By Georgia Hartmann
Naturopath, Founder of Hormone Health Studio, Mum of 2
Breastfeeding is not always easy. I remember when my firstborn, Otto, was having trouble gaining weight as a baby. He was ten days old when we realised he had tongue tie. Looking back, I now realise why it was so hard and painful for that first week-and-a-half of his life. I was pumping around the clock only to collect a total of 3mL in a 24-hour period. Yet he kept losing weight and, consequently, I was incredibly anxious. While having his tongue tie assessed and released made an enormous difference, so too did nourishing my body with specific nutrients and herbal medicines. So, if you can relate (or perhaps are wanting to prevent this situation altogether), here’s what you need to know…
The two key hormones for milk supply
Prolactin and oxytocin are two hormones required for adequate milk supply. Prolactin stimulates milk production and oxytocin, our love hormone, stimulates prolactin release. The thing to know about these two hormones is that they require good nutrition, hydration, and minimal stress to function properly. While we will take a look at the specific nutrients and herbs to support hormonal balance and lactation, we must first ensure stress is managed.
Stress, and how it impacts your hormones and milk supply
Parenthood, particularly the first time around, is a huge, steep learning curve. While this journey can be filled with love and joy, it can also bring an element of stress. The stress of your newborn’s needs. The stress of sleep deprivation. The stress of a messy home. The stress on your relationship (if applicable). And while this may all be part of the journey, we must ensure we address and manage stress where we can.
So, ask yourself: How can I reduce stress right now? What is it that I need right now? Perhaps it’s leaning on your partner, family or friends for an hour of babysitting while you go for a walk or take a bath; or getting your groceries delivered; or filling your freezer with pre-prepared meals; or investing in a cleaner.
You cannot pour from an empty cup. For the health and happiness of your family, you must prioritise and replenish your mental, emotional and physical needs.
Nutrition, and how it impacts your milk supply
Adequate milk supply is dependent on nutritional status. Nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D, choline, iodine, iron, and B vitamins are required to sustain energy and meet the demands of your baby. The majority of these nutrients are found in eggs, red meat, leafy green vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds. Iodine, however, is found in highest concentrations in seaweed and is needed in adequate concentration to provide thyroid hormone stores and prevent impaired neurological development in babies. Considering seaweed is not a staple food in western-style diets, it is important that nutritional needs are met through appropriate supplementation while breastfeeding. It might be worth consulting a Nutritionist to explore ways in which you can boost consumption of nutirent-rich foods.
Herbal medicines for milk supply
Herbs have been used for centuries to support lactation. Herbs such as fenugreek, fennel, goats rue, nettle, milk thistle and withania are commonly used to increase milk production, reduce inflammation in the body, relieve digestive concerns in lactating mothers, and support a healthy stress response. Herbal teas such as that by Love Tea or Mayde Tea are a wonderful adjunct while breastfeeding. Though it is best to always consult with your naturopath before starting any new supplement or herbal remedy, especially during pregnancy or lactation.
About the author:
Having been diagnosed with Premature Ovarian Failure two years prior to conceiving her first child naturally, Georgia’s passion lies within helping women overcome their hormonal imbalances through the blend of conventional and complementary medicine. For additional support, you can contact Georgia and her team via:
W: www.hormonehealthstudio.com
E: hello@hormonehealthstudio.com
IG: @hormonehealthstudio
