Breastfeeding: It’s like a superpower for moms. But sometimes, even superheroes need a boost. Some moms face the challenge of low milk supply, which may feel like losing one of your most important motherhood superpowers.
Don’t worry, it’s not just you! Many moms have been there, and there are ways to boost your milk production. Here are some tips to help you increase your breast milk production.
Your body needs encouragement
Feed Frequently: You may be exhausted and it’s not what you want to hear, but frequent feedings may be the solution. The more often you feed your baby, the more milk your body will produce. Try to feed on demand, whenever baby shows signs of hunger.
Skin-to-Skin Contact: Keep baby close! Skin-to-skin contact can help stimulate your milk production and promote bonding with your baby.
Pumping: If you’re pumping, make sure you’re using a good-quality pump and pumping frequently. You may also want to try pumping on both sides at the same time. This can be especially helpful if you are working or have to be away from baby for long periods of time. Check out the Hygeia Express breast pump.
Self-Care: Take care of yourself
Relax and Reduce Stress: What new mom isn’t stressed? And unfortunately that stress can impact your milk supply. Ask your support system to help you find ways to relax. Many people can manage stress through techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.
Get Enough Rest: While frequent feedings and pumping may make this a hard one, solid rest and sleep will help your body with milk production. Be assured that the messes, dirty dishes, and laundry can wait and give yourself permission to sleep when the baby sleeps.
Eat a Healthy Diet: Your milk is directly impacted by the foods you consume and how much water you are drinking. Eating a healthy, balanced diet can help support your milk production, so don’t rely on processed, low calorie foods. Make sure you’re getting enough calories, fluids, and nutrients.
Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine: Fluids matter but which fluids matter too, as the wrong ones will definitely create a lack of milk supply. Excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption can reduce your milk production, so reduce or avoid them completely.
Outside Help
Seek Support: If you’re struggling to increase your milk supply, don’t hesitate to seek support from a lactation consultant or breastfeeding support group.
Get a Free Breast Pump: We believe that every mother should have access to the tools and support they need to breastfeed their baby. That’s why we offer an insurance-covered breast pump to mothers qualify. To apply, simply fill out the application form. We’ll review your application and contact you with the next steps.
Hygeia Health Can Help: At Hygeia Health, we understand the importance of breastfeeding and the challenges that mothers may face. In addition to our high-quality breast pumps, we also offer resources and support to help mothers on their breastfeeding journey. Take advantage of our website and our customer service team.
You Can Do It
Increasing your milk supply takes time and patience. But with the right support and strategies, you can achieve your breastfeeding goals.
The holiday season is a time for joy, family, and–who can forget–delicious food. As a breastfeeding mom, you might wonder how to indulge in festive treats without compromising your milk supply. Let’s dive into some holiday food tips that are safe and nourishing for both you and your baby.
Hydration, Hydration, Hydration
Drink Plenty of Water: Staying hydrated with good old water is crucial, especially during the colder months when our bodies tend to dehydrate faster.
Herbal Teas: Warm herbal teas like chamomile and peppermint can be soothing and hydrating. Avoid caffeinated beverages: As much as you may feel the need for energy, excessive caffeine can affect your milk supply.
Avoid alcohol: Don’t overdo it with the holiday cocktails when you are breastfeeding or pumping for your baby.
Nourishing Foods
Complex Carbohydrates: Opt for whole grains like whole-wheat bread, brown rice, and quinoa. These provide sustained energy and essential nutrients that will make the holidays more enjoyable for you and your little.
Lean Protein: Be intentional about your protein intake each day. Incorporate lean protein sources like chicken, fish, beans, and lentils to support milk production.
Healthy Fats: This one is something you are likely to find on some holiday food spreads. Look to include healthy fats from sources like avocados, nuts, and olive oil to promote hormone balance.
Fruits and Vegetables: You are likely to find an inviting fruit and veggie tray at most events. Load up on colorful plants to boost your vitamin and mineral intake.
Holiday Treats in Moderation
Indulge Wisely: While being intentional about the good stuff mentioned previously, it is equally important to tune into the treats on your tray. This doesn’t mean to avoid them completely, but enjoy goodies in moderation. Overindulging in sugary and fatty foods can lead to digestive issues and affect your milk supply.
Homemade Options: Consider making healthier versions of holiday treats using whole-grain flours, natural sweeteners, and less sugar.
Eat in Advance: Here is a little trick if you know you are headed to an event that is bound to tempt you with treats: don’t show up hungry! Eat something nourishing before the party, like a protein shake or a colorful salad, compete with healthy fats and proteins. When you do indulge, you will know you balanced it with something beneficial for the body.
Supporting Your Breastfeeding Journey
At Hygeia Health, we’re committed to supporting breastfeeding moms. Our high-quality breast pumps are designed to make pumping easier and more efficient, but we know that balancing social events with pumping and storing can seem daunting. With a little planning, it’s definitely doable.
We believe that every mother should have access to the tools and support they need to breastfeed their baby. That’s why we offer a 100% insurance-covered breast pump to mothers who are breastfeeding or have recently breastfed.
To apply for a free breast pump, simply visit our website and fill out the application form. We’ll review your application and contact you with the next steps.
By planning ahead, making informed food choices, and prioritizing your health, you can enjoy the holiday season while continuing to nourish your baby in the best possible way.
Pregnancy is a wild ride, and your body is in for quite a transformation. One of the biggest changes you’ll notice is how your breasts grow and change. Pregnancy brings incredible changes to your body, including how your breast change during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Maybe you’re up for that; maybe you dread it. Either way, understanding what’s going on can help you feel more comfortable and ready for the journey ahead.
Physical Changes
As your body adapts to the demands of pregnancy, you’ll notice significant changes in your breasts. From increased sensitivity to the production of colostrum, these changes are all part of a natural process that prepares you for breastfeeding. Let’s first take a closer look at how these changes progress.
Hormonal Changes: Not the pregnancy hormones! Actually, these hormones are exactly what your body needs. During pregnancy, your body produces increased levels of estrogen and progesterone. These hormones play a role in uterine growth, placenta formation, and, you guessed it, breast growth.
Increased Blood Flow: Worried about your sensitive breasts? Don’t be! It’s completely normal. It’s often something that tips off a mom to her pregnancy before she’s even taken a test. As your breasts grow, they require more blood flow to support their development. This increased blood flow can sometimes cause your breasts to feel tender or sensitive.
Milk Ducts: The milk doesn’t just show up along with your baby. During pregnancy, your body begins to develop milk ducts. These ducts are tiny tubes that carry milk from the milk-producing glands to your nipples. While they will develop during your pregnancy, it will be the routine breastfeeding and/or pumping that will maintain them after delivery.
Colostrum: Get ready for liquid gold! In the later stages of pregnancy, you may begin to produce colostrum. Colostrum is a thick, yellow fluid that is rich in nutrients and antibodies. It is the first milk that your baby will receive after birth, so it’s good news if you notice it in the final days of pregnancy.
Preparing for Breastfeeding
It is important to take care of your breasts during pregnancy to prepare for breastfeeding. Here are a few tips:
Wear supportive bras: As your breasts grow, it is important to wear bras that provide adequate support. You not only want comfort for you, but the best support for your growing and changing breasts.
Massage your breasts: Gently massaging your breasts can help stimulate milk production and improve your milk flow. This can also help prevent clogged milk ducts.
Learn about breastfeeding: Taking a breastfeeding class or reading books about breastfeeding can help you feel more prepared. While your phone may be able to answer anything on the spot, it’s best to already have reliable resources in a pinch.
Embrace the Changes
Pregnancy is a time of incredible change. By understanding the changes that your breasts are going through, you can feel more prepared and confident for breastfeeding.
At Hygeia Health, we understand the importance of breastfeeding and the challenges that mothers may face. Our high-quality breast pumps are designed to make pumping easier and more efficient, allowing you to focus on bonding with your baby.
We also offer resources and support to help mothers on their breastfeeding journey. Our website provides information on breastfeeding and pumping, and our customer service team is available to answer your questions.
Get a Free Breast Pump
We believe that every mother should have access to the tools and support they need to breastfeed their baby. To apply for a free breast pump, simply visit our website and fill out the application form. We’ll review your application and contact you with the next steps.
National Nurse Practitioner Week, observed annually in November, is a time to recognize and appreciate the invaluable contributions of some of our most prized healthcare workers: nurse practitioners.
These skilled professionals play a vital role in providing quality care to patients of all ages. This week, November 10-16, Hygeia is shouting praises to all nurse practitioners, especially those supporting the new moms around the world.
A Cornerstone of Healthcare
Nurse practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) with specialized education and training. They are qualified to diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications, and provide a wide range of healthcare services.
These highly qualified healthcare providers also play a vital role in supporting pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. With their advanced education and clinical experience, they offer comprehensive care, from prenatal check-ups to postpartum support.
Prenatal & Postpartum Care
By choosing a nurse practitioner for your prenatal and postpartum care, you can be confident that you’re receiving high-quality, compassionate care.
During pregnancy, nurse practitioners provide essential care, including:
Regular check-ups: Monitoring your health and baby’s growth.
Screening for complications: Identifying potential issues early on.
Education and counseling: Offering guidance on nutrition, exercise, and emotional well-being.
The crucial role of supporting breastfeeding mothers can often be played by a nurse practitioner. They can provide valuable advice and guidance on breastfeeding techniques, milk supply, and other common postpartum challenges.
Breastfeeding support: Helping you establish a good latch and troubleshoot any issues.
Postpartum check-ups: Monitoring your physical and emotional recovery.
Mental health support: Addressing postpartum depression and anxiety.
Supporting Healthcare Heroes
Let’s take this opportunity to thank nurse practitioners for their unwavering commitment to patient care. By recognizing their contributions, we can continue to improve healthcare access and quality for all and, most especially, new and breastfeeding mothers.
“It’s supposed to hurt.”
It’s one of the biggest breastfeeding myths! That’s not to say nipple pain is not a common hurdle for many new moms, sometimes hindering the establishment of a successful breastfeeding journey. Don’t let discomfort deter you! With proper knowledge and a few helpful strategies, you can manage nipple pain and continue breastfeeding with confidence.
Problems & Solutions: Why Do Nipples Hurt?
Several factors can contribute to nipple pain during breastfeeding:
Problem: Incorrect Latch
An improper latch, where your baby isn’t fully mouth-cupping your breast tissue, can put unnecessary pressure on the nipple and cause pain.
Solution: Perfect Your Latch
Seek guidance from a lactation consultant or healthcare professional to ensure your baby is latching on correctly. A deep latch with a wide mouth opening will help distribute pressure evenly and minimize nipple pain.
Problem: Engorgement
In the first few days after birth, your breasts may become engorged with milk, making it difficult for your baby to latch on properly and leading to nipple soreness.
Solution: Frequent Feedings
Frequent breastfeeding can help prevent engorgement and allow your baby to remove milk effectively. Aim for feeding cues rather than a strict schedule. Pumping and storing excess milk can help reduce engorgement especially during night feeding when baby may go longer stretches without feeding. Check out Hygeia’s hospital-grade breast pump and milk storage containers.
Problem: Tongue Tie
Ankyloglossia, or tongue tie, is a condition where a baby’s tongue is restricted by a short frenulum (the tissue under the tongue). This can make it challenging for them to latch effectively and may contribute to nipple pain.
Solution: Seek a Specialist
While some view correcting tongue-tie as a simple solution for breastfeeding difficulties, there’s ongoing debate about its necessity and potential for over-treatment in some cases. As the parent you have the final say for what is best for your child. You can find a specialist to help guide you to solutions here.
Problem: Friction
Frequent rubbing of the nipples against clothing or improper wiping after feeding can irritate the delicate skin.
Solution: Wear Loose Clothing
Opt for breathable, loose-fitting clothing that won’t rub against your nipples. Also change nursing pads appropriately if they are being used. You can find ideas for comfortable nursing clothes here.
More Solutions for Soothing Soreness
Even if none of the aforementioned problems seem to be the cause of the nipple pain you are experiencing, there are some more steps you can take to find relief:
Warm Compresses: Applying warm compresses to your breasts before feeding can help promote milk flow and ease discomfort.
Cold Relief: After feeding, using chilled breast milk compresses or soothing nipple creams can provide temporary pain relief.
Air Drying: Allow your nipples to air dry completely after feedings to prevent irritation from moisture.
Beyond Relief: Preventing Nipple Pain from the Start
Nipple pain can be avoided in a lot of cases. Here are some proactive tips to prevent the problem before it starts:
Prenatal Education: Learning about proper breastfeeding techniques and latching during pregnancy can help you feel more prepared for the early days of breastfeeding.
Skin-to-Skin Contact: Practice immediate skin-to-skin contact with your baby after birth. This not only fosters bonding, but it also encourages instinctive latching.
Proper Positioning: Experiment with different breastfeeding positions to find one that feels comfortable and allows for a deep latch.
Moisturize (Selectively): While avoiding harsh soaps and lotions on your nipples is crucial, applying a small amount of lanolin cream after feeds can help keep the skin hydrated.
At Hygeia Health, we understand the challenges and rewards of breastfeeding. We’re dedicated to supporting moms on their breastfeeding journeys by providing not only high-quality breast pumps but also access to valuable resources.
If you’re experiencing persistent nipple pain or have any breastfeeding concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to a lactation consultant or healthcare professional. They can provide personalized guidance and support to help you achieve a successful and comfortable breastfeeding experience.
