The first feed, Colostrum, is a thick yellowish pre-milk substance which lines the newborns intestinal tract with a healthy dose of beneficial bacterial antibodies. Breast milk can take up to 5 days to ‘come in’, the pituitary gland controls the release of prolactin, stimulates milk production and oxytocin which stimulates the ‘let down’ response.
Breast feeding not only provides a foundation for good health for the newborn but it also assists the body to return to normal. It stimulates the uterus to contract back to it’s pre-pregnancy size and helps to use up fat stores from pregnancy.
Breastfeeding can be especially demanding on our bodies, with an increase in nutritional needs of essential fatty acids, calcium, magnesium, iron and an increased need to rest even more so then during pregnancy. Eating a wholesome healthy diet in conjunction with taking a probiotic can assist your body in the nutritional boost it may need during this time.
What foods can help boost my milk supply?
Lactogenic foods can help to boost your milk supply naturally, including these types of foods in your diet can help you to overcome low milk supply issues that may be caused by nutritional deficiencies.
- Fennel Seeds
- Brewer’s Yeast
- Dark Leafy Greens
- Adequate purified water intake
At True Medicine we have helped women overcome slow milk flow, improve quality of breast milk and ease discomfort in breasts associated with infection (mastitis). For any assistance with diet, supplements or general health advice regarding conception and fertility, contact us on 07 5530 1863.