Naturopathic Support For Breastfeeding

Every new parent wants what’s best for their child – and even though children don’t come with instruction manuals, there are more than enough books telling you the “best” way to raise your new baby.

From co-sleeping, to whether or not you should let them “cry it out”, to what and how to feed a child, it seems every expert says something different on these topics.

But the one thing most experts agree on, is that if a mother CAN breastfeed, she SHOULD breastfeed.

Sometimes however the milk just doesn’t want to flow – today we will offer some natural lactation solutions for breastfeeding your new baby.

Keep reading to learn more, or watch the video on breastfeeding support we’ve created to discuss this important issue.

What Happens With Lactation?

Lactation is the secretion of milk from mammary glands, meant to feed and nourish newborn babies.

During the first week or so of an infant’s life, immune information is passed from the mother to the child through breastfeeding.

Continuing to breastfeed during the first six months of life can result in fewer ear infections or respiratory issues, and a smoother digestive tract.

Should Everyone Breastfeed?

For most healthy mothers, breastfeeding is the best way to ensure your infant gets the best nutritional start in life. However there are certain conditions which would make breastfeeding not ideal.

If the mother is HIV positive, for example, breastfeeding should be avoided, as the virus can be passed to the infant through breast milk.

Mothers undergoing chemotherapy treatment should also avoid breastfeeding.

Additionally, mothers on certain prescription medications should avoid breastfeeding as many drugs can be passed to the infant via breast milk.

If this is a concern, it is best to discuss options with your doctor or naturopath.

Breastfeeding can help to decrease the risk of infection, eczema and allergies, and if a new mother is able to do so, it is generally always in the best interest of her and her new child.

Should You Avoid Anything While Breastfeeding?

There are certain things which should be avoided by mothers who are breastfeeding.

If a baby is fussy or colicky, it could be because of allergens which the mother is consuming.

Things to avoid include wheat, dairy, tomatoes, nuts, and other common allergens.

It is also recommended that pregnant and breastfeeding women avoid fish which are high in mercury, such as shark, swordfish, and kingfish, as mercury can be passed along in breastmilk.

Natural Solutions For Breastfeeding Parents

Along with the joy of a new baby, comes some amount of stress, and sleep deprivation.

For some mothers this may mean the supply of breast milk will start to decrease.

Here are some natural ways to help increase breast milk supply.

1. Fenugreek

Fenugreek is an herb which can be used to help stimulate breast milk production.

It can come in a variety or forms, including capsules, teas, or tinctures.

It is used by both naturopathic doctors as well as midwives and tends to produce good results.

2. Beer

Believe it or not, beer can help to “jump-start” lactation if it is having trouble starting on its own.

It is the hops in beer which assist with this, although this method should be used very sparingly, for hopefully obvious reasons.

Dark beers, such as Guinness, also tend to be high in iron content which can help with breastfeeding.

3. Fish Oils

Fish oils have many benefits, including hydration of the skin, reducing risk of heart disease and stroke, and decreasing risk of cancer.

Studies have been done which show babies whose mothers consume fish oils during pregnancy and while breastfeeding have children who grow up to have higher IQs later in life.

Fish oils are also linked to better cognitive function.

Questions? Ask Dr. JJ!

Are you a new mother concerned about not being able to produce enough milk?

Are you worried if you should be breastfeeding due to other health conditions or medications which you are taking?

Dr. JJ can help – get in touch today for a consultation.