Herbal Teas for Nursing

Do your cups runneth over?

04.22.2009

The Bite:
If not, maybe it's time to brew some herbal nursing tea. Breastfeeding is a big commitment (energy, diet, ballooning bosoms, etc.) - even the most dedicated mama's milk supply can run low. These plant-based galactagogues (hello, lactation boosters) are a safe, chem-free way to help fill your boobs to the brim.
The Benefits: 
  • Serving up more milk, less waste. An abundant milk supply makes it easier to breastfeed long-term, so you're less likely to move to formula, saving tins from landfill.
  • Keeping your pot (of cash) full. The longer you can breastfeed, the less formula you need to buy.
  • Uninviting chems to the party. Reglan (metoclopramide), the most widely prescribed drug to increase milk supply, is linked to severe depression.
  • Simmering down. Stress interferes with a healthy milk supply. Herbal nursing boosters like fenugreek and blessed thistle in hot tea help relax you.
Wanna Try: 

If you're not into tea:
  • Motherlove More Milk - herbal supplement with blessed thistle, nettle leaf, and anise seed; no fenugreek for those with sensitivities ($17/2 ounces and up).
  • DIY Bite - increase or stabilize milk supply with a balanced diet, lots of water and plenty of sleep; most important: Let baby nurse frequently.

Timeout

Meka Bachman of San Diego, CA, mom to 2-month-old Ava, brews a cup of Milkmaid Tea every day. Her milk is flowin', she says - and taking 5 minutes to sit and enjoy a hot cup of tea isn't so bad either...

Bang For The Bite

If 10,000 Mama Biters use herbal supplements to boost their milk production for 1 month instead of prescription drugs, we'll keep the weight of three porcelain tea sets in chems out of our bodies and breast milk.

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Tips Like This

I just finished nursing my daughter a few weeks ago, and thanks to Motherlove's More Milk Plus and Yogi Tea's Nursing Mom Tea I was able to provide breastmilk for my daughter exclusively for one year. The Yogi Tea even helped me increase my milk supply while pumping at work. I am so grateful we have these "tools" to help us provide the best for our kids.
When I was a new mother, my best friends and supporters were members of La Leche League. Both my babies were breastfed and thrived, and I found nursing to be one of the very best things I've ever done -- best for the boys, and best for me. Back in the day, we nursing mothers were encouraged to let the baby decide when and how long to nurse. This ensured more than an adequate supply of breast milk; it went a long way to meeting the baby's need to suck, need for body contact, need to hear that familiar heartbeat, need to smell the good "Mommy scent". And -- it meant a closer bonding between mother and baby for mother's sake, too. Mommy needs body contact and cuddle time as much as her little one does. Of course, drinking lots of water, and getting as much rest/sleep as is humanly possible with a new baby are super important. I can assert from experience that the most successful strategies are often the most natural. The baby knows how much and when she needs to nurse. And Mother Nature will supply what's demanded.
The title of this tip implies that unless your breasts are full and leaking, you don't have enough milk. This is absolutely untrue. If you do have a problem with low milk supply, you should see a lactation consultant or talk to a La Leche League leader. There may be problems causing your low milk supply that can and should be solved in other ways. I don't think the teas are harmful, but the majority of nursing moms produce plenty of milk without them. Also, excess milk supply can be bad for both mother and baby. If your supply is adequate, don't mess with it. If your supply truly is low, get some help before you try to self-medicate, even with herbs. And if you're not sure, talk to a La Leche League leader or lactation counselor.
Yes, the teas mentioned help, but even more effective is taking fenugreek and/or blessed thistle herb capsules. I had a low milk supply, and the Mother's Milk tea did help, but after a lactation specialist turned me on to fenugreek, my milk really came in. Eating a high protein diet is a big boost, too.
Serving up more milk, less waste. An abundant milk supply makes it easier to breastfeed long-term, so you're less likely to move to formula, saving tins from landfill. free games

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