If you’re pregnant or have recently had a baby, then you have probably heard from nurses, doctors, family member and friends about the benefits of breastfeeding. The information that you have received is probably correct as there are several benefits for the baby, and yourself, from breastfeeding.
Don’t have time to read?
- We covered many pieces of information up into an infographic about breastfeeding and foods to increase breastmilk supply
- You can also check tips to help increase breast milk supply
Breastfeeding Benefits
After you deliver the baby, you might start looking for ways to lose the baby weight that was gained during the pregnancy.
While breastfeeding alone won’t get you to the size that you want to be, it will help you shed the pounds.
Each time you make milk and the baby nurses, you are using calories as many of the foods that you consume are turned into the milk that is needed for the baby.
If you eat healthy foods that are low in calories, then you will start seeing the pounds come off. No bake lactation cookies can help keep your milk supply up so that the baby has plenty to drink.
Another reason to breastfeed is that it’s the healthiest option for feeding the baby as long as you eat the proper foods.
The baby will get the vitamins and nutrients from fruits and vegetables that you eat instead of drinking a formula. Right after the baby is delivered, the colostrum will deliver the nutrition that can help the baby build its immune system.
When you’re feeding the baby, you will develop a bond that holding a bottle just doesn’t seem to satisfy. You are the one who is providing the nourishment in a quiet environment, cuddling the baby at each feeding.
The baby will be right next to your skin, feeling your touch and hearing your heartbeat. Breastfeeding is a special time in both lives and can last as long as you see fit.
If you eat no bake lactation cookies and use a few other tips, then you can keep your milk supply strong for some time after the baby is born.
The cookies are made with flax seed. This ingredient contains omega-3 fatty acids. Brewer’s yeast is also used in the cookies.
These ingredients can help to increase milk production. You can get the cookies in a variety of flavors, such as vanilla or almond.
If you have a fussy baby, then you’ll find that breastfeeding can help calm the baby more than formula would.
Your breast milk can help with cognitive development. Almost 100% of breast milk is digested, which means that the baby is getting the maximum benefit of each meal.
Increase Breast Milk Production
Whether your baby drinks a lot at one feeding or you want to breastfeed for as long as possible, you need to keep the supply of breast milk flowing.
One of the important things to remember is to stay hydrated. Avoid sodas and other caffeinated drinks as these will keep the baby awake, and you aren’t really getting any nutritional value by drinking them.
Water and milk are ideal to drink, especially milk so that you pass along the calcium and vitamin D to the baby. Nurse as much as possible as this will keep your milk flowing through the body.
Pumping is also an option. The baby will still get the breast milk, and it will be a benefit to you as the rest of the family can help feed the baby if you need to rest or if you go back to work.
Try not to eat a lot of carbohydrates unless it’s wheat bread or pasta made from wheat. If you notice that the baby isn’t eating as much or begins to get fussy, then you might want to examine some of the foods that you have recently consumed as the baby might be allergic to something, such as peanuts, if you have consumed a large amount.
A tasty treat to enjoy during the day would be the no bake lactation cookies. As long as you make them with the flax seed and brewer’s yeast so that you get the omega-3 and other essential nutrients for increasing milk production, then you can make the cookies any way that you like them at home.
Pumping after nursing can help to increase the milk supply. Make sure the baby is latched onto the breast properly so that the baby is eating.
If the baby is fussy, then it usually means that the nipple isn’t in the mouth so that the baby can nurse properly.
This means that there won’t be any milk produced, which will tend to stop milk production if it happens on a regular basis.
When you breastfeed, make sure the baby is nursing from both sides. Each breast will be stimulated to produce milk instead of only one.
Eating a lot of herbs and spicy foods can interfere with the milk production. Taking medications, such as those for a cold or the flu, can also decrease the amount of milk that you produce.
Mary reffner
Sunday 23rd of September 2018
I was put on the mini pill for birth control. My supply dramatically dropped. I stopped taking it now but I cant get my son to stay happy for more than 5 minutes while breastfeeding. Had to resort to supplementing with formula to keep him full. I have been pumping with no results so I've been hand expressing right after each pump and still only getting about 2 cc each time. Ive power pumped every day and taken supplements and mothers milk tea. No luck. Is it too late to come back from my supply decrease?
Clara Johnson
Tuesday 25th of September 2018
Hi Mary, How old is baby? Are you on a schedule or on demand? Nurse as much as you can skin to skin. Baby has to eat but try to nurse first. And then nurse again, then supplement. If you can, maybe take a nursing vacation and just lounge in bed and nurse.
As for your pump, maybe check your parts for leaks; especially in the membranes? Sometimes that can affect the suction and thus production.
Also, I had to drink a literal gallon of water. Are you eating enough or have you cut calories? I really liked [these cookies] to boost my supply.
If you are still getting some milk, I think you should still be able to boost your supply. Good luck!