Increasing Your Milk Supply

Making enough milk for your baby is a concern all new mom's face. While some could pump enough for multiples, many women find that their milk supply less than what their growing baby needs.

First: Determine if there is a real need for more milk.
Is baby gaining enough weight?
Is he/she eliminating appropriate for her age? 

Successful breastfeeding tips:

1. No artificial nipples! (no pacifiers, bottles, etc) for the first few weeks.
2. Rest. Making milk is a new mom's primary occupation, resting gives the body a chance to focus.
3. Hydrate. Drink a 10-12 ounce glass of water every time you nurse. Water in helps milk production. 
4. Herbal tea. Fenugreek, mother wort and red raspberry leaf  herbal teas can help increase milk production.
5. Nursing-In. Take an in house retreat, by taking baby to bed for 2 days, mom and baby naked from the waist up. Skin to skin contact, frequent nursing, extra fluids for mom, healthy meals and snacks, lots of naps for both can help restore a diminished milk supply.

Relax. Get help when you need it. Take care of yourself.

Herbal Tea for Your Baby Bump

For centures, women have used herbs for everything from hemmrhoids to hot flashes. However, pregnant mamas need to use caution when reaching for just any traditional remedy. Herbs are powerful, that's why they work. Many drugs come from a plant initially. Some herbs are wonderful for pregnancy, and some are best left alone.

Here are three nutritional and healing herbs to use when pregnant.

1. Red Raspberry Leaf Tea is the classic, hands down favorite pregnancy herb. It is a uterine tonic high in Vitamins B,C and E. It is also rich in calcium, potassium and iron. However, it is not recommended for women who have a history of miscarriages or pre term labor. Most women can safely consume it  during the last month of pregnancy. Check with your health care provider to determine effective ways of incorporating it into your daily routine.
2. Oatstraw is rich in calcium and magnesium making it a great one to help calm nerves and anxiety in pregnancy when emotions can run high. It also helps with leg cramps. 
3. Ginger is wonderful to help alleviate morning sickness or nausea. 
4. Nettles are busting with calcium, potassium, iron, and Vitamins A,C and K. These are essential for fighting infection, building bones and muscles and rich blood. Be careful if you are picking them, they will "sting."

As always check with your healthcare provider before embarking on any nutritional plan.

Recommended reading:

http://foodunderfoot.com/
http://www.susunweed.com/susunweedarticles.htm