Are you one of the many mothers that worries about not having enough breast milk supply for your baby? Did your doctor told you that the only way to increase your supply, is by using a prescription drug? Are you concerned about the side effects of conventional drugs? Are you looking for alternative solutions? If you say yes to any of these questions, I encourage you to read this article.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF about 1.5 million babies die every year because they were not breastfed. Many more millions suffer from infectious diseases and malnutrition, never reaching their full potential because they were bottlefed.

We know that breastfeeding is the healthiest choice for a baby. Most women plan to or want to breastfeed. However, many experience fear, are worry, and have many doubts and questions unanswered.

Right after the birth of their babies and for the first few days, even weeks, many mothers are concerned about not having enough milk. But what most women don't know is that the likelihood that a woman will be physically unable to produce sufficient milk for her baby is actually low. But we wonder why are so many women out there that believe or worry about not producing enough breast milk?

In our current society, we have lost the Art of Breastfeeding. Many mothers have grown up in families where they are the first women in generations to breastfeed. These mothers don't have a role model to look up to, so they do the best they can with the information and support available to them. Now the real problem as I see it, is that because we are living in a formula-feeding culture, the information they receive may be inaccurate and the support they have may be inadequate-which can discourage their efforts to breastfeed.

Most importantly, is the exposure to formula advertising women are subject to. We just have to look at the message we receive from the hospitals. The very first thing women are given as soon as they leave the hospital, is free formula, which brings the wrong message to new mothers, lowering confidence of mothers in their ability to breastfeed. They told them that IF they want to breastfeed their babies, they MUST make sure the baby is getting enough milk to support her growth. Of course, they also encourage women to NOT FEEL BAD if they have to supplement the feedings with some formula. This, automatically send a message to the new mothers, as if their breast could or could not develop enough milk. So instantly, a concern has been created in the women's mind, about their ability to produce enough breast milk. They also are told not right after a few days of birth, they must take the baby to see a pediatrician.

In my many years as a breastfeeding consultant, I have grow tired of hearing pediatricians tell mothers, that the baby was not getting enough weight and they MUST supplement with formula. Of course, for many women hearing this from a pediatrician means... you must do what he said or else...However, what doctors don't tell mothers is that it's totally normal for a baby to loss weight within the first days of her life. Also, they don't encourage them to trying first other alternative methods such as, herbal remedies and nutrition. The doctors of the old days (my grandmother used to tell me this) would tell women, to just simply put the baby on the breast constantly on demand. The more the better, they also focused mainly on the foods they were eating and encourage them to eat more of others, as chicken soup, lentil stew, even herbs my grandmother always told me. Most importantly, making sure the mother drinks plenty of fresh water every day.

Milk supply is dynamic. It follows the law of supply and demand. The more frequently and effectively a baby breastfeed, the more milk the mother's breasts produce. Sometimes for new moms, not understanding their baby's behavior can lead mothers to think they don't have enough milk even though they actually do.

Before or after the birth of a baby, Breastfeeding Consultants and La Leche League Leaders can help mothers tremendously. They can help mothers learn about positioning and latch-on so that babies can effectively obtain milk, how to tell a baby is getting enough milk, and how to increase milk supply, if needed. They can also refer mothers to healthcare providers to determine if there are any physiological causes of low milk supply in mother (e.g., a hormonal imbalance, retained placenta, previous breast surgery) or other related to baby (e.g., tongue-tie, low muscle tone, respiratory problems)-many of which are treatable.

There are however, special situations when a mother does suffer from low milk supply and additional help is needed.

What about "natural remedies" versus prescription drugs?

Reglan and domperidone, are prescription drugs that can help women increase their milk supply.

Reglan is an older medication that is known to increase milk production, but it has frequent side effects which have made its use for many nursing mothers unacceptable (fatigue, irritability, depression). Another drug is domperidone, which has many fewer side effects because it does not enter the brain tissue in significant amounts (does not pass the blood-brain barrier).

I personally don't like these or any other drug to be prescribed to a breastfeeding woman, knowing that there are some other more natural and healthier alternatives. Unfortunately, conventional medicine is much against natural remedies and preventive health care. The problem with reglan , donperidome and others alike," as many women claim to have" besides the side effects described above, is that the same way that may help you to increase breast milk supply initially while taking it, it will as well decrease, even stop your milk supply once you stop taking it. It is like Prozac and other depression drugs they (work?) While taking them. However, studies have revealed of people committing suicide once they stop taking the drug. Sad but true, conventional medicine and it's approach to "healing" is quite invasive and with a large list hidden side effects.

Is there any natural product available to increase breast milk supply without side effects for both, Mom and baby?

If you need to increase your milk supply, I'll highly recommend you to try any natural product, before using prescription drugs.

Sacred Tea for Nursing Mothers is an 100% Certified organic herbal formula, formulated with specific ingredients proven to not only successfully increase milk supply within days, but also to protect both mom and baby's digestive systems from common stomach upset, indigestion, constipation and gas. Sacred Tea for Nursing Mothers was exclusively created to help you. The Unique combination of our ingredients makes this herbal formula a powerful cocktail of Vital Nutrients that will help your body to increase your milk supply within hours of use*.

However, to increase breast milk supply, it is very important to understand that you MUST nurse your baby on demand, making sure, you are positioning the baby on the breast correctly. You must follow a healthy diet, drink plenty of fresh water, get plenty of rest, manage your stress levels and be patient. Breastfeeding is a learning experience for mom and baby. To guarantee a successful breastfeeding experience, it is recommended for you to exclusively breastfeed your baby on demand for the first few weeks, right after birth. Joining a La Leche League group near you is a good idea; having a professional breastfeeding consultant visiting you at home, is highly recommended.

Here is some basic information to remember:

Step 1- Breastfeed your baby on demand; remember you are going to have to be really patient and consistent, especially within the first few weeks. Milk supply is dynamic. It follows the law of supply and demand. The more frequently and effectively a baby breastfeed, the more milk the mother's breasts produce. Sometimes for new moms, not understanding their baby's behavior can lead mothers to think they don't have enough milk even though they actually do.

Step 2- Make sure the baby is latching on correctly and vigorously. If your baby gets sleepy on the breast, try to gently pinch her cheeks, or tickle her feet. if she get sleepy, remove her from the breast and put her to latch again, making sure she have the entire nipple on her mouth and her lips covers most of your aureole. Remember her jaw needs to be doing the work, not her checks. Place your finger on her throat to make sure she is swallowing.

Step 3- Remember to drink plenty of water! at least 1.5 liters of water a day. Buy yourself a plastic cup with straw have it close to you and drink ships of it all the time. Dirking plenty of water is very important.
Step

Step 4- Nutrition is very important as well remember this. Try to have a diet rich in whole foods. Eat whole grains, as is wild rice, brown rice, quinoa (very important grain) oats, and amaranth. Eat fish especially salmon and if you can many avocados, very rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Eat roasted chicken and make sure to eat the skin as this has rich nutrients that can help you to increment the milk supply. Try to have snacks during your meals. Eat seeds, nuts, and hummus with crackers, energy bars, and fresh fruit.

Step 5- Try to control your stress levels and remember that stress is the worst enemy of a breastfeeding woman. Stress can actually be a factor in decreasing the production of milk supply.

Step 6- Forget about schedules for the first few weeks/moths and try to get some rest. Sleep when the baby sleep and get as many naps as you can. Sleep deprivation ca be another factor altogether with stress that can influence your ability to produce more or less milk supply.

Step 7- Drink Sacred Tea for Nursing Mothers if you need to increase your milk supply. This herbal formula is made with 100% certified organic ingredients, is very concentrated, and can increase your milk supply within hours of use.

Most importantly, is to trust your body, have patience and if you think you need it, seek professional help right after the birth of your precious baby. Hope this helps. God bless you all.

Thank you for reading this article, and I hope it was helpful to you.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT WWW.BREASTFEEDINGWOMEN.COM

In Light, Love and Health
Sincerely
Ana Sola, CLA, CHBE, BC

Author's Bio: 

Ana Sola is a Certified Labor Assistant "Doula", Breastfeeding Consultant, Certified Hypno-Childbirth Educator, Wellness Consultant for Women, Mothers and their children, Motivational Speaker and an Author. Today, Ana Sola dedicate her life and work to educate women about the benefits of breastfeeding, natural family living, preventive health care, the importance of self-growth and Spiritual Empowerment.