Breastfeeding tips and natural remedies!!

Breastfeeding is by far the greenest option for feeding your newborn. You do not have the manufacturing of formula and you can also go without bottles for as long as you wish. No clean up! I have successfully breastfed my now 2 year old for a year.. There is a great sense of accomplishment that comes with this. Breastmilk has the best nutrients, antibodies to fight off viruses, and it is free! I breastfed my first child til she was almost 17 months! 
 To help with milk production I drank Traditional Medicinals Mother's Milk tea. I brought it with me to the hospital and drank a few cups a day. Then every other day. It really worked great and tastes good with Stevia to sweeten it.  Now I am preparing for my 3rd baby due in the next week and I have stockpiled Mountain Rose Herbs Nursing Tea.  You can click the ad on this blog to purchase some for yourself!

My second baby was rarely collicky!! She had only had breastmilk. The only thing I had to change in my diet was stop drinking goat milk because it made her spit up more. She only seemed fussy when she was hungry and got gassy if I ate too much garlic or broccoli. I have read about what to eat and what not to eat to prevent colic or fussiness. It seems to vary among babies. What I have found to be a common factor among several women is that they must stop eating dairy because it has a negative effect on the infant. What I did find surprising is that you should avoid peppermint and parsley because it can halt milk production. Remember also to avoid caffeine and alcohol or use the test strips to check your milk after you have a drink. I truly believe each baby is different and you just have to see what works for you. If you have a family history of certain food allergies, your baby may be allergic as well. Common allergens are things such as wheat, eggs, corn, dairy, shellfish and soy.

If you plan on breastfeeding there are certain things I feel are essential to make it as easy as possible. First you need Earth Mama Angel Baby Nipple Cream. There are other brands but this is lanolin free, organic and doesn't need to be washed off before feeding your baby. You can also use raw coconut oil to moisturize as well.  If you get an infection known as mastitis...I have read that you can use on drop of Geranium oil(Young Living Brand) and one drop of Lavender(Young Living Brand) and combine with a pint and a half of  cool water and soak a wash cloth in the mixture to use as a cold compress.  I have my oils ready for this since it occasionally happens.(You can look at the Young Living link above for wholesale sign up info)
    A breast pump is great to have. They are pricey but well worth it! The Medela Freetyle is what I have and it also comes in handy when it is time to mix milk with baby cereal like oatmeal. Or you can express by hand which works to add milk to oatmeal... but it is not easy...milk just seems to go all over the kitchen and not much in the oatmeal bowl! So I suggest a pump of some sort! As far as bottles...I used the medela BPA free that go with the breast pump.  This time I didn't even pull out my breast pump or get bottles ready.  I will nurse and may eventually use glass since all of the recent backlash on BPA free bottles still containing harmful chemicals. For working moms who need to store milk and freeze...do your research.  Heating the bottle with milk in it is what worries me.  Consult a lactation specialist on this one.  Nursing bras and tanks are great too. You will want to have one per day or you will smell like sour milk. I like the nursing tanks for the winter to keep extra warm. Instead of the disposable breast pads filling up landfills, I like the organic cotton reusable breastpads. It is also good to have a few nursing tops to make it easier to feed when you are in public....even better! A button down shirt will work also but if you have a fussy baby, easy access is best! The fabrics you wear should really be cotton or wool or hemp and not washed with any harmful detergents as your baby is inhaling them.  A good nursing pillow is helpful but the popular brands are made from toxic materials such as polyurethane foam!! Here are Natural options for nursing pillows. You can use a latex pillow which is safe as well or lay down to nurse which is so relaxing. Remember women have breastfed for ages without a nursing pillow!!! Whatever option is best for you, please give breastfeeding a try! You can contact your local Le Leche League for help if your hospital does not have a lactation consultant.Happy Breastfeeding Week!!