Breastfeeding is greatly influenced by the emotional and psychological well-being of the mother. Low stress levels, healthy nutrition, plenty of fluid intake, emotional support, and stimulation of the nipple through the baby’s suckling are all important factors that contribute to successful breastfeeding. However, life circumstances often do not allow the perfect conditions for breastfeeding: another child in the family, the death of a loved one, financial worries, etc. they all add up to an increase in stress levels. Other factors, such as breast surgery, can contribute to low amounts of breast milk. It has also been found that more women who gave birth by caesarean section encountered breastfeeding problems. This can be for any number of reasons, such as the initial separation between mother and baby or physical pain as a result of the surgery which ultimately affects the mother’s ability to enjoy the experience of breastfeeding.
While the WHO (World Health Organization) guidelines on how long to breastfeed clearly state that a baby’s physical and psychological health benefits most when breastfed for at least six months, inexperienced mothers often despair when they feel that they do not produce enough breast milk to satisfy their baby. . It can be an emotional roller coaster when new mothers have to deal with personal stress, as well as the fact that breastfeeding isn’t going “according to plan.” This downward psychological spiral inevitably results in the production of lesser amounts of breast milk. Consequently, mothers often stop breastfeeding well before the recommended minimum of six months.
The following suggestions can help increase breast milk production by either calming the mother’s nerves and system or by encouraging the body to produce more.
– It is vital to rest when breastfeeding, so rest when the baby is sleeping too.
– The following herbs are known to help increase breast milk production:
Fennel, Raspberry Leaf, Alfalfa, Nettle, Hops, Blessed Thistle and Goat’s Rue.
Fennel tea: Helps in different ways: it promotes the natural production of breast milk and helps calm indigestion and colic in babies. Its compounds help balance the levels of female hormones and are therefore very good at calming the nerves.
Raspberry leaf tea: It is recommended to drink it well before delivery, in the third trimester, to help soften the uterus and thus facilitate the birth process. It’s also great to take after birth, as it’s full of vitamins and minerals and has been shown to help with recovery.
Alfalfa is a more common galactogogue (herbs that increase breast milk). Alfalfa proteins are rich in amino acids that are known to supplement any nutritional deficiencies and thus help improve milk quality and production.
Nettle tea: Like alfalfa, nettle is full of vitamins and minerals that will help improve the quality of milk.
Hops: It has been known for centuries to help the production of breast milk; however, it should not be taken for a long period of time as it can cause depression and drowsiness. If you tend to have a depressive nature, you may be better off staying away from hops.
Blessed Thistle: It is known to stimulate milk production effectively; is a breast milk enhancer in combination with raspberry leaves.
Goat’s Rue: It is very powerful and has been shown to increase milk production by up to 50% in some cases as it can also stimulate the development of the mammary glands. It has no reported side effects.
– Another more practical way to promote breast milk production is simple pumping. As nipple stimulation helps milk supply, it is important to let the baby suckle as long as possible or necessary. After a few days, milk levels should be increased.
In our modern world, it can be difficult for many to relax and unwind. Having a baby, giving birth and breastfeeding depend on the body’s efficient work force. Remember to give yourself time to sleep and relax as much as possible for a more enjoyable time with your baby!
