Breastfeeding Hacks for New Moms: Boosting Milk Supply the Easy Way
Hey there! While I may not hold a PhD in lactation, I am the proud mama of five beauties, including two sets of twins! Except for the first few jittery months with my initial duo when formula was my saving grace (thank you first time mom anxiety), I've been breastfeeding all the way. And with that journey, I've picked up some pretty handy tips on boosting milk production.
Forget about those fancy lactation cookies and teas, let's get back to basics with three easy steps:
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate - Ready to dive into the secret sauce of milk supply? Drumroll please... it's water! Get a big ol’ tumbler, fill it with water and ice, and keep it within arm's reach. Whenever I notice a dip in my milk supply, it's usually because I haven't been hydrating enough. A few extra sips and voila, we're back in the milk business.
Fruits and Veggies are your besties - There's no escaping your greens, even in adulthood. I love grabbing a bag of frozen spinach, blending it with some yogurt for a homemade copycat tropical Smoothie green dream yogurt, or steaming it with my favorite protein and a side of rice. My other go-to is this Dole smoothie bags (I buy this one because I'm not a fan of pineapples) but you can get any one you like. - blended into a smoothie with a sprinkle of fennel seed.
Catch those Z's - As hard as it might be to find 'me time' with a new baby, your body needs rest to function properly and produce more milk. If you're able to boost your supply, you'll have enough to store and let someone else feed the little one while you recharge. I've tried the fancy wireless pumps, but they just weren't for me. However, my Hakaa has been a lifesaver! It allows me to collect milk from one side while breastfeeding on the other- brilliant, right?. I pump once in a while but mostly use the Hakaa. So now when I need to rest I know there's milk for the baby. For moms that don't have help, I know sleep when the baby sleeps is cliché but the laundry stack can wait.
And remember, if you're still not seeing the milk supply you'd like, you're still an amazing mom! Formula is a totally acceptable option. Your baby's health and happiness come first, after all. I hope these tips help. And congrats on your little bundle of joy! These moments will fly by, so savor them.
Want to try my copycat smoothie bowl? Here's the recipe:
Blend some yogurt (I personally love the Greek Gods Honey Yogurt), avocado, a splash of lime, spinach, and kale. Top it with mango, granola, blueberries, coconut flakes and chia seeds. I also add a dollop of peanut butter to mine. Enjoy the feast!
