This past week has been a bit challenging for me due to having a new baby as well as 2 children and myself fighting colds. I was having some trouble with milk supply anyone so being sick has really not helped. Add on top of that the added stress of a still very sick father and trying to figure out how to care for him and trying to get a house ready for sale. Needless to say I am a bit stressed right now. I asked my husband this morning what it is like to sleep more then 1-2 hours in a row. I know I should not complain because this is just a season and it will pass, but for now I am exhausted.
I decided to start looking into some ways to help increase my milk supply naturally and frugally. Here is what I came up with. Hopefully it works.
1.) Lactation cookies- I originally tried these when I was nursing my son 2 years ago. I seem to remember them working ok. Even if they don't work they are really yummy and filled with healthy ingredients. The recipe I linked to calls for a lot more sugar then I am willing to use. I will probably half it this time or use a natural sweetener such as honey. I may also try using coconut oil or applesauce instead of butter.
2.) Fenugreek- This has been used for years by women trying to increase milk supply. It is safe and not very expensive. I found mine at a local health food store.
3.) "Try" to nap
4.) Vitamin C to fight my cold. I have been taking my kids chewable immune defense vitamins from our healthy food store. As an added bonus they have whole food concentrates in them as well.
5.) Lots of water and a healthy diet- It is amazing how much more milk I have when I remember to drink water. A well balanced diet is very important for quality milk.
6) Nurse or pump more often.
Hopefully these things will work. I will keep you posted.
I've also heard eating old fashioned oats (oatmeal) helps increase milk supply. They have a tea out there, and it comes organic, called "Mother's Milk". It's supposed to help. I made a cup when I was nursing, and I couldn't take the smell. Everyone, though, who has tried it says it works. Good luck!
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