Ideal Bite

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.