If you read my previous post Reality of Breastfeeding, then you probably know how much breastfeeding has meant to me from the beginning. I am pleased to inform all you lovely people that I was breastfeeding from the moment Eloise was born! She even latched on perfectly the first time! Okay, I did ask for help with this because I wanted to ensure neither me nor baby were learning any bad lactation habits. Midwives are amazing and will help you as many times as needed to get the job done properly. So don’t forget to make the most of yours!
In preparation for the big day, there are a few things that I tried to boosts my milk production. As well as a healthy diet, I hand expressed to stimulate my boobs, if you get colostrum at this stage, use a sterile syringe to store it carefully in your freezer. Again, something your midwife may be able to help you with. Mine asked me to watch videos online… I found a few and have put the links below to save you some time. Don’t be discouraged if it take a couple of weeks to work! It is tough, but it will work.
NHS hand expression video
To read :
I also drank Organic Nursing Tea to help with my milk production. Although I smelled like a curry afterwards, the taste in itself wasn’t too bad. Also, if you want to give everything you can a go, I would definitely try this tea. I think it really helped me in time for baby’s arrival.
After delivering your precious cargo, you will feel hungry after most feeds. I certainly do, and the only way to get rid of that feeling is with a snack. I don’t mean a bag of crisps, I mean a healthy snack that’s also going to help you make milk as well as keeping your food intake healthy. This is the recipe that worked the best for me and make great snacks! Customise the recipe to suit your requirements. I found a version of it online and changed it quite a bit and it works really well! I type this with full and heavy breasts!!
Lactation Cookies Recipe
Yield: 20-30 big cookies or 50 cookie bites. Depends on your spooning size.
Cooking and prep time: 45 mintues
ingredients:
3 cups / 270 grams of rolled oats
1 1/2 cups / 192 grams of plain flour
5 tablespoons of brewers yeast. I tried this one.
3 tablespoons ground flaxseed. You can buy this one in Tesco
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
12 tablespoons/ 170 grams unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups / 300 grams of soft brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract or more if you like Vanilla as much as I do!
1 1/2 cups / 260 grams of dark chocolate chips/broken pieces of chocolate bar
Optional : your favourite nuts, coconut, smarties, fruit pieces etc.
Directions:
Preheat the oven the 350 degrees F / 175 C.
In a large bowl, mix all the dry ingredients together except the sugar. In a separate bowl, beat the butter and sugar until creamy. Add in the eggs and beat till you achieve a fluffy consistency. Add vanilla and beat for a little while longer.
Slowly start adding the dry ingredients little by little until well combine. Finally, add the Chocolate and any Nuts etc and mix.
Using a tablespoon, scoop out the mixture on a lined biscuit tray and bake for 15-20 minutes. Keep checking to ensure they don’t burn! Something I often do when things are in the oven…oops! Once they look golden brown, take them and let cool. Store them in air tight containers for snacking!
Practice makes perfect. So keep trying to hand express or pump your breasts. It won’t always work the first few times but don’t give up!
Bonita Bennett 