Breastfeeding essentials for new mamas; what you need to support your journey
Feb 01, 2024
Breastfeeding is one of the most controversial topics when it comes to early parenting. Some women love it, some women hate it. Some pregnant mothers look forward to it, others are scared of it.
For me personally, as a nutritionist and naturopath, there is no doubt that breastfeeding is the greatest gift I can give to my infant. Breastmilk is pure liquid gold offering the PERFECT nutrition for the new human, that ever adapts and changes according to their needs.
It is rich in immunoglobulins that help the baby build their immune system and is easy for them to digest. Not to mention what a beautiful act of love is as you eye gaze with this little being you depends 100% on you for nourishment and comfort. My 3+ year old is still breastfeeding, but it looks very different now as we are trying to wean and she only uses it for comfort at night. I miss those early days were it was just me and her, her body perfectly fitting inside my torso, rubbing her little fit and hearing the cooing noises. So precious!
At the beginning though, breastfeeding was a very new thing to me, and her, and we both needed time and practice to learn how to do this. Here were the tools that helped me the most:
I loved using these ones the first days of breastfeeding as my nipples where sore. I just put them inside by breastfeeding bra or top and they were really soothing. Silver has anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and antibacterial qualities while also safeguarding against dryness and cracking. While nipple creams can be beneficial, I discovered that using these caps was far more convenient. Especially since I was breastfeeding on-demand, I didn't want to wipe the cream each time. I also felt like my baby would get cream in her mouth...
2. Milk collector shells
When I had my baby I was literally a milk production factory. My nipple leaked to the point that they often squirt milk like little fountains. I used these shell milk collectors to collect the excess milk which I then put into bags and put in the freezer. I never gave bottle to my daughter until much later after she was 3 months when I wanted to go out of the house for a bit and I wanted to make sure there has some milk at home just in case she wanted to feed.
3. Breast pump
I personally and my clients love the Medela pump. I just found that it works really well especially compared to the Elvie pump. I have also used the Nuk one and I can say that it is also wonderful! Again, for me personally pumping wasn't something to substitute breastfeeding time with my baby, but I collected milk in the freezer for the occasions I needed to be away from her. I started teaching yoga again at 3 months postpartum so I new there is always milk at home if she needed.
4. Phytolacca homeopathic remedy
THIS SAVED ME! Multiple times in fact. After one week postpartum I developed mastitis which landed with engorgement, pain and fever. As a naturalist I didn't reach for antibiotics so I put all my naturopathy into action. One of the things that helped me so much was Phytolacca homeopathic remedy. I took a 200c potency every 3 hours. I did lots more things which I share at my Empowered pregnancy and birth online course.
5. Supplements
It is always good to enhance your nutritional intake with good quality supplements. I love the Synergy company PureNatal as it is literally the most natural supplement you can find on the market. A more budget friendly supplement is the Wild Nutrition one which is also really good and more food based than others. If you specifically are looking to enhance your milk production then this supplement is brilliant!
6. Maternity bras
I absolutely loved these nursing bras Seraphine. You can easily unclip and bring the booby out. They are super soft and cozy as they are made from bamboo fibers.
7. Nourishing food
Nourishing food is an absolute essential for breastfeeding. You will probably be hungry all the time! Now you are actually eating for two. What you eat your baby eats. You convert the nutrients from your food to nourishing milk for your baby. Make sure you have warm foods, do not go for smoothies and juices. Make sure you are having enough carbohydrates too! And protein. And that you hydrate yourself really well. In my postnatal sessions and in my food doula delivery service I always make sure that the mothers have botanical blends that enhance milk production as well as adding ingredients in my food that have been used for centuries to support new mothers into thriving. In my food delivery service I include breakfasts, lunches, snacks and dinners for 1 or 2 people that are all delivered fresh (not frozen) for your to enjoy for one week. You can enquire about my postpartum fresh meal delivery here.
Want to learn more about how to support yourself postpartum? In my Empowered pregnancy and birth online course we go through a lot more like how to make your postpartum plan and how to get rid of mastitis naturally and effectively.
You can also learn more about my postnatal doula services here.
Also check out my post about postpartum essentials here.
All the best,
Eleni
FURTHER SUPPORT: I guide women to optimise, align, and elevate their nutrition, movement and mindset to help them fall pregnant naturally, have a confident and healthy pregnancy and birth, and lead them through to postpartum healing and a confident transition into motherhood
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The Path to Motherhood Handbook; your guide for natural fertility, pregnancy, birth & postpartum - https://www.pathtomotherhood.com/hand...
Empowered Pregnancy & Birth online course- https://www.pathtomotherhood.com/empo...
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