For those of you who know me I was recently on maternity leave for my third child (first boy after 2 girls)… I am truly blessed! My oldest, now 5 years… I breastfed for 13 months. My second, now 3.5 years… I breastfed for 16 months. And, now my third who is currently 11 months, I am still nursing.
Each one was a different experience but I was fortunate to have 3 babies latch and feed well on exclusively breast milk.
So a few tips I learned along the way to produce and maintain a sufficient amount of breast milk…
1. As soon as baby is born- put baby to breast and very often. Do not follow the every 3-4 hour feed schedule. Feed on demand! The more they suck during the first month the more milk you will produce.
2. Do not top up with formula… this is tempting, but if baby is gaining weight then you are giving enough. Don’t worry about ounces… you will never know while breastfeeding.
3. Try not to give a soother. I did not give a soother to any of mine… you become the soother. Yes, this is hard work… but pays off because increases breast milk production and you become the babies attachment… not an object.
4. There are also great herbs to try to increase if needed.
5. Acupuncture can also stimulate lactation.
These are just a few of my experiences… each mom will have their own individual differences. As a Naturopathic Doctor I can help figure out what is needed to help you achieve your goals with breastfeeding. Whether your goal is to give colostrum for the first week or to breastfeed for 6 months or a year, naturopathic medicine has many treatments and lifestyle techniques to help.
Let me help you achieve your goals with breast feeding.
Dr. Maria Papasodaro, ND
(905)451-3200
www.naturestouchnd.ca