We're Parents

  • Home
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us
    • Disclosures
    • Media Kit
  • Parenting
    • Pregnancy and Postpartum
    • Breastfeeding
    • Car Seat Safety
    • Mental Health
    • Babies
    • Toddlers
    • School Age
    • Older Kids
    • Holiday Crafts & More
    • Green Living
  • Recipes
    • Breakfast
    • Lunches
    • Dinner
    • side dishes
    • Crockpot
    • Desserts
    • Lactation Recipes
    • Snacks
    • The Seasoned Kids (Recipes by Kids)
  • Travel
    • Kid Friendly Outings
    • Restaurants
    • Travel Tips

Lactation Boosting Foods to Increase Milk Supply

March 12, 2015 by Larisha Campbell 2 Comments

lactation boosting foods

Galactogogues.

Say it with me….Galactogogues….Yea, chances are you don’t have a clue how to pronounce it either.  Am I right?

I’m pretty sure I gave up after the first try because I also get tongue tied trying to say it.  It’s easier for me to say lactation boosting foods and herbs that increase milk supply.  But regardless if you can say it or not, what exactly is a galactogogue, who needs to look into taking them, do they really work, and what foods actually work to increase a breastfeeding mother’s supply.

Galactogogues themselves refer specifically to herbs or medicines used to increase a breastfeeding mother’s milk production.  However, there are other foods out there that may also help.  But…before you jump into the car and head to the store to buy everything on the list, there’s one VERY important question.

Do YOU need to be taking something to boost your  milk supply? 

Chances are you don’t.  Many mothers, unfortunately, fall into “booby traps” where they are lead to believe that they aren’t making enough milk, when they actually are. If your baby has the appropriate amount of wet/dirty diapers, is gaining weight on track according to the WHO chart, and is meeting age appropriate milestones, you don’t NEED anything to boost your supply. Outdated information, bad advice from family, friends, and even pediatricians, a society that condemns public breastfeeding, and a culture that sends mothers back to work before they should, are all problems that may have mothers believe that there is a drop in their supply or see an actual drop in their supply.

So how do you know if you should be taking lactation boosting foods and herbs?

First — Go see a Certified Lactation Consultant. Better yet, go see an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).  Chances are that you ARE making enough milk and the issue is that you aren’t feeding often enough, emptying your breasts completely, or even using the wrong size flanges on your pump, which can decrease your milk supply because you are telling your body not to make enough. This KellyMom article for increasing supply is also an amazing reference.

What are some cases where you may need to look into lactation boosting foods and herbs?

  • Premature delivery
  • Illness in the infant where physical breastfeeding isn’t an option often enough
  • Adoptive nursing
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Separation of mother/infant for reasons such as returning to work

As you can see, there are very little reasons why you may need to look into this.  For me personally, my returning menstrual cycle was the only time that I noticed during our 26+ months of breastfeeding, that I needed a little boost but I also work from home.  We know that MANY, many mothers have to return to work quickly and keeping up with the demand can be challenging.

One reason, you should seek out a lactation consultant or IBCLC is because you simply don’t know the reason for believing that you have a low supply and other practices, like more time at the breast, different size flanges for your breast pump, or skin to skin contact with your baby could all be more beneficial in the long term than lactation boosting foods that are masking a true problem.  Also – many of these herbs and foods have not be tested for safety when it comes to the breastfeeding mother/infant dyad and as with any natural remedy, there can be side effects.  Fenugreek, for example, can result in low blood sugar if the wrong doses are consumed, and should also be discussed with a medical practitioner before using.

All that said, these are the common herbs and foods recommended for boosting your milk supply:

  • Alfalfa
  • Anise
  • Barley
  • Blessed Thistle
  • Brewer’s Yeast
  • Fenugreek
  • Fennel and Fennel Seed
  • Goat’s Rue
  • Hops
  • Marshmallow Root
  • Milk Thistle
  • Nettle
  • Oatmeal
  • Red Raspberry Leaf

Additionally, these foods may be beneficial:

  • Beets, carrots, yams and other vegetables high in beta-carotene
  • Dark, leafy green (think spinach, kale, greens) because of their nutrient components offer benefits

This post from Nice Breastfeeding gives dosing recommendations that you can discuss with your medical provider.

It’s very important to consider that even if you do notice an increase in using one or a mixture of these products, that ultimately getting your baby/child to the breast more often will ultimately, in most cases, increase your supply more than anything else.

Have you had success with any of these herbs or food options?  Did we miss something?  Leave a comment below letting us know what did or did not work for you!

 

signature button

 

 

 

 

 

 

You may be interested in our Lactation Boosting recipes that we currently have:

  • Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Milkshake (or ice cream)
  • Apple Pie Lactation Smoothie
  • Lactation Energy Bites

Filed Under: Breastfeeding, Breastfeeding 101, Home, Working Moms Tagged With: breastfeeding, lactation

5 Bonus Benefits of Breastfeeding

February 17, 2015 by Melanie Leave a Comment

bonus benefits of breastfeeding

Are there really benefits to breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding is a beautiful experience. One of the best decisions I made in my life was to breast feed my boys. Not only is it extremely beneficial for their health; helping to protect them against many illnesses, while also lowering the risk of SIDS. I love the bond and special moments I share with my children while nursing. The amazing snuggles they give me and the comfort I can provide them fills my heart with warmth. But along with those precious moments that will never be replaced or forgotten there are also fun benefits of breastfeeding given to you, the mama, while nursing your children.

Here’s 5 BONUS benefits of breastfeeding

  1. I get to sit on my tush for a few minutes– several times a day. As moms we live a busy life of go, go, go. Many hours spent chasing after and playing with our children, and running them doctors appointments and soccer practices. So those moments when my 6 month old wants to have his Mama milk, I get at least 15 minutes to sit down and relax where I don’t feel like I should be doing something else.
  2. Playing off the above. While nursing I browse facebook, chat with friends, look up things on Pinterest I will probably never recreate, and catch up on TV shows I usually fall asleep to at night. I may be feeding my child, but I consider this “me” time too.
  3. You get to be a little lazy. This is one of my favorite bonus benefits of breastfeeding. Remember the newborn stage and the constant feedings? Of coarse you do! I loved not having to get out of bed to make bottles in the middle of the night. All I had to do was life up my shirt and it’s party time. My baby is fed and I didn’t open an eye. The feedings may not be as constant now in the wee hours of the morning, but I still have the luxury of laying in bed instead of trudging my tired butt downstairs to the kitchen to make a bottle.
  4. Get to make hubby help. When hubby hollers, “Honey the big one pooped” I get to respond with, “Oh sorry babe… You will have to change it, I have a baby on the boob.” (Yes- I’m extremely sorry I won’t be able to smell that wretched odor that evacuates from my toddlers rear)
  5. The ability to disappear. Though I am not shy about nursing. I have nursed at theme parks, family picnics, birthday parties, the mall, and while grocery shopping to name a few. It can provide a great escape if you want some quite time or to avoid certain people. Oh sorry I have to go feed the baby- I’ll be back in 20. (Maybe, if we don’t fall asleep in bed or if I don’t play catch up on my TV shows) #sorryimnotsorry

These bonus benefits of breastfeeding above along with the health benefits and bonding moments make breastfeeding a fantastic choice for you and your child. I am almost 7 months in with my youngest son with no plans to stop in the near future, and why would I? Those perks make extended breast feeding sound even better. So excuse me while I go lay down… I mean feed my son.

signature melanie

Welcome to Time for Mom!

Time for Mom is a place for mom bloggers to link up and connect with other mom bloggers!  You do not have to link up a post about parenting only, your post can be about anything as long as you’re a mom!  We only ask that it is today’s post or a recent one, and that you don’t link up the same post each week.  Please remember to check out a few others in the hop!  It’s no fun to link and run!  We are here to build a community of mom bloggers and get to know each other!
Please be sure to take a moment to follow your host and co-hosts in some way!
Rachel @ Can’t Google Everything
Larisha @ We’re Parents
Brie @ {…a breezy life}
And if you didn’t get enough of us on our blogs, check out our Time for Mom Superstars Pinterest Board!  Each week we will pin some of our favorites from the link up to the board! Check it out and see who was pinned!


Follow Rachel B // Cant Google Everything’s board Time for Mom Superstars on Pinterest.

 

 

 

Every week each of the co-hosts picks a blogger to feature from the week before! Check out our picks from last week’s link up!
10 Educational Apps for PreschoolersDIY Heart Shaped Crayons

Captain America Shield

Thanks for linking up!  By linking up with us you are opting in to our weekly email reminder for this hop and giving us permission to use an image from your blog if chosen for our weekly featured posts.  We will always link back to your post when we use your image when we feature you!
Be sure to say “hi” if it’s your first time linking up!


Filed Under: Breastfeeding Tagged With: breastfeeding, natural parenting

Tandem Nursing…You Can Breastfeed Twins! {Guest Post}

December 29, 2012 by Larisha Campbell 4 Comments

Twins! The word evokes a sense of excitement in some…and a sense of fear in others. I was in the latter camp when, at 10 weeks along, I found out we were having not one, but two babies. I had never in my lifetime dreamt that I would have twins, and with two older boys already, I was overwhelmed at the thought!

After announcing to the world that we were having twins, then came the repeated commentary. “Congratulations” was not always the typical response. We often heard comments that were, well, less than optimistic about the situation. “Better you than me!” “Wow, you’ll sure have your hands full.” We even heard, “I’m so sorry, that is going to be so difficult for you.” Then, as my due date approached I began to get questions and comments regarding breastfeeding. All of my friends and family knew I had exclusively breastfed my older boys, so they were curious as to how I was going to handle this situation. “Certainly you’re not going to breastfeed your twins, are you?” “If you do breastfeed, you’ll have to pump.” “You will have to supplement with formula, you know.” Even the hospital lactation consultant told me I wouldn’t be able to breastfeed my twins exclusively for the first eight weeks. She sent me home with a detailed pumping-nursing-supplementing plan. And the commentary went on and on…

You Can Breastfeed Twins

I am here to tell you, from experience, if you want to exclusively breastfeed your twins, you can! Don’t let the naysayers say otherwise. My twins were exclusively breastfed from the day they came home from the hospital until almost a year old, and at 17 months have not yet weaned. Having the right disposition and mindset will do wonders for your success in breastfeeding twins! If you have never breastfed, do remember, it’s not easy for everyone to get started. Be sure to ask for help. Ask for help from a trusted family member or friend that is experienced in breastfeeding. Ask a lactation consultant or contact your local La Leche League.

Tandem Nursing

Breastfeeding twins is a juggling act—literally! I found that it was important to help my babies learn how to breastfeed individually before I could tandem nurse them. Because most twins are premature and small, they sometimes need a little extra help learning how to latch appropriately and really getting the hang of nursing. One of the tools I’ve found indispensable in tandem breastfeeding is using a twin nursing pillow. I used the My Brest Friend Twin Nursing pillow. I used it when my babies were tiny and I still use it now when they’re 17 months old! I’ve also heard good things about the EZ-2 Nurse Twin Nursing Pillow. If you plan to tandem nurse your babies, I highly recommend you purchase one of these. I wanted to be able to tandem nurse from day one. While I’ve read some women can do this—and more power to you if you can—it just didn’t happen for me and my boys. My twins, like I mentioned above, needed a little one-on-one attention. After they got the hang of nursing, and had better head control, tandem nursing was a breeze. It took just a few weeks and we were tandem nursing more often than not. Don’t get discouraged if you aren’t tandem nursing from the start—you’ll get there eventually!

Why Breastfeed

Breastfeeding is incredibly important to both your babies health, your health, and bonding with your baby. Make learning how to breastfeed them a priority and surround yourself with positive supportive people on this journey. Don’t beat yourself up if you need help or find that you do need to supplement your babies along the way. As a mom of twins you have too much on your plate to waste energy berating yourself. Enjoy your babies and the journey with them—they grow up too fast.

. . . .

Trisha is a mom to 4 fabulous boys and 1 wonderful husband. She stays busy homeschooling Bradley (8), trying to keep up with Cameron (almost 4), and loving on her twinsies Dylan & Elliot (1). Trisha loves to research and read about a number of topics. She and her husband write about a great diversity of subjects on their blog Intoxicated on Life including: faith, family, homeschooling, health, and anything else that strikes her fancy! They hope you’ll also enjoy following Intoxicated on Life on facebook and twitter.

*This is a guest post.  Thoughts and opinions don’t necessarily reflect our own.

Filed Under: Breastfeeding, Breastfeeding 101, Home Tagged With: breastfeeding, nursing, postpartum, pregnancy, tandem nursing

Breastfeeding…How Long Should You Do It?

July 31, 2012 by Larisha Campbell 6 Comments

There has been a lot of debate lately about breastfeeding.

First, TIME magazine put a very controversial cover featuring a woman breastfeeding an approximately 4 year old child.

Then, two military moms were featured in the news for breastfeeding while wearing their uniforms.

I was about 3 months pregnant when all of this controversy started and I have to admit it confused me even more. The military mom debate upset me because I don’t believe there is anything wrong with this; however, with the TIME magazine article, I have to admit, the thought of still breastfeeding while preparing my child for school in the fall, scares me. The thing about the TIME cover that angered me was the title “Are You Mom Enough?”  To me, it suggests that if you don’t breastfeed that long, or even at all, you aren’t as “MOM” as women that do. And in a country where breastfeeding is already frowned upon in public, this should not be the message being portrayed.
Enough about my opinions on the articles….I knew way before I became pregnant that I was going to breastfeed. My mom breastfeed me and my sister has breastfeed both of my nieces and plans on it once her new baby arrives. I know the health benefits of breastfeeding over formula feeding, as well as the cost benefits (obviously my breasts are free vs paying for formula).
After speaking and hearing some local moms in a variety of FB mom groups I’m in, I know this is one more thing I need to spend a lot of research on.  Obviously, anything can happen and there’s always the possibility that maybe I won’t be able to breastfeed at all….(I pray constantly this doesn’t happen)….but my first goal is going to be 6 months exclusively breastfeeding (EBF). This means nothing for my baby except breastmilk.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have both reaffirmed their recommendations to EBF until 6 months. A baby simply doesn’t need anything beside the nutrients a mother can give during this time. The WHO also has a great article on when to start introducing other foods after 6 months as well.
What are your thoughts/opinions on breastfeeding? What age is too old and why do you feel that way?
Updated 2/13/15 — Interestingly enough as confused as I was at the time of posting this, I am currently nursing my 26 month old while pregnancy with Baby #2.  How time changes things!
 signature button

 

Filed Under: Baby Words, Breastfeeding, Extended Breastfeeding, Home Tagged With: breastfeeding, natural parenting

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3


We're Parents is all about cooking and traveling our way through imperfect parenting. Learn More

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR WEEKLY NEWSLETTER & GET PARENT & ME COLORING SHEETS

Connect With Us

AvatarWe're Parents is a unique mom and dad natural parenting blog focusing on topics such as breastfeeding, babywearing, and car seat safety. You'll also find Delicious recipes, inspired travel recommendations, and more as you journey with us through parenting. Learn More…

VIEW OUR PRIVACY POLICY

Even More Recent Posts

We’re Parents is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com

Copyright © 2021 · Foodie Pro Theme by Shay Bocks · Built on the Genesis Framework · Powered by WordPress

We're Parents uses cookies to ensure that you have the best user experience on this website. By clicking okay, you agree to our privacy policy terms & settings. Find out more.