Tips for healthy breastfeeding...

Breastfeeding has been so different for me second time around. It has been harder and more challenging.


I have been unlucky enough to get mastitis twice (and I'm praying I never get it again). I thought women were exaggerating when they said it felt like you were dying, but I can say that, yep it does feel like that. Moaning and crying in bed with so much pain, it truly is horrific.


I have also had trouble with milk supply, at first when my milk came in, it was too much milk and now it is not being able to keep up with Baby Sophie some days.


Oh the joys!


But I am persevering and going to go as long as I can. Even if I need to supplement with formula some nights just to make sure Sophie is getting enough milk. 


So on this breastfeeding journey this time around, I want to share with you some of the products I am using to help keep breastfeeding healthy (including a delicious chocolate lactation smoothie recipe that I came up with).  Please keep in mind that we are all different and our bodies need different things, so some of these products that I use may not work for you. But keep trying and work out what works best for your body and your needs. 

TIP ONE - Drink plenty of water

This is so important to make sure your milk keeps producing. Without it, we get dehydrated which means we don't have any left to make our breast milk, so please keep up the water. 


TIP TWO - Lactation biscuits and bliss balls

I use and love Milk and Cookies by Jewels, they not only taste delicious, they have really helped me keep up with Sophie most days. My favourites are Chocolate Chip cookies and Lemon Slice bliss balls. Mmmmmmm! Plus her reusable nursing pads are super cute. 


TIP THREE - Nursing Herbal Teas

I am a big fan of herbal teas and have been drinking them for years now, so it was a no brainer for me to drink nursing support herbal tea. I love Pukka and Mama Body Tea both of which you can buy online or in your local health food shop.  I drink 3 cups per day. They also support digestion for you and bub which is so helpful. Sophie can get a bit windy at times. 


TIP FOUR - Lactation massager

I was gifted this from Diana at LaVie, and while I haven't had mastitis since receiving this massager (thank goodness), I think it would be so helpful to get out the burning sore lumps that mastitis causes. I use it in the shower though to promote a let down for extra milk which is super helpful on those days that I am running low. 


TIP FIVE - see a nautropath

About three weeks ago I went and saw a naturopath for lactation support and she was fabulous. She made me up a herbal tonic for my needs which I take twice a day, prescribed a probiotic and a pregnancy & lactation multivitamin. I feel these really support my lactation but also my own health as breastfeeding can really take a toll on our own nutrient and mineral levels such as calcium, vitamin D, iron, folate etc. 


TIP SIX - make sure you are eating properly

Yep this isn't a product but a very important tip to finish off this blog post with. On days when I am busy and don't eat the best, it really effects my milk supply. So make sure you are getting plenty of healthy fats in your diet to keep that milk producing. I love smoothies because they are quick, easy and something you can drink on the go. 


I hope these tips have been helpful, and if you have any others I would love to hear them so pop them in the comments below. 


Be happy & healthy,