Breastfeeding Made Easy For All Moms.

Introduction

Breastfeeding; it seems so natural and easy when you see experienced moms with a good let down doing it, as they have nice eye contact with their little ones while the little ones make all manner of ‘happy baby’ movements with their hands and legs.

Most women who have never had kids never even stop to think that breastfeeding might be a challenge for them, unless they had someone close to them struggle with breastfeeding.

Even during baby showers, it is assumed that you will somehow know how to breastfeed. I mean, a mother and her body know when to start letting down milk! Therefore, one of the things that well-meaning girlfriends will do is give breast pads as gifts to the mother to be – because the popular talk is that breastfeeding mothers leak.

Then the D-day arrives – it is time to put all the theory you’ve learned from hours upon hours of reading blog posts, expectant mother forums, and YouTube comments into use.

I mean, you’ve probably read somewhere that the newborn should breastfeed within the first one hour of birth. So, in your excitement as a new mom, you shove the little one to your breast, but they don’t seem to get it – they are all over the place, and your nipple feels a little uneasy. So, you try it again, and this time, they suck on the nipple, and boy does it hurt. But you’ve read somewhere that the little one needs to latch well, so you make the most of your memory, and after several more tries and with the help of the receiving pediatrician, you successfully get them to suckle for the first time. You breathe a sigh of relief and get started, but as many newborns do, your bundle of joy soon sleeps. The first test completed and passed, oh so you tell yourself.

But as soon as they do that, you are left wondering – did they get enough?

To alleviate your fears, your pediatrician may be quick to point out that a newborn will only need about a teaspoon of milk, so you rest easy knowing that you really can’t fail to produce just a teaspoon of in a feeding! You still press your breasts a little to see whether there is something coming out –and it is just a drop, a trickle, but the pediatrician tells you it is colostrum, which you probably are already aware of – is normally not much, though you cannot help but think of someone you know who was leaking this same colostrum.

The baby wakes up, and you continue trying to breastfeed, and they go back to sleep but thoughts of whether they are getting enough milk never seem to disappear. In an assuring tone, the doctors and nurses tell you to just wait for a few days as you put the baby on the breast as often as possible (even when your nipples are hurting so bad) and for sure, milk will come. So, you continue trying, get discharged from the hospital, and continue waiting for milk to come.

And it does come, only that it is not as much as you expected. I mean, isn’t leaking one of the ultimate litmus tests for whether you have enough supply? Who doesn’t want a milk-drunk baby anyway?

So, if you don’t leak, ever, whether it is the first week or second week, you start panicking. The first doctor’s visit comes and the scale does not seem very encouraging, no matter how encouraging the pediatrician is in assuring you that most babies will lose weight in the first two weeks of birth. You still feel as if it is your fault, so stress and anxiety levels start going to an all-time high. You are just on edge. Everything unusual (based on your definition of a perfect baby, like sleeping for hours) that the baby does and everything you can think of is that they are not getting enough, and it is your fault!

The society doesn’t help either in hammering the message that breast is best, so you keep trying. But it is not helping. Your breasts are sore, your back hurts, you are sleep deprived, and you still haven’t healed. You are in a bad state, quite literally, both physically and emotionally. And whether you have help or not, nothing really seems to help because the little one just wants to stay on the breast, all the time.

In simple terms, reality has started dawning on you, so you start asking all manner of questions...

How do I know my baby is getting enough milk at different ages?

What can I do to increase my supply?

Is leaking a true measure of enough supply, or is it just a myth – will I ever get to use my breast pads?

How do I make breastfeeding more comfortable and less stressful?

How do I stay sane in all this when this little human being depends on me for everything, yet I am doing so badly at it?

How much of the challenges that I am experiencing with breastfeeding is my doing, which I can correct, and what is really beyond my doing?

How do I get the courage and confidence to soldier on despite the challenges?

If you have these and other related questions, keep reading, as this book covers all these in an empathetic language (having experienced what you are going through) that will encourage you and give you the confidence to want to keep breastfeeding.

More precisely, you will learn:

• Why doctors encourage breastfeeding and why you too should try your level best to breastfeed (the benefits of breastfeeding to both you and the baby)

• Is my baby getting enough – signs that your little one is getting enough, even if it doesn’t seem or feel that way

• Factors that cause an increase or decrease in supply and what to do about anything that stands in the way of you not getting enough milk

• Natural ways to increase your supply easily with diet, including exactly how the different ways help translate to increased let down

• When and how to start using natural herbal supplements, including factors to consider when choosing supplements, what is in the supplements, and how to make your own versions at home to cut the cost

• Pumping as a way of increasing flow – exactly how to do it the right way, even if your baby is hardly sleeping for long stretches

• Ways to stop going nuts and calm down, even when you don’t feel you are in control

• What to do when all else fails – adopting a fed is best, as opposed to the breast is best, without feeling guilty and as a bad mother, including how to keep your supply up, even when you are alternating breastfeeding and formula

• And much more

Even if you are feeling alone, lost, like a loser, and anxious about the whole process because you never leak, your baby never seems to get milk drunk, or you feel inadequate, this book will use easy, encouraging, and positive language that will give you the much-needed hope and confidence that you can do it, you are doing just fine, and more. You will also know when to put your baby’s interests first and introduce formula, even when you are breastfeeding, without feeling condemned!

Let’s begin.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Chapter 1: Breast Is Best: Understanding Why Doctors Insist On Breastfeeding

Why Breastfeeding Is Good For The Baby

Why Breastfeeding Is Good For You

Chapter 2: It Might Not Be As Bad As You Think It Is: How To Tell Your Little One is Getting Enough Milk

Chapter 3: What If You Find Yourself Coming Short? Natural Ways To Increase Supply

With Diet

With Supplements

Herbal Supplements To Increase Breast Milk

Chapter 4: Pumping As A Way Of Increasing Flow

To Effectively Pump With A Good Output

Chapter 5: Factors That Affect Breastmilk Supply

Maternal Factors

Infant Factors

Chapter 6: Common Questions You Might Be Asking Yourself As A Nursing Mom

What Do I Do When All Else Fails? Adopting A Fed Is Best Mindset Without Feeling Guilty And As A Bad A Mother?

Conclusion

Chapter 1: Breast Is Best: Understanding Why Doctors Insist On Breastfeeding

As you may already know, doctors recommend breastfeeding. Even the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that newborns be breastfed exclusively for the first 6 months, followed by combining breastfeeding with complementary foods until they are at least 12 months.

But why do they recommend that? Simple – because it is good for you and the baby! Let’s begin

Why Breastfeeding Is Good For The Baby

The Science-Backed Benefits

1. Breastmilk provides the best nourishment for the baby

Breastmilk has everything a baby needs for their first six months of life in their perfect proportions, with a composition that changes as the baby’s needs keep evolving.

For example, it starts by producing colostrum, the thick, yellowish fluid in the first few days of birth. The colostrum is high in protein and sugar, which helps ‘jumpstart’ the baby in their first days of life. What’s more, the colostrum is packed with lots of beneficial compounds that are ideal for the baby at that age. Colostrum comes highly recommended as the first feed for the baby (far more than formula) – as it also helps support the baby’s developing digestive system.

And once the colostrum clears up, there tends to be more milk to keep up with the baby’s growing demands.

The only thing that does not occur in plenty in breastmilk is vitamin D, which you can give your little one as drops.

2. Breastmilk is high in antibodies

Breastmilk has high concentrations of important antibodies that their little bodies use to fight off infections from bacteria and viruses, especially in their tender age.

This is particularly true for colostrum, the first milk, which has been said to have high amounts of immunoglobulins IgA , which forms a protective layer on your little’s one digestive tract - stomach, nose, and throat. This helps protect the child against allergens. As a nursing mom, you will also pass your antibodies through breastmilk to your baby when he/she is exposed to bacteria and viruses. Formula milk does not provide antibodies, which probably explains why several studies have shown that babies that are not breastfed adequately tend to be more vulnerable to health problems like infections, and diarrhea.

3. Breastfeeding may help to reduce diseases

Breastfeeding has been linked to the reduced risk of the baby developing or struggling with diseases and health problems like:

1. Gut infections

2. Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

3. Middle year infections

4. Infections to the digestive tract

5. Colds and infections

6. Bowel diseases

7. Childhood leukemia

8. Asthma

9. Intestinal tissue damage

10. And many others

4. Promotes healthy weight gain for your baby

Breast milk helps your baby develop high levels of gut bacteria, which is helpful in decreasing fat storage hence preventing childhood obesity. This is especially effective if done longer than four months. Leptin, a hormone found in breastmilk in higher content than in formula, regulates fat storage and appetite hence reducing obesity and overweight.

5. It is easily digested

Breast milk contains enzyme lipase and amylase that aid in digestion. The baby’s digestive system is not yet developed enough to secrete the needed enzymes. So when you breastfeed, you pass these important enzymes to them, something that, in turn, helps with digestion. Breast milk also forms softer cuds than the formula making it hard to constipate your little one.

6. Provides comfort and warmth

Having a warm place to lie and feel your heartbeat as your baby sucks is comforting to them and can calm them as they adjust to the new world.

7. Always on the right temperature

Coming straight from your body, your breast milk is warm and at the right temperature, and therefore, as a mother, no need to worry if it’s just right or not. This makes it easier to offer your baby without wasting time on heating.

8. Creates a bond between you and your baby

The eye contact maintained by you and your baby as he/she breastfeeds creates a strong bond between you and them. Your little one grows knowing he/she is loved. He/she gets to feel the love from being held so close as he/she breastfeeds.

9. Breastfeeding might make children smarter

Some studies suggest children who are breastfed may end up being more intelligent. This is associated with connection developed from maintaining eye contact, intimacy, and physical touch during breastfeeding.

Why Breastfeeding Is Good For You

1. Breastfeeding aids in involution

Involution is the return of the uterus to its normal size after birth. Breastfeeding stimulates the release of oxytocin, a hormone that fastens uterine contractions. This takes it back to the pre-birth size. This contraction that occurs as you breastfeed also helps expel any clots on the uterus, therefore preventing bleeding.

2. Provides emotional satisfaction

As you breastfeed, you develop confidence in knowing that you are providing all the nutrients required by your little one. This ultimately creates a bond between you and your baby.

All this happens because of the action of several hormones. For example, hormone prolactin, which is released when breastfeeding, promotes relaxation while oxytocin promotes a strong sense of love, which creates a strong attachment between you and the little one.

3. Breastfeeding is cost-effective

The fact that you simply need to eat healthy, nutrient-dense food and then breastfeed makes breastfeeding very affordable compared to having to buy cans of formula every few days. That’s not even considering the fact that with formula, you have to buy bottles and other supplies. What’s more – with breastfeeding, you can just ‘up and go’ with your baby – you don’t need to plan your travel around providing your little one formula milk.

4. Reduces fertility

Breastfeeding increases amenorrhoea (absence of menses). A hormone called prolactin is released when you breastfeed, something that suppresses ovulation, therefore inhibiting pregnancy. This is something to worry less about as you enjoy your time with your little one.

5. Breastfeeding reduces the risk of ovarian and breast cancer

By delaying menstruation, breastfeeding reduces your exposure to estrogen, which may promote breast cancer cell growth.

6. May help you lose weight

Breastfeeding promotes the burning of calories, which makes some moms lose weight. This eventually leads to the reduction of cholesterol levels and heart diseases.

The fact that you are reading this is evidence that you are already sold to the idea of breastfeeding but just needed a little encouragement followed by the main thing, which we will discuss in the subsequent chapters. Let’s begin by understanding whether your little one has had enough milk or not.

Chapter 2: It Might Not Be As Bad As You Think It Is: How To Tell Your Little One is Getting Enough Milk

The worry you get over whether your loved one is getting enough milk is completely justified. As much as you could be worrying for nothing, discovering some ways to know your baby is taking enough is satisfying and puts you in a more comfortable place than before.

When your little one is taking enough, some cues will let you know that he/she is having enough.

Some of them include the following:

• Your little one will have increased urine output, with more than six diapers in 24 hours by day 5 of age. Day one of age, your baby’s urine output may not be much, but as the days progress, you should look out for more wet diapers equivalent to the age in days for the first few days. Pale urine color is an indicator that your baby is properly hydrated, which is a sign he/she is having enough. When you see concentrated, small quantities of urine, it’s an indicator that your baby is not taking enough.

• Your baby is meeting their developmental milestones, and when he/she is awake, he/she looks active and happy. Breastfeeding makes your little one have the energy to play. Being able to get their required nutritional requirements met daily means their growth is also not compromised.

• Your little one should, by day four of age, pass 3-4 stools in 24 hours, with the color of poop being loose yellow with a seedy texture at day 5 of age. Your baby’s first poop after birth is called meconium, and it’s green in color. As the days progress and your baby’s gut become active, the poop color changes to yellow as mentioned above. As your baby continues to grow towards a month old, the frequency of passing stool reduces to 2 or 3 times a day, with some not passing any in a day. This does not mean anything is wrong, especially if they are just on breastmilk since it does not cause constipation.

If your baby is passing small, frequent poops, this may indicate that he/she is not getting enough. You might want to continue breastfeeding longer per session and see if he/she declines it, if full or wants more and not just soothing himself.

• You should observe your little one’s throat and notice rise and fall as they swallow during breastfeeding. If your baby has taken a large amount of milk as they suck, you will hear the obvious gulping of milk, especially if they had sucked a mouthful.

• If your baby is breastfeeding well, he/she will do so continuously for 10 minutes or more in a rhythmic pattern as they swallow. If your baby sucks, pausing to give time to swallow, after a few minutes in the breast, then he/she will come out satisfied. But if your little one nibbles or makes sounds of drinking for a short time, this might indicate that they are not getting enough, so you should try to make them to breastfeed for a little longer.

• During the first four months, as your baby grows, the expected weight gain is 155-240 grams per week. This could vary from baby to baby, but on average, most babies will gain this much. A few days after delivery, they shed off the birth fat and lose some grams. Before you are discharged, your baby will be weighed again and have the delivery weight compared to the discharge weight. This helps to benchmark with what your baby has gained or lost after two weeks post-delivery. Your baby will be weighed after two weeks. If they did not gain weight (even by a few grams) or they have lost, it is a sign he/she may not be getting enough.

With the help of the doctor, you will be able to identify if its latching problems that also lead to the baby not having enough from the breast or it is because your milk flow is low and your baby is not getting enough. It can be frustrating as a mom to realize your little one has not added weight, and most times, you will blame yourself for not being able to give him/her the best. It is okay to feel that way, but you don’t need to be too hard on yourself. Allow yourself to learn and seek help where you need clarity.

• If your baby seems happy, relaxed, and has opened up the fist made when he/she is hungry, then it’s a sign that he is satisfied. A full baby is a happy baby. They will not fuss over the breast or look gloomy if hungry. They soon start getting interested in the environment around them and at times, they will just be content and stare around or not fuss when handed over to someone else other than the mother.

• In 24 hours, your baby will probably need to breastfeed for 8-12 times. Most healthy babies will frequently breastfeed, especially during the first few months of life. This, on its own, is not a measure to taking enough. Therefore, check if diapers are wet or have poop. The reason for breastfeeding frequently could be because your baby is active and healthy or just because they want to stay on the breast all the time or are not getting enough. You need to evaluate and observe other positive cues for a full baby, and you will have an idea if they are having enough or not.

• After sucking, your breast should feel lighter and softer, especially if it was full. This means that your baby has fully emptied it from sucking. Even if you did not have a full breast, if your baby has enough wet diapers and others with poop, you are doing just fine.

• If your baby is not showing hunger cues like making fists, sucking in fingers or clothes or being fussy after breastfeeding, this could indicate they have had their fill. This, however, should not be a measure to conclude since your baby could be having itchy gums, especially if over 3 months. As a mom, decide what looks as usual, and if in doubt, it is good to seek help to be sure your young one is having enough.

• While breastfeeding and they have had enough, your little one will come off the breast on their own. Occasionally, your baby will come off the breast because they have slept while breastfeeding. Some will do so if they are full and no longer interested in feeding. As a nursing mom, make the right judgment for your little one and find out if their lack of interest to breastfeed more is because they are full, especially if you couple it with other signs above or it is because they are frustrated from not getting enough.

Let’s take this even further, where we learn what to do if everything seems to be pointing to your little one not getting enough.

Chapter 3: What If You Find Yourself Coming Short? Natural Ways To Increase Supply

If you suspect your little one is not getting enough milk from breastfeeding, the good news is that there is a lot you can do to improve your supply. Some of these approaches include the following:

With Diet

Your body needs to be fed with a well-balanced diet since that is what you are passing on to your little one as he/she breastfeeds. That said, specific foods are known to boost milk production even as you eat a well-balanced diet.

 Oats

There’s no scientific evidence that oats or oat shakes increase milk production. However, many mothers over the years have sworn by it for increasing their milk production after eating oats.

The daily recommended intake for oats is 1/3 cup instant dry oats during lactation. The nutritional value for this is:

Thiamine-0.299 (21 %RDA*)

Zinc-1.26mg (11% RDA*)

Phosphorous-194mg (28% RDA*)

Magnesium -61mg (20%RDA*)

Iron- 1.7 2g (17%RDA*)

Fiber: 4.09

Carbohydrates: 27.47g

Fat: 2.58g

Protein: 6.56g

Energy: 150kcal

Avenanthramides, a bioactive phytonutrient in oatmeal, makes oats have strong antioxidant, anti-itching effects, which probably explains why oatmeal baths are used to deal with skin conditions like eczema and inflammation.

This phytonutrient also helps increase nitric oxide, which helps increase the blood’s ability to carry more oxygen – including to the breasts! This, in turn, results in an increase in milk production during sucking.

Oats are a good source of iron that is good for breastfeeding. While low iron levels can cause low milk production, having the required nutritional values for iron leads to good milk production. Oats have plant estrogen, a hormone that stimulates milk glands and leads to high breast milk production.

Oats are a great source of soluble fiber, which is excellent for digestion. Since they contain vitamin B, they help in elevating mood, reduce stress and depression and increase energy. We know that stress can hinder milk production so when you eat oats, which have stress-suppressing vitamins, they serve as comfort foods, which help you calm down and have a better let down

And the good thing is that there are no known side effects of oats for nursing mothers. That said, if you have gluten sensitivity, ensure you start it off with caution or ensure the oats you eat are clearly labeled gluten-free.

 Eating Whole grains

Whole wheat and brown rice contain beta-glucan, just like oats. Swap the white bread for the brown one and the white rice for the brown one to get the full benefits in your meals as you breastfeed.

Some nursing mothers report bloating on taking whole wheat and a lot of gas on their little ones. If this happens to you and your baby, stop taking it for a while to see if there is any improvement.

 Lactation cookies

So, what makes these cookies lactation cookies. We start by looking at the ingredients.

Lactation cookies contain oats, brewer’s yeast, which has barley, and flaxseeds.

While alcohol consumption when breastfeeding is prohibited, barley has been shown to contain dietary beta-glucan, which increases the secretion of the hormone prolactin, which is responsible for milk production.

Barley can be used in stew, soup, vegetables, and beef. Barley malt, made by letting the barley germinate, is a perfect substitute for maple syrup when baking. After germinating, it becomes a malted sweet syrup.

Brewer’s yeast contains protein, iron, high in vitamin Bs, chromium, and selenium. It is also used as a nutritional supplement by nursing mothers.

Important note: Alcohol is not recommended for breastfeeding moms since it can pass through breastmilk, and your little one will have it. Therefore, look for the original pure malt and avoid those that have been sweetened.

 Reddish vegetables and leafy vegetables

Most green leafy vegetables contain loads of vitamins and mostly iron and calcium. Iron is vital for you after delivery to help restore blood levels and boost them. Calcium is important for you as it was in your prenatal period, as it helps maintain healthy bones and teeth. Phytoestrogens, a vital nutrient that mimics estrogen in your body, is found in leafy vegetables and promotes milk production.

 Healthy oils and fats

As a breastfeeding mom, the content of fats you consume affects the composition of your breast milk. Apart from your breastmilk quality, weight gain during the breastfeeding period occurs to some moms due to snacking frequently.

Incorporating healthy fats that have fewer calories will help you not gain unnecessary weight. Some of the recommended oils are compressed flax oil from flaxseed, which also aids in milk production, coconut oil, and extra virgin olive oil. You can also use butter in your foods since it is all-purpose.

Incorporate these oils into your meals by sprinkling some on your food.

 Barley

Barley contains beta-glucan, which promotes milk production through the hormone prolactin. Use whole barley in salads, stews, and soups.

 Other equally effective foods include:

• Black kidney beans – make sure to soak them overnight and discard the water before cooking to reduce gas

• Garlic

• Fennel

• Chickpeas

• Sesame seeds

• Fresh ginger root

• Almonds

• Nursing teas: These are made using a combination of dried herbs like fenugreek, fennel, milk thistle, and blessed thistle.

Note: It is important to try different options because you really may not know what will actually ‘jumpstart’ your body to start producing more milk. Simply ensure to observe how your baby behaves 3-12 hours after taking certain foods. If they don’t seem extremely fussy or gassy, you can continue taking whatever food you took for a couple of days to see if it works for you in increasing your supply.

With Supplements

It is normal for a nursing mom to worry about your milk supply and quality.

Before putting your hands on any breastfeeding supplements as a nursing mom, it is good to try natural ways of boosting your milk supply. Below are some ways to naturally boost your milk production.

Natural Ways Before You Start Taking Supplements

 Keep yourself rehydrated

Breastfeeding is very draining, and moms tend to get very thirsty when they start to breastfeed. Milk is pretty much water. So you shouldn’t expect to be draining all that water from your body without replenishing it. It is recommended that you increase your water intake to 13 cups of water or about 3.1 liters to ensure you don’t end up dehydrated

Note: While there are no documented benefits of taking extra water while breasting, listen to your body and don’t overdrink in the hope of getting more milk.

 Massage your breasts

Apply warm compresses to your breasts before you start to breastfeed your baby using warm water gently, in a circular motion. This helps to open up milk ducts in preparation for letting down milk.

 Nurse frequently

The more you breastfeed your little, the more you signal your body to produce more milk for the next feed since it is left empty. Notice when you don’t nurse your little one often or pump your milk if you are away from your baby, your milk production starts to decrease.

 Snack often

While our current generation is weight-conscious and does not want to gain a lot of weight while nursing, the truth is that there was some science behind why our mothers and grandmothers didn’t struggle with breastfeeding as much.

During those days, when a woman had just delivered, nursing entailed eating frequently.

You can use this to your advantage as well. You don’t necessarily need to overeat but simply keep the calories going in – your body will have an in-demand supply of nutrients to keep the production of milk ongoing. You can snack on oat biscuits, lactation cookies and any of the lactation friendly foods I have mentioned or will mention in the book.

 Relax and speak affirmations to yourself

Tying to meet the demands of a growing baby and still struggling to get enough milk can be tough and discouraging. Speaking positive and encouraging affirmations before breastfeeding or pumping helps you speak positively to your mind and lets you calm down. This has proven to have a positive impact on milk production.

Some of these affirmations include the following:

I have all the nourishment my baby needs.

Stay focused, calm, and keep nursing.

I trust my body to make the perfect amount of milk to nourish my baby.

I am capable of feeding my baby.

Herbal Supplements To Increase Breast Milk

So how do supplements work? Supplements work by increasing the production of the hormone responsible for milk production called prolactin.

Factors to consider when selecting breastfeeding supplements

• Check with your doctor to help you make a decision on the same or advise of any side effects or interactions between the supplements and your body or your little one’s body.

• Read and examine the ingredients used to make the supplements

• Decide how many supplements you want to take. Some contain lesser ingredients, while others contain many.

• Consider your budget and go with what works for your budget.

With that in mind, here are some of the popular supplements:

 Fenugreek capsules

Nursing moms who have used fenugreek seeds, also known as methi, in some countries, swear by it to increase milk. Fenugreek can be used as a spice, taken as the seeds, or as a capsule. The daily recommended dose for you is 6gms, according to German Commission E. For you to notice a difference in milk increase, it takes 24-72 hours.

Increasing the dose daily to a point where you feel your urine and sweat smell like maple is the best way to know that you are taking the correct dose. Fenugreek is considered safe for you. It is listed as a safe drug by USDA and listed on USDA’s Generally Recognized as Safe list (GRAS).

However, if you take fenugreek and don’t feel well or notice your little baby is not happy, you should stop taking it.

Side effects

Fenugreek may cause gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, gas, stomach pain, and diarrhea to some nursing mothers. It is advisable to check with the doctor if you have high blood sugar levels or thyroid issues before taking it. Your baby might experience loose stools too, if it has affected you negatively since it passes through the milk.

 Majka Nourishing Lactation Support Protein Powder

Made of 6 organic protein sources, the powder contains vitamins, fiber, proteins, minerals, and fenugreek. Put a scoop of it in a smoothie, plain water, or in the drink of your choice.

 Maxi Health Lactation Nursing Support

It is gluten-free and vegetarian. This supplement contains fenugreek, barley grass, fennel, marshmallow root, nettle leaf, red raspberry, spirulina, anise, and alfalfa. You need to take 9 capsules a day or 3 in 3 times a day.

 WishGarden Happy Ducts Lactation Supplement

This supplement comes in a liquid form made from organic herbs. You pour the liquid into your drink or take it on its own. It does not contain caffeine; therefore, will not affect your sleep or your young one.

 Moms Know Best Lactation Supplement

These are capsules that are vegetarian friendly. They are made of blessed thistle powder and fenugreek seeds. You take 2 capsules 2 to 3 times a day, so you could end up having a total of 6 in a day. If taking two times is giving you enough milk, you don’t need to take three times a day.

Side effects

To reduce the chances of upsetting your stomach, take it with your meals.

Let’s take this even further, where we learn how to leverage the power of pumping to increase your supply.

Chapter 4: Pumping As A Way Of Increasing Flow

You might want to ask - when do you need to start to pump or even why would you want to pump as a nursing mom?

Well, you can start to pump as soon as establishing milk flow after you deliver. In the event your little one was born preterm or is very ill, you start 2 -6 hours after delivery to help establish milk flow.

Here are some reasons why you need to pump.

• You need to pump if you need to step out without your little one and therefore have some milk for him/her when you are out.

• Pumping will also help you reduce engorgement if your baby is not able to empty both breasts.

• For preterm or very ill babies, pumping is ideal since they are not able to latch. They require a syringe or a cup to be fed.

To Effectively Pump With A Good Output

 Pump more often

Pumping mimics the baby’s way of breastfeeding. Therefore, aim to pump often as the baby breastfeeds. The more you pump, the more you prompt your body to make more milk to replace what has been emptied.

 Plan for cluster pumping

This is where you need to sit with your little one and your pump. Breastfeed and pump half an hour to an hour for several hours. Nothing empties the breast better than your baby. So put the baby on your breast to initiate flow after pumping or on your other breast.

 Invest in a good pump

The quality of your pump can make a big difference when it comes to getting milk. A poor fitting flange of your pump can hurt your nipple or be loose and therefore not give good milk release when pumping. If you can get a hands free pump, do so. This will enable you to multitask as you pump. You can do something on your laptop, read a magazine or a book, or even fold laundry.

A hands-free machine goes hand in hand with the nursing bra for holding up the pump.

 Try Breast massage

Just like when you are about to breastfeed your little one, warm breast compresses stimulate milk and open any blocked ducts to release milk towards your nipple. Blocked ducts can result in engorgement and lead to cracked or sore nipples.

 Pump For Longer

When you get the last drop of your breastmilk after pumping, do not stop to pump but continue to do so for an extra 2-3 minutes. Your mind will instruct your breast to fill in since it has been emptied. This can help get extra milk.

 Pump after breastfeeding

Nothing can replace how your little one empties the breast naturally. That said, when your baby is done breastfeeding, try to pump since your body will be signaled to make more milk for the next feed now that it’s empty.

 Establish a pumping routine

Most moms say their milk production is high in the morning; you can also try that. Your body as a breastfeeding mom will adjust to the schedule, and you notice it is set to give you milk those specific times you maintain to be pumping.

 Snack on your lactation cookies and drink often

This will boost your production before pumping, just like when you do it before breastfeeding your baby.

In the next chapter, we will focus on factors that affect your milk supply, so you know what you can do about each of these factors.

Chapter 5: Factors That Affect Breastmilk Supply

Some factors can affect your milk production as a nursing mom. These could be either from you or from your baby.

Maternal Factors

• Poor nutrition- You should not take less than 1500 calories in a day

• Breast injury – When your baby is unable to latch on and get milk, the fact that the breast is not emptied ends up reducing your supply, and you dry up

• Use of alcohol and drugs - Alcohol affects the balance of oxytocin and prolactin, hormones that help in milk production, therefore inhibiting milk release.

• Return to work, causing your separation from your little, therefore causing infrequent breastfeeding.

• Stress and anxiety cause reduced milk production by inhibiting the release of the milk-producing hormone prolactin.

Infant Factors

• Weak sucking from being preterm or being very ill (for the baby) can cause a lack of breast stimulation and emptying, which may, in turn, result to reduced milk production.

• Extended periods between feeds. For increased milk production, you need to feed your baby frequently. If this does not happen, then there’s decreased milk flow because there is no stimulation from the baby or breast pump.

• Poor latching causes your little one not to get enough from your breast, and hence if not pumped, this results to reduced milk flow.

• Bottle-feeding may cause nipple confusion, especially if introduced early. His may end up causing breast rejection and lower your milk production.

Having these factors in mind will make you make the right decisions for you and your little one.

The last chapter will focus primarily on answering questions about anything that has not been addressed in the previous chapters.

Chapter 6: Common Questions You Might Be Asking Yourself As A Nursing Mom

Is leaking a True Measure of Enough Supply or Is It Just A Myth?

While leaking breasts show that your breasts are full, them not leaking does not mean they are empty, or you don’t have milk. Leaking is dependent on the nipple muscle on your breast. If yours are efficient, you may never find yourself leaking since they shut well. Therefore, you might be having an adequate supply of milk for your baby but never leak throughout your breastfeeding journey.

How Do You Make Breastfeeding More Comfortable And Less Stressful?

As a mom, if you and your little one are not comfortable during breastfeeding, this will result in stress.

To reduce this:

 Prepare a breastfeeding area with everything you might need in a basket. Sit in a comfortable chair with your breastfeeding pillows for support.

 Sing songs to your little one as he/she breastfeeds. That way, you remain calm, and he/she remains relaxed, and both of you will be happy.

 Appreciate yourself for providing nutrients for your baby, and don’t overthink how much of it you are giving.

How Do I Stay Sane When a Whole Human Being Depends On Me For Everything, Yet I Am Doing so Badly At It?

 Before starting motherhood, your expectations can make you as a nursing mother feel so horrible at what you are doing. To make it easy for yourself and the baby, calm and think of those expectations and possibly write them down (you can note them down on a phone). At the top, have ‘just expectations.’ Seeing them for what they are ‘just expectations’ will make you get some relief.

 Get yourself a support system. Many mothers are going through the same thing, and it’s good to know that you are not on your own in this. These people will hear you, validate you, and care for you.

 Make joy your priority. When you feel frustrations and stress is coming in, you can slowly fall into postpartum depression; therefore, try hard and do things that make you happy.

 If you can get help, please elicit all the help you can get. You can have someone to watch over your little one as he/she sleeps then you can take a walk around the block to just get some fresh air, away from the baby. It is an overwhelming feeling to be around a newborn that is constantly demanding your attention. Finding time to be just alone, with no baby around, even if it is for a few minutes, can make you come back feeling energetic.

What Challenges I am Experiencing With My Breastfeeding is my Doing, Which I Can Correct, and What is Really Beyond me?

There are common challenges for nursing moms, but luckily enough, you can get through them if you identify them and resolve what you can then let those that cannot be just be! Here are a few of them:

 Painful let-down

This is the prickly and tingling sensation that is felt as you eject breast milk. For some moms, this can be painful. If you find yourself having a painful let-down, breastfeed your baby longer on one breast before you change to the other. Always consult a healthcare worker if you don’t understand the pain you are experiencing to help rule out bacterial or yeast infection.

 Low milk supply

If you have not seen any improvement when you try pumping frequently or nursing frequently and have not seen results, make sure to check with a lactation specialist. There are many reasons for low milk supply so ensure to consult before giving up on yourself or trying something that would be harmful to you and the baby.

 Thrush

This occurs in the baby’s mouth due to yeast infection. This can pass to your breast from the baby’s mouth, causing your breast to be flaky, shiny, and with red nipples. Do not use over the counter medication, which can be harmful to your little one. Ensure all your garments, including your bra’s and breast pads, are well cleaned to avoid further infection. Breast pumps should be well sterilized after washing in warm water.

 Clogged ducts

Prolonged periods between feeding your little one or being away from her for long periods can cause clogged ducts. This will make your breast feel like there’s a lump, therefore causing pain. Sleeping on your breasts can cause clogged ducts.

To prevent clogged pores, be sure to pump frequently if you are away from the baby. And if you are around the little one, make sure they breastfeed often. Try warm massages before feeds or pumping to help unclog blocked ducts and ease the pain.

 Latching pain

Considering you and your little one are learners in this, especially as a first-time mom, there could be a pain when you start to breastfeed. Ensure you gently touch the baby’s cheek with your nipple to prompt him/her to open his/her mouth wide open. Bring the baby to the breast and not you giving it to him/her. His/Her chin should be on your breast as a proper latch, and his/her lips almost overturned as he/she sucks. This will reduce pain and sore nipples.

 Cracked nipples

This could be a result of dry skin, thrush, or poor latch. To prevent and solve this, wet your breast with some of your breast milk. This creates less friction as the baby sucks, and the baby’s saliva makes cracked nipples well lubricated to reduce pain.

What Then Are Those Things That Are Beyond You As A Breastfeeding Mom?

Let’s have a look at some of them:

Inadequate milk production due to the following:

 You usually take certain medications that interfere with milk production like anti-psychotics or anti-epileptics.

 You could be having a hormonal imbalance

 Previous treatment of cancer or on radiotherapy or you have had breast surgery.

 Insufficient granular tissue: During pregnancy, the breast tissue sufficiently grows to allow adequate milk production after birth. Unfortunately, it does not do so in some women causing insufficient milk production.

How Do I Get The Confidence and Courage To Soldier On Despite The Challenges?

Nourish yourself. Do not neglect your wellbeing. This boosts your confidence, even when things are not going too well.

Give yourself credit. Just having the thought of putting your baby on your breast to feed on you is great enough. You are doing okay, so keep going.

Trust your body. Trust your body to give your baby the best; it did while your little one was in your womb - it can and will continue to give them the best.

Surround Yourself With Support

Surround yourself with:

 New moms or old in the same path as you

 Your partner who has confidence that you are the best mom and source of nourishment for your baby

 Your friends who support and encourage you to keep going if when things are tough

Keep Away From Negative Critics

 People who doubt your milk supply or who don’t support your idea to breastfeed.

 Those encouraging to quickly turn to bottle and formula. That is the energy that will drain you and you feel helpless and incompetent.

 Even when you feel your breasts are empty, put your little one on your breast and let them suck. Your body will be prompted to make milk for that feed. Do it more often.

What Do I Do When All Else Fails? Adopting A Fed Is Best Mindset Without Feeling Guilty And As A Bad A Mother?

So, you have tried what society deems ideal. You have given your whole, and it’s taking a toll on you because it is really not working as expected. If you’e gotten to that point and you are almost losing your mind, it might be time to introduce formula then alternate it with breastfeeding. This will instantly reduce the pressure to keep up.

Don’t let anyone make you feel bad for opting to add formula to meet your baby’s growing demand for milk. Especially if the baby is not gaining weight as expected and you’ve tried everything in this book (and what your doctor has recommended) but failed, by all means, try formula.

There is no trophy for who could breastfeed the most or exclusively. Yes, breast milk is beneficial in countless ways but don’t put your baby’s health at risk (by not giving them enough nutrition) just to prove to yourself and the world that you can breastfeed.

Only you know your struggles if you’ve struggled with breastfeeding. Anyone who has never had such problems cannot relate and will probably think you did not try enough. Some women cannot carry a pregnancy to term – have you heard anyone tell them how they are not trying hard enough? Some people are short – and that’s just how they are. For you, you might just not be the kind that produces a lot of milk. I mean – even cows and goats have hybrids, pure breeds, and those that don’t yield much as far as milk is concerned. Why do people expect it would be different for humans?

Some women may just not have the ability to exclusively provide breastmilk for six months, and this is perfectly okay. In fact, you are no alone – only about 25% of Americans breastfeed exclusively for 6 months, according to CDC. While being able to breastfeed exclusively for 6 months will be a good ego boost, don’t get to the six months with a malnourished, underweight baby. Don’t let your baby to get hospitalized because of complications relating to not getting enough breastmilk when there is formula milk. For example, if your baby experiences excessive jaundice, dehydration, weight loss, hypoglycemia, and hypernatremia, your best shot might be to introduce formula milk to meet your baby’s nutrient requirements.

Fed is best. Don’t let your ego get in the way of your child’s nourishment. Put them first. Your child not getting enough nutrition from breastfeeding could make them to suffer from lifelong problems that you could easily have avoided if you let go of any inhibitions, feelings of shame and guilt for letting your child down.

Combination feeding is perfectly okay.

If to breastfeed exclusively, if both breastmilk and formula or even formula only, you as a mom have done your best for your baby. All this is the best. Be proud of yourself, and don’t feel less of a mom because breastfeeding didn’t work for you.

With the methods discussed earlier in the book, increase your milk supply and supplement it whenever necessary.

Conclusion

This book has given you more than enough information on what you need to increase your supply and when to consider using formula milk to meet your baby’s nutrient requirements. As a rule of thumb, always put your baby first – above what you or society expects. This means doing your best to have a high milk supply (because this is the healthiest and cheapest option). And if you cannot produce enough breastmilk, introduce formula milk because this is in the child's best interest to give them enough nutrition!