Preparing for Breastfeeding – A trip to the grocery store?!

Written By Taya Griffin, Breastfeeding Consultant and Homeopathic Practitioner

When I counsel mothers-to-be regarding breastfeeding they are surprised when I tell them to head to the grocery store in preparation! I thought I would share a few of the items on my list with Toronto Yoga Mamas:

1) Olive Oil – Breastfeeding should never be painful and when it is, it is time to seek help! However, some mothers do feel a degree of sensitivity as the baby pulls and tugs the nipple deeply into their mouth. Olive oil can be a huge help to soothe these sensitive nipples in the early days. A tiny drop warmed up between your fingers can be used before or after a feed. 

2) Cabbage – Some mothers feel some discomfort when their milk transitions away from the colostrum, or perfect first milk, to more mature milk. This usually happens at around 72 hours after the baby has been born. If everything is going well the discomfort is slight but if mom and baby are taking some time to get the hang of things cool cabbage leaves applied to the breast can relieve some of the swelling and hardness that may occur. If you think about the shape of a cabbage leaf you could imagine that nature designed it just for this reason!

3) Oatmeal – The number one reason mothers give up breastfeeding is because they feel they don’t have enough milk for their baby. Getting the best latch possible and knowing how to tell that baby is getting milk is crucial for success. Adding a little something that promotes your supply certainly won’t hurt! Oatmeal (real rolled oats) is a natural galactagogue, or milk making substance, and is also highly nutritious and easy to make. Add some lactation tea and you have a perfect combination for those very early morning breakfasts! 

Want to learn more? 

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MON JUL 22ND 7:30PM - 8:30PM

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