Breastfeeding is natural and wonderful, it is specific to the needs of your baby and most women are able to get enough milk to satisfy their babies needs. Some benefits of breastfeeding:
The full nutritional needs of your baby are met for the first 4-6 months of their life
It always the right temperature for them
It produces antibodies against illness when they are sick
It changes as the baby grows so that baby always as the right nutrients
It helps your womb move back into shape
It increases the bond between mother and child.
Milk comes into the breast a few days after birth and is stimulated by the sucking of the baby. If the baby is overly sleepy this may take a little longer then if the baby is alert and sucking often. The first part of the milk is the most important known as colostrum. The colostrum contains antibodies against disease, fat-soluble vitamins, proteins and minerals. The milk then changes and become more watery 2 weeks after birth.
It is normal to feel the milk flow into the breast for the first few months, this will stop happening around the 2-3 month mark. Some women find the dropping of milk painful but homeopathy can assist with this.
It important to remember as a first time mother or even if you had trouble the first time around that it is a learning experience for both you and baby. Finding the right position to feed at the beginning is vital to that learning. Having help from a lactation consultant can assist with this.
Is baby getting enough?
Are they having 6-8 wet nappies within a 24hr period?
Are they having a bowel movement and is it soft (it is normal for this to not happen daily and can be up to one week as long as it is soft)?
Are they bright-eyed and have good skin colour and tone?
Are they generally happy even if sometimes they are unsettled or fussy?
Are they gaining weight and length? (this can vary week to week)?
If you answered yes then all is well but if still concerned see a lactation consultant.
The most common problem is milk production but sometimes I feel that it is more of a fear then what is really going on. A very unsettled baby may have colic, teething or reflux that has nothing to do with how much milk they are getting. Children also go through growth spurts in which milk supply will feel inadequate for a short period of time.
As baby feeds less and eats more there is naturally a change in breast milk production.
The other most common concern is latching on, This could just be the process of learning but can also be commonly related to a cleft palate making it difficult for baby to feed. Again your lactation consultant or baby nurse will help assist you with the best ways to feed babies with a cleft palate.
Other possible concerns with breastfeeding are cracked nipples and mastitis. Diet high in good fats and zinc can help to avoid this. Homeopathy can assist in mastitis.
How to maintain a good flow of breastmilk ?
Make sure you eat a healthy wholesome diet and have healthy snacks with each breastfeed.
Nutrition is vitally important and in most cases is the only changed that need to occur for milk production to change.
Drink plenty of water and keep dehydrated.
Demand feeding will help with breast milk flow as the baby is stimulating the flow if this is not possible feed in the recommended times for babies age group.
Go with the flow of your baby, some babies feed more often but have less and other take a massive drink all at once.
Spend time having skin to skin contact with your baby especially at the very beginning of bubs life.
Stay flexible and take each day as it comes.
Get plenty of rest when you can, sleep when the baby sleeps or do a short meditation to reduce stress and regain energy.
Homeopathic for breast milk production
Homeopathy works on like cures like principle so it is important to match the symptoms and condition of a person to the remedy. Here are a few commonly used remedies.
Ricinus - increases milk secretions but must be used in the right potency as it can also be used for weaning and decreasing milk supply.
Cal carb - breasts are hot and swollen, there is no milk and the women feel anxious and sluggish. They may feel chilly yet still perspire even when cold. They may have an excess of watery milk or no milk at all. The child may also disagree with the milk.
Urtica Urens- No breast milk is produced at all but yet there is no cause. Breast could feel swollen and stinging in pain. They are agg by cold and cold bathing.
Pulsatilla - milk is low and watery, blocked or suppressed. The women may be prone to sadness and tears, crying when breastfeeding, Women like the fresh air and being outside over being in a warm room. This remedy again is used in weaning also, so it is important for the potency to be the correct one.
On top of this there are some great herbs/ foods that help with milk supply also.
Brewers yeast
Fenugreek
Fennel
These are just few that can be put in a smoothie or had in a tea.
It is important in cases like milk production to consult a qualified homoeopath before taking any homeopathic remedy as in some cases the wrong potency can create the opposite effect.
To book a consultation to further discuss the best treatment including nutrition and diet while breastfeeding for you call 0412190114 or book online at https://www.northlakeshomeopathy.com.au/book-online
Homeopathy is a traditional medicine. It may be used in conduction with other medicines. For any ongoing chronic condition, it is important to be assessed or examined by your healthcare professional or specialist. Always seek medical advice in emergencies. The information displayed in this post is to be used as information only, always seek professional advice before starting any medication.