In honour of World Breastfeeding Week, I am sharing some items that I have been using the past two months with our newborn to help with my milk supply, as well as a bit about my experience breastfeeding my second child.
Breastfeeding seemed easy 10 years ago with my first, or so I thought. Ten years later it seems like a blur to me on how I managed the 2-3 hour feeding schedule, the soreness, the exhaustion and making sure my child was eating enough.
This time, with our second child, it was quite the hit of reality of how long it has been since I last breastfed and how not every baby is the same.
I chose to breastfeed my first child because it was all I really knew at that time. Honestly, I feel as if that is what I was advised to do and I did not really know otherwise. I am very happy I did it. Being so young with my first, I felt like my body was doing something so neat to provide nourishment to my newborn.
Fast forward ten years and this time with our second child, I knew I wanted to breastfeed again. I made this decision because of what I experienced in the past. Now don’t get me wrong and I am going to put this out there right away, I have no problems with those who chose not to breastfeed. I am a firm believer that fed is best, however that may be.
Breastfeeding is a very demanding physical and mental game especially when you are already adapting to the newborn life, and healing from labour and delivery. I didn’t know that it could be a bit longer the second time for my milk supply to come in and I would have to supplement with formula because my newborn isn’t gaining weight. This responsibility you have to make sure you are getting enough milk for your baby is an incredible weight on your shoulders. The thought that everytime you walk into the doctor’s office, there is this overwhelming feeling you are being judged as they weigh and measure your child.
When you are the one solely providing the milk for your child, that the middle of the night feedings mean half sleeping in the chair while your partner is sound asleep in the next room. It means that your clothes that you already don’t fit in from pregnancy, are needing to be nursing friendly. It means that you feel the need to skip on on outings, date nights and family get togethers because the stress of pumping enough supply in addition to breastfeeding is too overwhelming.
Even though there are so many aspects of feeding that is overwhelming and stressful, it truly is an incredible experience I am very fortunate to be able to do. I know many mothers that struggle with the ability to breastfeed.
I had a fair share of hardships breastfeeding and below are a few things that I believe has helped me personally with my milk supply. I still have a difficult finding the balance of pumping and breastfeeding but I have noticed a significant increase in my supply since using these items.
Moms breastfeeding, this week is for you! Keep up the great work!
I find this is hands down the number one item I have used to help my supply. You can find this on Amazon or at BuyBuyBaby. I have religiously used this over the past two months and I noticed a huge increase in my supply. I take this mix around dinner time, which I prefer because I want an extra boost of supply during the night time as that is the time I have dedicated to pump.
Cookies for breastfeeding moms? Yes please! Need an extra boost with your supply… The ingredients in these is exactly what you need to help your supply. Besides, who is really going to turn down cookies?
I have used YourTea products for over 5 years now and when I saw that they came out with a tea specifically designed for breastfeeding mommas, I knew I had to try it. I take the tea in the morning and in the afternoon, and I find it helps keep a consistent milk supply the past two months. I will be doing a whole post on my personal experience with YourTea products that I have used over the past five years.
If you would like to know more about any of the products mentioned, or if you have specific questions about my breastfeeding experience, I would love to help and answer your questions. Leave a comment below and I will do an updated post!
