Tips I’ve personally tried and are actually working
Having a low milk supply is quite a common problem among women everywhere. And sometimes this can lead to some of us giving up breastfeeding because of the decrease in milk supply.
As mummies we want the best for our babies(and honestly, the alternative can be expensive). With trying to adjust to a life with a new baby and recuperating from the miracle of giving birth, it can be taxing to give yourself the care you deserve to breastfeed successfully.
Once I went throught all of this, and desperately spent a lot of time on the internet researching on how to increase my breast milk supply. I made a list, tried a few hacks and Voilà my milk supply increased just like that. Now, sometimes when making lists and desperately wanting to see results you tend to try too many ways that you actually don’t know for sure which ones did work and which ones don’t. So in case your like me, learn from my mistakes.
If you’re a first time mama, having a baby and taking care of it can be SO overwhelming. As new parents, you find yourself anxious about every thing you don’t understand. You assume there is an issue. So you’re constantly on the internet searching and feeding your assumptions ( I know, I’ve been there).
Sound like anyone you know? Totally normal
So here are some tips I’m currently using with my 3 month old;
1.Breastfeed
Yes, you heard me breastfeeding often can lead to an increase in your milk supply especially in the early days after delivery. You should breastfeed your baby at least 8 times a day, switching him from one breast to another. I try to offer each breast twice in one feeding.
2. Check your latch
I will admit, my first time breastfeeding did not come naturally to me. A bad latch means your baby is not feeding efficiently and can get really painful for you as well. Position your little one straight facing your chest, help him latch making sure his mouth get most of the bottom part of your areola for a good latch which will stimulate the milk production.
Here’s a video I found helpful in learning to properly latch;
3. Stay hydrated
Getting enough fluids for a breastfeeding mama is really important. Make sure you take foods with high water content like smoothies, soups, salads, fruits and plain old water!
Personally I like to snack on watermelon through out the day, and my salads have a good amount of cucumber for that extra fluid. Not only is this great for a good milk supply but it’s also healthy and will keep you feeling energised throughout the day.
4. Lactation recipes
There so many recipes promising to boost your milk production on the internet that work. All so delicious and ready to kick start your breastfeeding journey. I really hope you love them, happy breastfeeding mamas.
These here are our very own East African swahili recipes;
Cornmeal Porridge (uji wa sembe)
This is my favourite recipe option for breakfast instead of the normal oatmeal one. It is so good and the cool part I’ve had the chance to tweak it to make my own yummy porridge, a real treat for your tastebuds.
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 2-3 cups coconut milk
- 1/2 cinnamon stick
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 1 cup cornmeal (unga wa sembe)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sugar, adjust to taste
- 1/4 cup butter
INSTRUCTIONS;
- Add about 2 cups water and 2 cups coconut milk to a heavy large saucepan. Throw in ½ stick cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil.
- Gradually whisk in the cornmeal, until you have add the whole thing in the pot, a little bit at a time and keep stirring with a wooden spoon to prevent any lumps.
- Reduce the heat to low and cook until the mixture thickens about 15 minutes.
- Add flavoring vanilla extract, salt, sugar and melted butter.
- Adjust consistency with coconut and/or water if desired.
- Turn off the heat. Serve piping hot with extra nutmeg,
NOTES:
Be sure to stir the porridge frequently during cooking to avoid any lumps in your porridge.
You can substitute the coconut milk with full cream milk
Adjust flavorings and milk to taste.
Swahili Plantain Soup (mtori)
This plaintain soup recipe is vegan and full of cozy spices, like ginger and turmeric. It’s a healthy green banana soup that’s easy and totally bursting with flavour.
INGREDIENTS
- 3 large green plaintain
- 6 medium garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 tsp ground ginger, grated or crushed
- 6 tbsp extra-virgin coconut oil
- 1 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 large red onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot
- 4 to 5 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 1/2 tsp cilantro
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Paprika, for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS;
Put the oil in a large pot and add in the finely chop the onion and cook on medium heat.
After a few minutes, add in the crushed garlic, cumin, cilantro and grated ginger and stir.
Peel the plaintains and carrots and cut them into medium sized pieces and add to the pot.
Add the vegetable broth then add the garam masala, black pepper and turmeric, give it a good stir and bring to a simmer.
Leave to simmer for about 15 minutes, until the sweet potato and carrots are soft.
Finally add in the coconut milk and simmer for another 5 minutes
When they are soft, use a hand blender or food processor to blitz into to a creamy consistency. If you like your soup a little thinner, add some more water.
Serve while hot!
NOTES:
You can add the juice of one lime (optional) and serve! It will keep in the fridge in an air tight container for 3-5 days.
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article sponsered by Northern Michigan certified lactation consulting and Mother Hubbards Country Cupboard
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