Common Breastfeeding Challenges

A lot of moms think breast feeding is easy and comes naturally, when in reality sometimes that isn’t the case. Breastfeeding is something that your body learns to do and your baby needs to learn how to do it as well. Sometimes it takes awhile for everyone to learn but remember that you are not alone during this time. There are many resources available to you, you just have to look for them or know the right people to ask. 

Here is my list of top breastfeeding challenges and, of course, some tips to those struggles. 

 

Latch Pain – It is quite common to have sore nipples when you first start breastfeeding. Your body needs to adjust to the new situation. If your baby has latched and the pain is lasting longer than a minute into the feed then you should double check on the positioning of the latch. The best latch is an asymmetrical latch where the mouth covers more of the lower nipple. If you need to reposition the baby put your finger inside their mouth in order to break the latch. Tickle your baby’s chin or feet so their mouth is open wide and position your breast again. If the baby’s chin and nose touch your breast and their lips are spread out around your nipple (so you cannot see your nipple) then you have a good latch. If you have a good latch and are still in pain, your nipples may be dry. Try using a nipple cream like Lansinoh in between feedings. Also try to avoid washing with soap as that tends to dry out your skin. 

 

Cracked/Bleeding Nipples – There are many different reasons why your nipples could crack or bleed, again this is quite common. It could be caused by dry skin, pumping issues, latch problems or thrush (see below). During your first week of breastfeeding you may have bloody discharge which is caused by baby learning what they are doing and your body adjusting to it, this is not harmful for your baby. Ensure you have a good latch or try feeding more regularly and in shorter periods. If your baby isn’t as hungry they tend to suckle softer. As stated above, try using a nipple cream to soothe your nipples. Leaving some milk on your nipples to air dry will sooth them as well, plus the milk has natural antibiotics to help healing. 

 

Blocked Ducts – If your ducts are blocked it is because your milk isn’t coming out properly. You may even notice hard lumps, redness or tender spots on your breasts. If you start to get a fever or feel achy that could be a sign of infection and you should see your doctor. Try not to go too long in between feedings as milk needs to be expressed often. A tight nursing bra may also cause your ducts to become blocked and of course, stress can also be a factor. Applying a warm compress to your breasts and massaging them will promote milk movement. 

 

Engorgement – This makes it hard for baby to latch properly since your breast is hard and it is uncomfortable in their mouth. If you hand express a little before you try to feed then your breast will be softer and it will be easier for baby to latch properly. Engorgement is due to high milk supply so the more you feed (or express) the less likely your breast will become engorged. Try using cabbage leaves or watermelon rinds to sooth your breasts if they become painful due to engorgement. 

 

Mastitis – This is a bacterial infection in your breasts. It is painful and usually is accompanied by flu-like symptoms. This is also quite common during the first few weeks after birth (but can also happen when you wean) and is caused by dry/cracked skin, blocked ducts or engorgement. The best way to treat mastitis is with antibiotics, hot compresses and frequent expressing. It is actually recommended that you continue to breastfeed when you have mastitis since breast milk has antibiotics in it. 

 

Thrush – This is a yeast infection in your baby’s mouth that can spread to your breasts. It is very itchy, sore and sometimes is accompanied by a rash. The best way to treat thrush is with antifungal medication. It is important to remember to treat baby and you at the same time or you can prolong the healing by continuing to pass it along to each other. You can also use coconut oil, tea tree oil and garlic to treat thrush and watermelon rinds or cabbage leaves to soothe your breast. 

 

Inverted Nipples – There is a simple test that you can do to see if you have inverted nipples. Softly pinch your areola with your thumb and index finger, if your nipple goes in instead of going out then you have inverted nipples. It is important to remember that this doesn’t mean you cannot breastfeed. However, it will be more of a struggle for you. Try using a pump or hand expressing to get your milk flowing before you try to latch your baby. If your baby is still having latch problems after you have a good supply try using nipple shields.

As always, if you feel like something is wrong and are struggling, please seek the knowledgeable support of a certified lactation consultant or your doctor! The information above are merely suggestions and should not be taken as medical advice, in any capacity.

xoxo
Stephanie

World Breastfeeding Week: One Doulas Story

`Are you going to breastfeed?` asked the nurse during my intake at the hospital after my water broke at 41+1. Being a first time mom, who did all the reading but never asked questions, I thought this question was a no brainer and an overwhelming YES! Who would not want perfect temperature food available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, exclusively for the first six months and then with complimentary foods until a year (that is what the book said).

Amanda Kopcic Photography

No one told me it even COULD be hard but when it was hard (or so I thought) when my milk did not come in until day 5. I was a hormonal mess, my mom was helping as much as she knew how, I couldn’t figure out a hand pump and had a breakdown where I begged my partner to run to the store to buy bottles and premade formula. Which is something I should have prepared for but I thought breastfeeding would be easy.

Every mom does it. This is what my body is meant to do. This is what breasts are for! My thoughts about breastfeeding were naïve and I wish someone would have been there to tell me that it is normal for milk to not come in until then, that I WOULD be a hormonal mess and that breastfeeding helps your uterus shrink back to its normal size (which in some women, me included, could be just as painful as contractions). 

During all this chaos of just becoming a mom, learning all about this new tiny human, the dreaded lack of sleep and the parade of family members and friends visiting with their well wishes and to meet our new addition... I didn’t think that this itching was odd, or this small rash under my still existing baby belly was a concern.

Within a few weeks the itching got out of control, I was in tears in the bath tub between feedings, it was the only thing that was taking the edge of pain away and not making me scratch my skin off. I tried everything I had in the house to cover my skin to help, I even covered myself in Pentene cream and calamine lotion. I was beginning to worry and went to a walk in clinic after googling some rashes in pre and postnatal and coming to the conclusion of PUPPs (Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy). Walking away in tears to been given hope with some topical steroids, but that didn’t help either, I could have used the entire tube within the next few days. 

Two weeks went by and still no relief after doing a large online order of items that women said helped them deal with PUPPs and still no luck, still crying and working through this new mom and baby routine. A trip to the emergency room had a doctor tell me I couldn’t take Benadryl because I was breastfeeding and offered more topical steroids. With no answers and getting to the point of losing my sanity I looked for alternative options with a Naturopath. I finally came across someone to feel for my sanity, see my pain, wanting me to heal, show me compassion. She validated my raw emotions and allowed me to break down, and we got to talking about how your body heals from birth. Her conclusion was that my body was not filtering the drugs of the epidural through my liver efficiently, and planned on doing a very intense liver cleanse to rid my body of these foreign chemicals. 

That same week was my 6 week check up with my family doctor, the rash had got out of hand and ONTO my hands. It spread across my belly, onto my lower back, buttocks, thighs, chest, upper arms and creeping onto my lower arms and hands. I would NEVER wish this pain on my worst enemy. I was lucky enough to have a baby who was sleeping long stretches at night, an amazing latch and my supply was abundant. That was easy. This rash was overtaking my life!

My family doctor had no choice at this point to put me on oral steroids to get rid of the hives on my body, which may or may not transfer through my milk, but on first attempt I could tell her tummy was not agreeing with the drugs… And began my journey to keep up my supply, pumping and dumping for three weeks and formula feeding.

IT WAS GRUELLING! Pumping every three hours, making bottles, sterilizing pump and bottle parts, those times in the middle of the night where my daughter was not waking but I did so my supply wouldn’t decrease. I was so determined in the first few days, trying to be a supermom, proving my mom wrong who told me just to give up. No. This was supposed to be easy.

Three weeks went by and off the medication I went, within a day this rash came back with a vengeance. All I wanted to do is comfort my daughter when she cried, I hated having to make a bottle while holding a screaming child, and I wanted this `easy breastfeeding experience ` I read about. However, the hives spread to my face and back to the doctor and on the steroids I went.

LoraLayne Photography

 SIX WEEKS. The most trying six weeks of my life with the entire time being terrified of postpartum depression because it was right there, waiting for me to give up hope, waiting for that moment in the middle of night where I was falling asleep pumping, waiting until my partner left for work and I was alone, just me, a hungry child and a shadow trying to overtake me.

These six weeks shaped me as a mom. I am proud to breastfeed and would do it whenever, wherever my daughter needed. I was adamant about breastfeeding as long as my daughter wanted, which would still be happening if I did not dry up at the beginning of my second trimester with our next child. It was a sad time to me even after 2 years because I worked so hard and was determined to breastfeed. And we did. Since she had her first birthday I was bombarded by family and friends with the question about weaning, I knew I wasn’t ready and she for sure was not. 

Through our breastfeeding journey I encountered the struggle of formula feeding, exclusively pumping, low supply and eating everything suggested just to get those few extra ounces. There were many times I wanted to just give up but then I remembered those long nights, how hard I worked and how dedicated I was during those six weeks to be able to breastfeed. I made those sacrifices for my daughter but in turn have given myself an amazing gift of understanding. I have so much respect for every mom, whatever their choice of feeding may be, these tiny humans do not come with manuals and we need our village, we need support. If you are ever in need of support postpartum, whether it just be an ear to listen or help with breastfeeding you know who that here at Sweet Stella`s we can be just that for you.

Amanda Kopcic Photography

Thank you to my family and naturopathic doctors who validated that what I was going through was not normal. Thank you to my partner who stood by my side throughout our breastfeeding journey, even when he did not know how to help but his presence was all that was needed. Thank you to my mom who was there those first few days to help calm my hormones, hold my space (literally) and to support our journey however long that may have been. Thank you to the friends who listened to me complain, who were also up during those wee hours to keep me company and those who made me lactation cookies. Thank you to the many friends who have captured our journey for me to always enjoy and to share with my daughter. Thanks to you, the reader, for taking your time to share my story with, it is healing my soul sharing this journey.

xoxo

Janice

Tips For Creating Your Breastfeeding Space

Those few weeks before the arrival of your new tiny human you go through the nesting phase to make sure everything is set up; the nursery is decorated and crib is assembled, the diaper bag is packed, the baby clothes are all washed and folded and the freezer is packed with food. Just don't forget about your space, your breastfeeding spot.

Comfort and ease is the key! In the beginning you may want to choose a location in your home that you go to like a nursery, the bedroom, den or living room that provides enough space for you to sit back, relax and enjoy the experience. You will be spending hours in this chair so make sure you are comfortable and close to an outlet. Remember, you can never have enough pillows!

This space should have a comfortable chair, a supportive nursing pillow, pillows for your back or under your arms, small table and a basket. That table will be used for everything from glasses of water or tea to sip on while nursing and healthy snacks such as trail mix and protein bars for easy snacking. Nursing requires an increased intake of fluids and nutrients, so having this space ready and stocked will make this an easier transition for you and your little.

Keep a small basket of baby supplies to hold a few extra diapers, wipes, extra onesies, burp cloths, bum cream and other essentials. Also, don't forget about your essentials like lip chap, tucks pads, nipple cream, tissues, hair elastics, slippers, journal and a phone charger. This is a great way for your significant other or a family member to help you and restock when needed!

Remember this space doesn't have to be for just breastfeeding, it can also be used for pumping and bottle feeding as well. Being close to an outlet will help with a pump or bottle warmer. This comfortable space will help minimize stress, prevent injuries and allow you to enjoy those midnight feedings.

If at any point you are struggling with how to set up a fantastic space for feeding and bonding or establishing a positive feeding relationship with your baby, don't hesitate to ask for help! With over 22 months of breastfeeding experience, I am passionate about making sure new mom's have the support that they need. We have drop-in support groups, private consultations in the comfort of your own home, and even phone support to ensure your needs are being met!

 xoxo
Janice

5 Bottlefeeding Tips for New Moms

Whether you are breastfeeding and want to be able to offer a bottle every now and then, or have chosen to exclusively bottlefeed, there are a few things that can make feeding time a little bit easier for both you and your baby.

1. Prefill your bottles - Fumbling with pouring breastmilk or formula into a bottle in the wee hours of the morning isn't fun, nor is the gas that can be caused by the vigourous shaking and mixing of powdered formula. Premix and prefill your bottles, and allow them to chill and settle in the fridge. Warm them slightly in a cup of hot water, under a hot tap, or serve at room temperature after taking out of the fridge for a few minutes before feeding time.

2. Set up a feeding station in your bathroom or bedroom - This tip is great for overnight feeds. Set up a little station with a couple of bottles, a washcloth, bottle brush and formula so that you don't have to be running down to the kitchen in the middle of the night. Babies will only wait so long!

3. Do your research - Different bottles do different things. If you're breastfeeding and only offering bottles occasionally, look for a bottle nipple that resembles the shape of your own nipple, and a wider neck that mimics the shape of your breast. If you're using bottles all the time, look for one that has a ventilation system so as to limit the amount of air bubbles in your babe's tummy.

4. Have a comfy chair - As with  breastfeeding, being comfortable while you're feeding your baby is imperative to a successful feeding session. Use a pillow under your warm to help prop baby up, and give your neck and shoulder some support as they grow. If you have a recliner and can sink into a bit of a mellow rest while baby is feeding, great. If you prefer a traditional rocking chair, awesome. Just be sure to stay comfortable and relaxed so that baby will pick up on those cues.

5. Don't stress over ounces and millilitres - The amount of formula or breastmilk at any given feeding session may change, and that's ok. As with breastfed babies, you will still be feeding on demand, and while the stretches may be a bit longer in between feedings, your baby will know how much they want to take, and how often. Trust your instincts (and theirs), and try not to stress over leftover formula or breastmilk.

Remember, however you choose to fed your baby is awesome and we support you no matter what! You're doing a great job, mama!

xoxo
Shannon

Biting during Breastfeeding: Tips and Advice from a Doula

So you’ve made it this far, way to go! You’ve overcome the sleepless nights, the tender nipples, the cluster feeds, and any other challenges that your milk-filled, leaky breasts have presented to you. Everything is going well, you and your baby have figured each other out, and then it happens. You are happily nursing when you feel the most unbelievable pain! You swear your entire nipple is gone.

The truth is, it may or may not happen to you. But if it does, know that biting does not need to be your reason to stop breastfeeding. There are many things that you can do to protect your supply, end the biting, and thereby continue nursing your precious baby. The following are tips you can try if you experience biting during breastfeeding.

1. Be mindful of your tone: High-pitched tones are associated with positive emotions while lower tones are associated with negative emotions. Listen to your tone of voice when you are happy versus when you are not; I promise you will notice the difference. And so will your baby. Your tone of voice must match the words you are speaking.

2. Speak firmly: You would not sweetly tell your child not to run in front of an oncoming car, you would sternly yell NO, STOP! Now, I’m not telling you to yell at your baby, instead, speak firmly and sternly and raise your voice slightly if needed (which will likely be one of your first reactions anyways). Your baby will know you mean business.

3. Pull baby into breast: It sounds mean, but keep in mind that it will only last a second… and babies are much tougher than we give them credit for. When your baby bites, pull his/her face into your breast immediately. Your baby will associate this sense of panic with the biting. 

4. Do not reward: Continuing to nurse immediately after your baby has bit will send the message that what he/she did was okay. Taking away the food temporarily will tell baby that it is not okay for he/she to bite you. Continue your next feeding as normal.

5. Unlatch when finished feeding or falling asleep: Sometimes your baby will remain on the breast even after he/she has finished feeding. This is a good time for baby to bite as he/she is simply playing around and experimenting. When baby is biting, he/she is not latched correctly, which explains why your baby may bite as they fall asleep.

xoxo

Ashley

Cranberry Walnut Lactation Muffin Recipe for Breastfeeding Moms

Have a baby on the way and not really sure where to start with stocking your freezer? Most often we turn to casseroles, but a lot can be said for stocking your freezer with healthy snacks, and ones that support breastfeeding if you know that is something you want to do.

Granola Bars
Muffins
Cookies
Waffles
Pancakes

These are all things that I make for my postpartum doula clients, as one basic recipe can stretch into a load of different, yummy varieties!

Preheat oven to 400F

2.5 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
5 tbsp flax seed
5 tbsp ground oats
1/2 cup melted butter
1.5 cups milk
2 beaten eggs

Mix all of the above ingredients in a large bowl, adding more milk as necessary to thin the batter. Once mixed, add in two big handfuls of dried cranberries, one big handful of chopped walnuts and 2tsp cinnamon.

Line your muffin tin with paper cups, then add batter to the cups so they are about 2/3 full. Bake at 400F for 18 minutes, then allow to cool slightly in the pan. Remove and transfer to a wire rack, and cool completely.

Toss them into freezer bags and store in the freezer! They make a perfect breakfast or snack, and the cinnamon, flax, oats, nuts and cranberries all support lactation!

Tips for Tandem Nursing

Last fall, I posted in a new mom facebook group that I've belonged to for a few years, asking if there were any topics that they wished they could read up on while they were pregnant so as to prepare themselves for when their baby's were born.

Tandem nursing was on of the topics suggested, and one that I found particularly interesting so I went off searching for information to provide you with a great list of tips for tandem breastfeeding success.

As with breastfeeding a newborn, preparation is key so make sure that you set up a nursing station with all of the essentials:
Water
Nipple cream
Pillows
Receiving blankets
Snacks
Keep your nursing station stocked so you have everything at reach.

Finding a local support group or lactation consultant can also do wonders. While reading articles and doing research is great, hands on knowledge is even better. Link up with a doula, a friend who has successfully tandem nursed, or a local breastfeeding group.

Nursing one is exhausting. Nursing two is even moreso. Make sure that you're getting regular rest. The old saying of sleep when the baby(s) sleep is even more true when you are tandem breastfeeding. Give yourself a bed time and stick to it!

Experiment with different holds until you are comfortable and look at where you are sitting when you nurse. You may need extra room for wiggly babies, so consider upgrading your glider to a larger recliner or chair-and-a-half. In terms of hold, some moms have experienced great success with lying babies one on top of the other across her belly. Others prefer a rugby or football hold, which makes sense. One arm per baby.

If you are tandem nursing a baby and a toddler, put together a basket of toys for the toddler to play with during sessions when they aren't nursing. As with most other things, toddlers need distraction when you are tending to a newborn. Coloring books, crayons, stickers to create their own story pages, and puppets are all fantastic options which are also quiet, so as to contribute to a peaceful atmosphere for everyone.

Breastfeeding is hard work, so be sure to surround yourself with people who support your choices and make you feel confident in them.

Have a tip for other tandem nursing moms out there? Leave it in the comments!

Carrot Ginger #juice #recipe for Breastfeeding Moms

Proper nutrition when you are breastfeeding is super important, and something that I have been doing alot of research on to help out my postpartum doula clients.

Breastfeeding didn't exactly go as planned for me, so I wanted to make sure that I had a load of knowledge in my doula toolkit...what to eat, how to create a comfortable environment, touch base with local lactation consultants etc.

One way to get amazing lactation boosting nutrients is to juice, and juicing is something that I have become pretty proficient at over the past year, so it is something that I really love to be able to provide my clients with. A fresh juice, delivered to your door? Pretty awesome.

Now, when I'm making juice for my doula clients, I usually like to make a big batch, then transfer it into a sealed pitcher that they can put in the fridge. Fresh made juices can keep 24-48 hours once chilled (max. 72 hrs)

7 apples (cored)
5 large carrots (rinsed)
3 pears (cored)
3" ginger (peeled)
1 lemon (rind removed, white pith left on)

Yes, that's a lot of produce but it will yield about 50oz of that beautiful vibrant orange juice that you see above! Since all of the ingredients are firm, the order that you push everything through your juicer doesn't really matter.

Once you've juiced everything (you may have to take a break to transfer some into your pitcher, then resume juicing), swirl it together in your pitcher then seal it up, and refrigerate.

If you're not fond of the ginger flavor, add another lemon. Lemons and apples naturally cut strong flavors when juicing, and both are great lactation boosters.

Lactation Boosting Fresh Juice Recipe

Last fall, I was supporting an amazing mama duo with their breastfeeding efforts, and when I found out that they enjoy freshly pressed juice, I started doing my homework on lactation boosting fruits and vegetables, then employed my experience in juicing during pregnancy to come up with some awesome combinations.

3 beets
1 large bunch of spinach
5 apples
2 pears
1 lemon
1 small fennel bulb

Before you begin, a word of caution. This recipe makes a lot of juice. I'm talking about 30oz. of juice, so be prepared with a pitcher that you can pour the juice from your juicer into.

Alternate fennel, apple, spinach, beets, beet greens, pear, lemon and finish everything off with two apples.

Store in a tightly sealed pitcher in the fridge for 24-48 hours (72 hours at the absolute maximum). As this is as fresh as juice can get with no preservatives, it can go bad quickly.

In terms of breastfeeding support and lactation boosting ingredients, there is goodness in each and every one of the fruits and vegetables in this juice recipe, however the most impactful is the fennel and the beets. The apples and lemon balance out all of the strong flavors.

Serve cold over ice!

Lactation Boosting Tips for New Moms

One thing that I really wish that I has when I was a first time mom was an arsenal of information about breastfeeding. I wish I had someone to help me when my son was literally attached to me at all times and using me as a pacifier. I wish I has someone to tell me that it was okay to not have a bond with breastfeeding, and that I didn't need to feel guilty for wanting to let go of it.

I wish I had someone who could help me with my supply in the six weeks that I pumped. I wish I had someone's support!

As a postpartum doula, part of what I do is support moms in their efforts to breastfeed. I also support moms in their decision to bottle and formula feed. A well fed and happy baby, makes for a happy mom...so, personally, I don't really care how they get fed. My role as a doula is to support that moms decision and make sure that she feels no guilt or shame for whatever her decision is.

If you're a mom who is breastfeeding and struggling with supply like I did, here are some things that you can do to help boost your supply!

Whole Grains and Protein

A lot can be said for a healthy diet when you're breastfeeding. Sure, you need to consume about 500 extra calories a day, but make sure they're the right kind. Start your day with a healthy breakfast of lactation oatmeal, and a fruit smoothie made with almond milk. Make sure that at every meal, you have whole grains and protein. Snack on things like veggies and hummus, whole grain pretzels with cubed cheese or trail mix with nuts and dried berries.

Water

Drink water like it's your job. The rule of thumb for water consumption is take your weight, divide by two and turn that into ounces. For example, I'm 158lbs...so that's 79. 79 ounces is what I should be drinking during the day just to stay hydrated and keep my body flushed. If you are nursing, you can expect to drink almost a third to double that number in a day.

Stay Calm

Create a calm environment for breastfeeding and pumping. Play your favourite music, post photos of places that you want to travel to and of your baby. Anything that releases those happy endorphins will help up your supply!

Acupunture

If there is an energy block, it may prevent your milk from flowing free and easy. If you are afraid of needles, I can personally assure you that they do not hurt. I went to Dr. Andrea Clarke at Rebirth Wellness Centre (highly recommend!) for acupuncture during the end of my pregnancy with Graeme and the sense of relief that I left with was amazing. I was worried that the needles would hurt, but you can't even feel them. And yes, I even had one in my forehead!

Foods to Avoid

Avoid foods that are high in acidity or strong in flavor. Things like cabbage, peppers, tomatoes, radishes and citrus fruits. It's also recommended to avoid things like caffeine and chocolate...but let's be honest...if those things make you happy, it may add more stress to you to have to think about giving them up.

Natural Supplements

One thing that did help boost my supply was taking fenugreek and blessed thistle. Yes, you will smell like maple syrup, but there are worse things to smell like, I dare say! The lactation consultant that recommended these to me advised to take them together to strengthen their properties. You can pick them up at any health food or drug store.

Tea

Fennel tea and lactation teas are very popular breastfeeding supports. You can pick up the Traditional Medicinals brand at the grocery store in the natural food section, or you can make it yourself at home! Here is a recipe for a red raspberry leaf tea, and one for fennel tea.

Stay tuned! Next year I will be featuring lactation boosting juice recipes that I have made for my clients, along with more tips and tricks to help you boost your supply.

When all else fails, and you feel like you have tried everything, know in your heart that you have and are doing the best that you can. What works for one may not work for everyone. Remember, a happy mom makes for a happy baby, so follow your heart and do what is best for yourself.

Steak Asparagus Spinach Quinoa for Breastfeeding Moms

Another breastfeeding friendly recipe from my postpartum doula toolkit! I whipped up this dish for one of my clients, and the smell in my kitchen was just heavenly...I would be insanely selfish to not share it with you!

Packed with protein, iron and calcium, this is a recipe that the entire family can enjoy!

What you'll need:

1 box of quinoa
handful of asparagus, chopped
2 flank steaks, cut into strips
3 handfuls of spinach, torn by hand
seasoning (I used Epicure roasted red pepper)

While your quinoa is cooking per the instructions on the box, sautee your flank steak strips and chopped asparagus in a large skillet. When your steak is just about ready, add your spinach and seasoning. Mix well and let sit over a low heat to allow your spinach to wilt.

To plate, you can either mix everything together in a large serving dish, or you can serve the sauteed steak, asparagus and spinach over top of the quinoa.

Enjoy!

Lactation Minute Oatmeal

When a breastfeeding mom sends you an urgent message, worrying about her supply, you do just about everything you can to ensure that she feels supported. In the case of one of my postpartum doula clients, that meant making some lactation friendly meals that her entire family could enjoy.

I also wanted to take the stress out of how she starts her day. I know with me, if I didn't have a good start to the day, mentally...I would be a chaotic mess for the remainder of the day.

So what does a breastfeeding mom have for breakfast? Lactation Oatmeal!

Super easy to put together, so if you're pregnant and wanting to support your breastfeeding efforts, make a bunch of individual packets in advance and store in your pantry until you're ready for breakfast!

1/2 cup minute oats
1 tbsp flax (seed or fround, whichever you prefer. I used flaxseed)
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tbsp walnuts
1 tsp brown sugar (optional)

Just add boiling water, let stand for one minute, and then mix with berries or banana. So simple and easy!