Our bakes provide nutritious and valuable lactation support for nursing mothers and their little ones only when used in collaboration with best breastfeeding practices and/or while under the care of lactation professionals.

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Tips on getting a good breastfeeding latch

Breastfeeding may be the most natural way to feed your baby, but it can take time and practice for you both to get the hang of it. Understanding how a good breastfeeding latch (also known as breastfeeding attachment) should look and feel can be a huge help in getting feeding established.

There’s no right or wrong way to hold and feed your baby, and each mum and baby will find their own preferred position to feed in. What’s important is that you both feel comfortable. Knowing a few different breastfeeding positions and techniques can be helpful as your baby gets bigger and you start to go out more. Read on to find out how to get a good breastfeeding latch!

A Proper Latch

Before breastfeeding, a mother needs to get into a comfortable position as feeding may take 5 minutes to an hour. Use cushions to support the back to prevent it from getting strained. Not only will it help with the back, but it will also help the baby to latch properly. To start feeding, bring the baby towards the nipple; do not bend towards the baby, as it will result in a poor latch and will hurt in the process.

Holding your breast in a “U” shape will help the baby with good latching. It also makes it easy for the baby to latch on. Keep hands 2 inches away from the nipple. Support the neck of the baby with your hand and gently bring the baby towards the breast.

Aim your nipple towards the upper lip of the baby and not towards the centre. If the baby does not latch on the breast, try rubbing the nipple on its upper lip. This way the baby’s head will tilt back. If the baby does not open its mouth, do not force it in but instead gently rub your breast against its mouth. Squeezing a little milk out and then rubbing will also help the baby open its mouth.

Make sure that the mother and the baby are chest to chest with its nose slightly above the breast. As the baby latches on to the breast, ensure that the nipple and areola (the dark area surrounding the nipple) is in the baby’s mouth. This is considered to be a good latch!

Basic Steps for Latching Positioning

  1. Position yourself comfortably with back support, pillows supporting your arms and in your lap with your feet supported.  Whatever feels most comfortable to you!
  2. Position baby close to you with his hips flexed so that he does not have to turn his head to reach your breast. His mouth and nose should be facing your nipple (rather than having to turn his head to face your nipple).
  3. Support your breast if needed so it is not pressing on your baby’s chin. Your baby’s chin should drive into your breast.
  4. Attach or latch your baby onto your breast. Encourage him to open his mouth wide, and pull him close by supporting his back (rather than the back of his head) so that his chin drives into your breast. It helps to tickle his upper lip/nose with your nipple. This will encourage him to open his mouth wide and latch onto your breast. His nose will be touching your breast. Your hand forms a “second neck” for your baby by lightly supporting his neck (not his head).
  5. Enjoy! If you are feeling pain, detach the baby gently and try again.

As you and your baby become more experienced and comfortable with breastfeeding, you’ll find that you can alter your positions in many ways, even from feeding to feeding. As long as you’re comfortable and the baby is nursing successfully, do what works best for you.

How to help your baby latch on the breast

1: Check your latching position.

Position baby close to you

Before you start, and whichever breastfeeding position you choose, make sure your baby’s head, neck and spine are aligned, not twisted. His chin should be up, not dropped towards his chest. Make sure you feel comfortable too – you could use pillows or cushions to support your back, arms or baby.1

2: Encourage your baby to open his mouth

Hold your baby close, your nipple level with his nose. Touch your nipple gently against his upper lip to encourage him to open his mouth wide. The wider his mouth is, the easier it will be to get a good latch on.

3: Bring your baby to your breast   

Once your baby has opened his mouth wide and has brought his tongue over his bottom gum, bring him onto your breast, aiming your nipple towards the top of his mouth. Your baby’s chin should be the first thing that touches your breast. He should take a large portion of your areola into his mouth, with his bottom lip and jaw covering more of the underneath of the areola.  It’s OK if you see part of your areola isn’t inside his mouth – we all have different-sized areolae and different-sized babies! Some mums find that gently shaping their breast at the same time as bringing their baby on to feed helps. Experiment and see what works.

4: Keep your baby close during latch on

Remember mums all have different breast shapes and nipple positions, so you may not always have that ‘textbook’ latch. Whenever possible, keep your baby close to you, with his chin in contact with your breast. Newborn baby’s noses are turned up so they can breathe easily while attached to the breast. This lets them coordinate sucking and breathing with ease.

5: Look and listen

As your baby feeds, your nipple will be against the roof of his mouth, cupped gently by his tongue underneath. The latch should not feel uncomfortable – it should be more of a tugging sensation. Watch your baby – at first, he’ll do short, rapid sucks to stimulate your milk flow (let-down reflex). Once the milk starts flowing, he’ll suck more slowly and deeply with some pauses, which may indicate he’s taking in milk – a good sign! You should see his jaw moving, and may also hear sucking and swallowing as he feeds. These are all good signs, but it’s also important to check your baby is producing plenty of wet and dirty nappies and gaining weight as expected.

6: How to break your baby’s latch on the breast

If your baby’s latch is shallow or painful, or he starts chomping on your nipple or brushing the end of it with his tongue, remove him from your breast and try again. Ease your clean finger gently inside the corner of his mouth to break his suction if you need to.

How To Confirm If Your Latch Is Good?

Knowing the right breastfeeding latching tips and being aware of common latching signs can make your problems go away in no time. It will make breastfeeding a seamless and hassle-free process. Here are the signs of proper breastfeeding latching amongst babies:

  • No pain – If the breastfeeding process feels smooth and less painful, then you’ve latched your baby on properly.
  • Comfortable positioning – Put pillows behind your lower back for added support. If you’re breastfeeding your baby in bed, put some pillows below your knees for cushioning and support.
  • Nipple inside baby’s mouth – When you’re breastfeeding correctly, the entire nipple should be inside the baby’s mouth
  • Tummy-to-tummy position – Position your baby in a way that her tummy faces yours during the breastfeeding process.
  • Head and neck alignment – Make sure the baby’s neck and head align in the same direction so that there’s no discomfort faced when bringing the baby close to your nipple.
  • Breast support – Support your breast in a way that baby’s chin drives into your breast and not the other way around.
  • Close positioning – Position your baby close to your nipples so that she doesn’t have to bend or turn her head to reach your breast.
  • Mouth and nose facing nipple – Your baby’s mouth and nose should face the nipple with the nose touching the breast during the breastfeeding process.
  • A level head and bottom – Your baby’s head should be at level with the bottom of his body during the breastfeeding process.
  • Wide mouth – Encourage your baby to open his mouth wide during the breastfeeding process.

The cheeks of the baby will look full, its chin must rest on the breast, and the nose must be free and above the breast. The baby does not make any noise except for swallowing. After the feeding, there will be no change in the shape of the nipple and the baby will look satisfied, any previous irritation disappears, and the baby might even fall asleep.

There will be no movement in the lower jaw of the baby. Instead of an up and down movement, there will be circular movements in the baby’s mouth. With good latching, the baby will be relaxed. If the baby is still restless then the latch is not done properly and will have to be redone.

Some videos to help

Here’s a video on how to get on a good latch for new mothers.

 

Here’s another awesome video on how to latch!

In conclusion

Remember, breastfeeding should not be painful.  A good breastfeeding latch will help keep discomfort to a minimum.  If your baby is not latched on well, problems like cracked and sore nipples can develop. Once a good position and latch are established, breastfeeding can be a wonderful, pain-free bonding experience between you and your baby.

If you are still experiencing any nipple pain, dryness or discomfort, try a nipple cream.

If you need further assistance, many hospitals have lactation consultants. Seek to work with a lactation consultant at the hospital or birthing centre in which you delivered. If you are already home, you can speak with your healthcare provider. You can also call a breastfeeding helpline or contact an independent lactation consultant. Join our breastfeeding community to ask fellow mummies for support too!

Last but not least like what Kellymom mentions

No matter what latch and positioning look like, the true measure is in the answers to these two questions:

  1. Is it effective?
  2. Is it comfortable?

Even if the latch and positioning look perfect (yes, even if a lactation consultant told you it was fine), pain (particularly after the first two weeks) and/or ineffective milk transfer indicates that something needs to change, and the first suspect is ineffective latch/positioning.
If the baby is transferring milk and gaining weight well, and mom is not hurting, then latch and positioning are – by definition – good, even if they look nothing like the “textbook” latch.

“Rules and regulations have no place in the mother-baby relationship. Each mother and baby dyad is different and what works well for one mother and baby may not work well for another mother and baby. The important thing to do is to look at the mother and baby as individuals.”– Andrea Eastman, MA, CCE, IBCLC in The Mother-Baby Dance

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Nipple Confusion and its solution

If anyone deserves a break, it’s a nursing mom! Your desire to have your little one take breast milk from a bottle every now and again so that you can get out of the house and go for a much-needed walk (or at least take a shower or a nap) is completely understandable. But are you worried that your little one won’t take to the bottle easily? Heard one too many “nipple confusion” sagas from friends and lactation specialists? Or has that theory been discounted by your paediatrician and your mother-in-law, leaving you more confused than ever?

What is nipple confusion during breastfeeding?

Nipple confusion is when babies who are used to sucking from bottles have a hard time getting back on the breast. They may have difficulty latching on and may protest the different size or texture. Nipple confusion sometimes occurs in young infants who are breastfed, given both a bottle and a pacifier within a few days of birth. Sucking on a breast, a bottle and a pacifier all require different sucking techniques. Young infants can become confused about which sucking technique to use for which kind of nipple.

A hungry infant who has difficulty sucking becomes quickly frustrated, making feeding your baby difficult and frustrating both for you and your child.  While not all young infants suffer from nipple confusion, enough do that it poses a real problem for many new parents.

Is nipple confusion real?

Most babies have no problem switching from breast to bottle and back again. Others, particularly those who take a little longer perfecting the art of suckling at the breast, do find it hard to transition from breast to bottle, and then back to the breast. This is why most experts agree that you should wait until your newborn gets the hang of breastfeeding (about three weeks) before you break out the bottle.

If breastfeeding hasn’t hit its groove by the three-week mark, wait a little longer before introducing the bottle.

Why do you need to hold off before you switch off? If you don’t wait until your baby has perfected her breastfeeding skill, there’s a risk she’ll give up breastfeeding sooner than you’d like.

Does your baby know the difference between breast and bottle?

Newborns catch on pretty quickly they don’t have to work nearly as hard to get milk from a bottle with a rubber (or silicone) nipple as from your breast. To breastfeed, your baby needs to master the fine art of taking your nipple far back into her mouth and then using her tongue to pump out the milk (which can take a minute or so before it starts flowing). With a tilted bottle, a baby has gravity on her side: She can suck with her lips and get all the milk she wants right away. So the baby suffering from nipple confusion may not be befuddled so much as opinionated. She prefers the bottle. And why wouldn’t she? It’s the quicker, easier route to a full belly.

The main reason for developing nipple confusion for bottle-feeding

The main reason for nipple confusion is just simply the fact that bottle feeding for a breastfed baby is completely different from natural breastfeeding. Regardless of what’s in the bottle, it is all about “your breast vs the bottle”, in which your baby has to suck in 2 different ways.

Additionally, the difference in:

  • Mouth muscles used while sucking from the breast are more than in the baby bottle.
  • His tongue moving differently in each situation.
  • The elasticity of breast skin vs the bottle teat.
  • The milk flow rate from the breast and the baby bottle

Nipple confusion can result at the end of breastfeeding and is a big issue.

Note

Usually, breastfeeding mothers face the nipple confusion issue when they tend to pump/express breastmilk before returning to work or study.

Here are the measures you should take to avoid and fix nipple confusion during mixing between breast and bottle feeding.

When to introduce the bottle

Give breast-only feeding the recommended three weeks for your milk supply to get well established and for your newborn to really master the technique, and then feel free to give yourself that longed-for break.

Tips for introducing the bottle

Some babies take to bottle-feeding right away, others protest. If you’ve got a stubborn bottle feeder on your hands, be ready to offer a choice of formula, nipple sizes and style, and formula-feeding times until he decides which one he prefers. If your baby baulks at breast or bottle, here’s a game plan for handling that nipple confusion (or preference!):

What to do if your baby won’t take a bottle

Go back to square one. Revisit the basics of latching on and remind your baby how soothing breastfeeding can be by cuddling her skin-to-skin. It may require a few sessions of fumbling at the breast before she gets back on track, but it’ll be worth it!

Make it easier. Get your milk flowing (either manually or by pumping your breast milk) before your baby starts to eat, so she doesn’t have to work that hard for the milk. (Just pump enough to get things dripping; you’re not looking to fill a bottle just yet.)

Time it right. She should be in the mood for a meal (aka hungry) so she’s motivated to give it a try…but not so famished that she can’t get her baby brain around relearning an old trick. If she’s starving, she may not have the patience to latch on or suck hard enough to get the milk she wants—and that might lead to a full-blown frenzy of frustration, which can throw both of you off track.

Back off on the faux nipples. If the whole switching process has given your baby a bad case of nipple confusion, just stick with breastfeeding till she’s got it down solid. (This means you’ll need to put away the pacifiers too, just in case she’s gotten too fond of sucking for satisfaction with her lips.)

What to do if your baby prefers breastfeeding

Let Daddy do the feeding. Sometimes a baby is just too attached to Mom’s nipple, so hitting the bottle while Mom is so close by (yet buttoned-up) seems wrong. But it may be a different story if someone else is bringing on the bottle — whether it’s Dad, Grandma, or your best pal. But don’t worry that you’ll always need a Mommy stand-in at feeding time — once your wee one gets the hang of the bottle, she won’t care who gives it to her!

Try different nipples types. If one nipple doesn’t succeed, try, try another one. Just watch the flow rate. The milk should come out fast enough that your baby doesn’t get frustrated…but not so fast that she can’t keep up with the flow. A drop a second when you turn the bottle upside-down is just right.

Make bottle feeding as much like breastfeeding as you can. Interact with your baby. Switch arms halfway through so she has something different to look at. Burp her. But remember that while some newborns want bottle feeding to be just like breastfeeding, others take to it better if the experience is completely different. So if that’s the case with yours, try a different location or even a different position.

To avoid nipple confusion

  • No bottle introduction or pacifier during the first month
  • Avoid giving your breastfed baby a pacifier
  • Start introducing the bottle 3 weeks before work to give him a space to learn the new skill

How to fix nipple confusion?

You can do that by decreasing the gap as much as you can between breast and bottle. The whole idea of how to fix nipple confusion is to mimic the natural process of breastfeeding.

While you try to introduce the artificial nipple, do your best to decrease the difference between the natural nipple of you and the synthetic bottle nipple.

Breastfed baby breast refusal may be due to the type of bottle

The ordinary classic baby bottle has 2 huge disadvantages with regards to nipple confusion:

  1. It is light in weight
  2. It has a narrow/small bottle nipple.

And for that, it is much easier for your breastfed baby to get his milk from the regular bottle rather than your heavy, wide breast. By the time, he would prefer this small/light nipple rather than your breast. So, it is far from your heavy, wide breast nipple.

How to fix that?

Pick a wide base baby bottle that has a wide nipple to mimic the size of your breast. Also, the wide neck bottles are closer to your breast regarding their weight. And remember that your breast is like a heavy sandwich for your breastfed baby to latch on to it.

Nipple confusion makes your baby refusing the breast due to the flow rate

Breast milk ejection from the breast is a time-consuming process. This process is mediated through the lactation hormones, Oxytocin and Prolactin. Your breastfed baby may take around 2 mins to receive the breast milk during natural breastfeeding.

However, the milk comes easily and quickly in the case of bottle-feeding.

How to fix that issue?

Try to choose the slow flow rate teat to make the process slower. On the fast flow bottle nipple teat, it may make it easier for your baby to get choked.

Another way to mimic the slow milk rate of breastfeeding is to apply pauses while bottle-feeding. Don’t let your baby latch on to the bottle for the whole 10 mins of feeding, as gravity makes the milk flow faster from the bottle compared to the breast. 

So, what to do instead?

During bottle feeding, you can control the flow by making pauses every 2 minutes for 10 seconds.  These pauses will stretch the time needed to finish the milk from the bottle.

By doing that, you mimic breastfeeding sessions’ duration and flow rate. This lets your baby switch between both ways of feeding without feeling a huge difference.

Did your breastfed baby latch onto the bottle properly?

Your baby having a good latch during breastfeeding is crucial for a successful breastfeeding journey.  After latching onto your breast deeply,  he should do so on the bottle as well. A shallow latch on the bottle is a probable cause of nipple confusion.

What is the solution for a bottle shallow latch?

Simply, ensure that your baby is catching the wide base of the bottle rather than the tip. Like what happens in the normal latching process while breastfeeding, where your baby is catching the most of your areola within his mouth.

How to achieve that?

First, you should stimulate your breastfed newborn for the wide mouth opening. This could be done by raising the bottle at a higher level than his mouth.

Then hit his nose with the tip of the baby bottle tip.

Naturally, he would widen his mouth opening to catch the bottle nipple.

The second step is to pick the widest mouth opening and insert gently and deeply the bottle. You can control this process by grabbing your baby’s head using your hand.

How to balance breastfeeding and bottle-feeding

Bottle or breastfeeding doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing choice. By spacing out feedings, finding a formula baby likes almost as much as mom’s breast milk, and making sure nursing time includes lots of skin-on-skin bonding, you’ll be able to enjoy the flexibility of both.

sources

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Breastfeeding Newborns

Everything you need to know about breastfeeding your newborn, in one article! This article is organised into weeks, to make it easier for new mummies!

The First Week

How often should the baby be nursing?

Frequent nursing encourages a good milk supply and reduces engorgement. Aim for nursing at least 8 – 12 times per day (24 hours). You CAN’T nurse too often–you CAN nurse too little.

Go on-demand feeding. Nurse at the first signs of hunger (stirring, rooting, hands in mouth)–don’t wait until the baby is crying. Allow the baby unlimited time at the breast when sucking actively, then offer the second breast. Some newborns are excessively sleepy at first–wake baby to nurse if 2 hours (during the day) or 4 hours (at night) have passed without nursing.

Is the baby getting enough milk?

Weight gain: Normal newborns may lose up to 7% of birth weight in the first few days. After mom’s milk comes in, if you are breastfeeding your newborn, they should gain about 170 g/week. Take baby for a weight check at the end of the first week or the beginning of the second week. Consult with the baby’s doctor if the baby is not gaining as expected.

Dirty diapers: In the early days, the baby typically has one dirty diaper for each day of life (1 on day one, 2 on day two…). After day 4, stools should be yellow and the baby should have at least 3-4 stools daily that are the size of about2.5 cm or larger. Some babies stool every time they nurse, or even more often–this is normal, too. The normal stool of a breastfed baby is loose (soft to runny) and may be seedy or curdy.

Wet diapers: In the early days, the baby typically has one wet diaper for each day of life (1 on day one, 2 on day two…). Once mom’s milk comes in, expect 5-6+ wet diapers every 24 hours. To feel what a sufficiently wet diaper is like, pour 3 tablespoons (45 mL) of water into a clean diaper. A piece of tissue in a disposable diaper will help you determine if the diaper is wet.

Breast changes

Your milk should start to “come in” (increase in quantity and change from colostrum to mature milk) between days 2 and 5. To minimize engorgement: nurse often, don’t skip feedings (even at night), ensure good latch/positioning, and let your baby finish the first breast before offering the other side.

Call your doctor if your baby has:

  • no wet or dirty diapers
  • dark coloured urine after day 3 (should be pale yellow to clear)
  • dark coloured stools after day 4 (should be mustard yellow, with no meconium)
  • fewer wet/soiled diapers or nurses less frequently than the goals listed here
  •  or if you have symptoms of mastitis (sore breast with fever, chills, flu-like aching)

Supplement

Get Singapore Lactation Bakes’s Cookies 1-2 weeks in advance and put them in your hospital bag. Skin to skin and latch baby immediately after birth and you may start having the lactation cookies. 10-12 cookies per day promote more letdowns or fuller breasts. Pump or latch baby immediately when you feel the let downs or fuller breast to encourage more milk production.

Weeks Two through Six

How often should the baby be nursing?

Frequent nursing in the early weeks is important for establishing a good milk supply. You should be breastfeeding your newborn                  8 – 12+ times per day (24 hours). You CAN’T nurse too often—you CAN nurse too little.

Nurse at the first signs of hunger (stirring, rooting, hands in mouth) and don’t wait until the baby is crying. Allow the baby unlimited time at the breast when sucking actively, then offer the second breast. Some newborns are excessively sleepy, wake the baby to nurse every 2 hours during the day or 4 hours during the night if the baby doesn’t wake up to nurse. Once the baby has established a good weight gain pattern, you can stop waking the baby and nurse on the baby’s cues alone.

The following things are normal:

  • Frequent and/or long feedings.
  • Varying nursing patterns from day today.
  • Cluster nursing (very frequent to constant nursing) for several hours—usually evenings—each day. This may coincide with the normal “fussy time” that most babies have in the early months.
  • Growth spurts, where baby nurses more often than usual for several days and may act very fussy. Common growth spurt times in the early weeks are the first few days at home, 7 – 10 days, 2 – 3 weeks and 4 – 6 weeks.

Is the baby getting enough milk?

Weight gain: When breastfeeding your newborn, they should gain 6 ounces/week (170 grams/week). Consult with the baby’s doctor and your lactation consultant if the baby is not gaining as expected.

Dirty diapers: Expect 3-4+ stools daily that are the size of about 2.5 cm or larger. Some babies stool every time or even more often when they nurse this is normal. The normal stool of a breastfed baby is yellow and loose (soft to runny) and may be seedy or curdy. After 4 – 6 weeks, some babies stool less frequently, with stools as infrequent as once every 7-10 days. As long as the baby is gaining weight well, this is normal.

Wet diapers: Expect 5-6+ wet diapers every 24 hours. To feel what a sufficiently wet diaper is like, pour 3 tablespoons (45 mL) of water into a clean diaper. A piece of tissue in a disposable diaper will help you determine if the diaper is wet. After 6 weeks, wet diapers may drop to 4-5/day but the amount of urine will increase to 4-6+ tablespoons (60-90+ mL) as the baby’s bladder capacity grows.

Milk supply

Some moms worry about milk supply. As long as the baby is gaining well on mom’s milk alone, then milk supply is good. Between weight checks, a sufficient number of wet and dirty diapers will indicate that baby is getting enough milk.

Boosting Milk supply

Take cookies, muffins, herbs  (called ‘galactagogues’) to stimulate the hormones that govern their milk supply. Eat food that boosts milk will help too. You may need to do some trial and error as everyone’s body reacts differently to food.

 

Reference:

Kelly mom  https://kellymom.com/hot-topics/newborn-nursing/

 

 

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Stress less tips with naturally low milk supply

How to Stress Less When You’re Breastfeeding With a Naturally Low Milk Supply

Breastfeeding and stress seem to go hand-and-hand. I’m not sure if that’s always been the case throughout human history, but nowadays it certainly seems to be true for most breastfeeding mamas.

When you’re a breastfeeding mom who has a milk supply that is naturally on the lower side, the already-existing stress can escalate really quickly, and for completely justifiable reasons.

Here’s the thing about stress and breastfeeding: Stress is Number 1 Milk Killer.

Stress can make it harder to produce breastmilk, so when you’re supply is already lo. letting something like stress interfere isn’t really an option.

These tips have helped me reduce breastfeeding stress and successfully breastfeed all of my daughters, even with a naturally low breastmilk supply.

1. Set Small Goals As You Go (and Celebrate Meeting Each One)

My big picture breastfeeding goal with all of my daughters was to nurse them for one year without supplementing with formula.

But let me be honest here, real quick. On night two of being home from the hospital with a newborn, sore nipples, and a low milk supply. Nothing seems further away than that one year mark. It feels completely unattainable. Entirely hopeless.

So how do you combat that overwhelming feeling that you will be a breastfeeding mama for all eternity? Set a smaller goal and allow yourself some happiness (and maybe some kind of treat ( Like Our Lactation Cookie Cups) when you meet it.

Whether it be making it through another month, another week, another day, or another nursing session. Set small goals as you need them, one step at a time

2. Build a Freezer Stash (Even if It’s a Small One)

Building a freezer stash of extra breastmilk when you’re already struggling may seem like a completely impossible task.

I was barely able to build a freezer supply when nursing my first daughter, but with my second daughter I did it and for my Third, my freezer was bursting!

There are a few key steps and strategies that really worked for me and helped me build up a freezer supply before my maternity leave ended.

3. Don’t Compare Yourself to Other Moms

If you’re the only mom you know who has a naturally low breastmilk supply, having conversations about breastfeeding can be really stressful and disheartening.

I can’t count how many times I’ve patiently listened to other breastfeeding moms talk about how they ” how they “can’t stop leaking milk everywhere because there is just so much”, or how they “have hundreds of ml stored in the freezer” (and their baby is still a newborn), or how they are going to “donate extra milk to babies in need because they just won’t go through it fast enough”.

On one hand, I’m genuinely happy for moms who have breastfeeding experiences like those, and don’t resent them one bit. And I mean that from the very bottom of my heart. Breastfeeding isn’t easy for anyone, even those moms with naturally higher milk supplies, so those mamas are WORKING to feed those littles and build those supplies. I’m in now way trying to imply that they “have it easy”—because they don’t.

But here’s what happens when I, a mom with a naturally low milk supply, hear those stories: I start to wonder if I’m inadequate. If there’s something wrong with me. If I’m not trying hard enough. If I’m failing my baby. If I’m less of a woman than those other moms. If I’m not good enough.

It genuinely has nothing to do with the other moms and everything to do with how I view myself and my own insecurities (like almost everything in women-to-women competition is when you dig down to the root of it).

To combat this, remind yourself that not all breastmilk supplies are created equal. There’s no point in competing with other moms. Focus on your supply, on your baby, on your experience, and know that if you get up in the morning and feed your baby—however you choose to do it—that you are enough.

4. Know When to Walk Away From a Conversation

There are plenty of folks out there who won’t accept that having a naturally low breastmilk supply is a thing.

They will make you feel like you simply aren’t trying hard enough; that you aren’t doing enough to accomplish your breastfeeding goals. That you haven’t downed enough fenugreek, or aren’t using the right medical-grade breastpump, or aren’t nursing enough times during the day—because, in case you haven’t heard—breastfeeding is a supply-and-demand system! Is your mind completely blown right now? Probably not, because…of course you’ve heard that.

All breastfeeding moms have heard the same advice. Over and over. The breastfeeding info typically starts at your prenatal appointments and is slammed in your face at every possible opportunity pretty much until your child looks a little too old to be of breastfeeding age.

And if you are one of the lucky few who hasn’t had to endure this cycle in person, my guess would be that if you’re a breastfeeding mama with a naturally low milk supply. you found all of the same advise through your own research immediately after realising you had a naturally low milk supply.

Because that same advice is everywhere. And the truth? Most breastfeeding advice-givers don’t help the situation at all.

Yes, it’s true that breastfeeding is a supply and demand system. Yes, there are some things that can help. But it’s also true that some women start off with less milk than others, and that there are only 24 hours in a day, and you can’t nurse and/or pump during every single one of them and do the million other things that being a parent requires of you and stay sane.

If you’re having a conversation with someone who just doesn’t quite understand the low-supply struggle, don’t be afraid to politely shift or end the conversation. You have enough on your plate, mama. And, to be honest, you don’t owe anyone an explanation. Never allow yourself to be overwhelmed because you feel like you do.

5. Don’t Spend Tons of Money on Breastmilk-Boosting Products

When you start your breastfeeding  journey and realise your milk supply is low, it can be tempting to throw money at every product that may be rumored to boost breastmilk supplies in hopes of upping your milk production. Don’t do this.

If you buy everything at once, and use everything at once, you’ll have absolutely no idea what is actually helping and what isn’t. This means you could end up spending a ton of cash on products that aren’t actually doing anything.

When you’re trying a breastmilk booster (always clear it with a medical professional before you do), it’s best to try one at a time. Give each product at least a week and see if you notice any change in production. If you do—great! You’ve found a booster that works for your body. If not—no worries! On to the next booster to try. Our minimum order of cookies is 600g this is about a week’s supply and it gives you a good indication to know if our bakes works for you.

Heres a list of Lactation Cookies and Lactation Muffins that has helped many mummies in their breastfeeding journey

6. Meditate Every Single Day

This sounds like complete hippy nonsense. I know. I get it. But meditation can actually boost breastmilk production because it helps reduce stress.

Stress is no friend to anyone, but breastfeeding moms have more reasons to try to keep stress at bay than most people do, because high levels of stress can actually decrease milk production.

Yep. That’s a real thing. (As if us mamas with a naturally low milk supply didn’t have enough to worry about already. *sigh*)

Meditating can be as simple as closing your eyes for 60 seconds and breathing in and out, slowly and calmly. It’s so hard for moms to find time for yourself, but out of the 1440 minutes that happen every day, you deserve to set aside at least 1 for a little meditation.

7. Don’t Obsess Over Your Baby’s Weight

When you’re breastfeeding, especially in those early months when your babe hasn’t started solid foods and is onlydrinking breastmilk, it can feel like the entire health and well-being of your baby is dependent on your ability to produce breastmilk. The weight of that responsibility is huge.

Now factor in a naturally low milk supply and the stress factor is upped by about a thousand.

It can become so easy to start obsessing over whether or not your baby is doing okay food-wise, and the easiest way for us mamas to gauge success on? How much your baby weighs and how rapidly weight gain is occurring.

If you have genuine concerns, always address them with your doctor. If your doctor has concerns and gives you advice to keep your baby healthy, always follow the advice, or seek advise from a different medical professional. (I’m not a medical professional.)

But, if your doctor has no concerns and everything seems on track—stop overly-obsessing about your baby’s weight.

Yes, if you have a naturally low milk supply, there’s a chance that your baby may not be in the 98th percentile for weight out of all the babies. That’s actually very likely to be the case. But guys? Not all babies can be in the 98th percentile because then it wouldn’t technically be a 98th percentile. It would just be “the weight that all babies weigh”, which is silly and also not a thing.

Babies come in all shapes and sizes and grow at all different rates, and that’s perfectly okay.

8. Choose Nursing Over Pumping When You Can

This one is obviously for mamas who aren’t exclusively pumping or exclusively nursing, so if that’s you, feel free to skip on over this one.

But for anyone who does a little bit of Column A and a little bit of Column B, this is one of the best de-stressers there is for all breastfeeding mamas: nurse that baby.

Being close to that little love bug that you are working so hard to feed is a great way to remind yourself of exactly why you’re going through all of this madness in the first place.

That skin-to-skin contact combined with the fantastic baby smell can work wonders for your stress levels. Plus, you’re not watching milk being slowly pumped out drop-by-drop and obsessing over how few drops there are. (Which is seriously, seriously stressful.)

I really hope the above tips helps and don’t be afraid to seek help when you really feel overwhelmed. Talk to your husbands, friends or a Lactation Counsellor if you feel that you cannot cope with the stress.

We are all here for you so relax, Eat SLB . Breastfeed . Repeat