For first-time mothers, motherhood can be stressful and demanding physically, mentally, and emotionally. Lactation or breast-milk supply is often not enough in the beginning, and you do not need to worry about that. There are some factors out of our hands. However, you can take the following measures to ensure the situation improves and you can meet the needs of your newborn adequately.
Allergy and Cold Medication
Frequent medications against allergies and cold can decrease breast-milk production. The medicines generally contain a substance known as Pseudoephedrine, which can affect the breast-milk supply in the initial days. So you should try to avoid anti-allergic medication for the first few weeks after delivery, and once your supply has settled, you’re all good.
It is best to speak to your doctor before you take any medicine while breastfeeding.
Stress and Anxiety
Postpartum depression is a widespread condition that has not received as much importance as it should. Staying fit mentally is essential for your health as well as the child. Juggling between new sleeping schedules and child nursing, hormones such as Cortisol can steadily fall, which result in a reduced supply of breast-milk. In today’s nuclear families, mothers tend to do all jobs themselves. Therefore, it is recommended that you take help from your friends and loved ones. No one else can breastfeed or nurse the baby, but they can perform household chores.
You, your partner, and your friends/family should be careful enough to identify symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, or panic.
Unhealthy and Untimely Eating
Every mother is anxious to lose those extra pounds gained during pregnancy. It is indeed tempting to go for crash diets and to eat less. However, it is incredibly unhealthy because you lose almost 700 calories while breastfeeding. Thus, you should not try to diet while you are breastfeeding as it will not just affect you, but your baby too. You also need to keep yourself hydrated for adequate breast-milk flow.
Eat smaller portions of food at frequent intervals. That way, you do not overeat yet get the nutrients and energy you need. Eat citrus fruits regularly, as there is no end of the list of benefits fruits have. Also, have a glass of water every time you nurse that way, it is easy to remember to stay hydrated.
Food Habits
It all comes down to your food habits because your baby eats what you eat. There are food items you would like to avoid if you are facing a problem with your breast-milk supply. These include peppermint, sage, parsley, oregano, jasmine, yarrow, and so on as they work against lactation, which results in less milk production. In case you need a boost with the milk production and supply, consume foods that accelerate it. Also, opt for herbal breastfeeding tea, which helps them in the smooth flow of breast-milk. These will help you nurse your child better.
Try changing your food habits. You can try breastfeeding tea that contains essential herbs such as fenugreek, blessed thistle, fennel, stinging nettle, goat’s rue, alfalfa, milk thistle, anise, marshmallow root, red raspberry leaf, coriander, caraway, verbena, and many more, which are incredibly beneficial to you and your baby.
Nursing your child requires nursing yourself as well. Since your newborn is entirely dependent on you, you have to take care of yourself first. If you still face problems, it is best to see a lactation consultant at the earliest.