3 ways to support healthy milk supply while you’re breastfeeding

by Bel Rowntree

Many breastfeeding mothers are concerned about milk supply or feel overwhelmed navigating their breastfeeding journey on their own. This week we celebrate World Breastfeeding Week, a global celebration to protect, promote and support breastfeeding. The first World Breastfeeding Week was held in 1992 and each year has a specific focus area or theme. For 2021 the theme is Protect breastfeeding: a shared responsibility, highlighting the importance of the support team – fathers, partners and other carers – to achieve breastfeeding success and increase breastfeeding duration.

Here are 3 simple ways to support healthy milk supply.

Healthy fats and lots of protein.
Think avocados, nuts, seeds and nut butter, coconut yoghurt, olives, boiled eggs. Set up some portable snacks at your favourite spot to feed so you’ve got things to hand before you’re trapped under a hungry baby.

Hydration
Water, coconut water, our Lactation tea (see our next post about this magical herbal mix) all help to keep you hydrated and keep that milk production up.

Sleep!
At least 7 hours over a 24 hour period is what we aim for and yes, mini-rests and cat naps count! Get that shut eye however and whenever you can.

Why I (and our favourite local Lactation Consultants!) love our Lactation Support Tea:
  • It contains key galactagogue (fancy Naturopath word for milk supply enhancer) herbs such as Fenugreek and Goat’s Rue
  • We’ve also included herbs that help with birth recovery such as Nettle and Raspberry Leaf
  • It sneakily encourages more water intake as well!
  • Is lovely to drink cold too. With a newborn on your hands, you may not have time to make yourself a cuppa multiple times a day. Brew yourself a big batch once and it will happily sit in the fridge all day.
Did you know you can call the lovely breastfeeding support geniuses at The Australian Breastfeeding Association anytime you need?
You can call on 1800 Mum 2 Mum (1800 686 268) or visit their website to LiveChat with their wonderful volunteers https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/
For more personalised help with pregnancy, breastfeeding, infant health or fertility you can book an appointment with Naturopath Bel online, or call the Dispensary on 5977 0117 to secure your appointment.
This article is intended to be informational only and represents the opinion of the author. It is not intended to be used as medical advice and does not take the place of advice from a qualified health care practitioner in a clinical setting. Please check with your healthcare practitioner before embarking upon any of the treatments discussed.