Breastfeeding means you want what's best for your new baby. Breast milk supplies better immunity than formula and can set the precedence for health later in life. According to "The Breastfeeding Book" by registered nurse Martha Sears and Dr. William Sears, breastfeeding might even protect your baby against diabetes and cardiovascular disease later in life. There are certain things you can eat to keep your breast milk flowing for your new baby.
Monitoring Your Supply
There are specific signs to look for in your body and from your baby to know if he is getting enough breast milk. Your baby's weight gain is the best sign. Your baby should be gaining about 1 lb. per month. The number of dirty diapers he produces per day is another sign. Your baby should be producing between four to six wet diapers per day. You can also look for signs in yourself, such as how your breasts feel before and after a feeding. For most, breasts will feel fuller before a feeding and softer afterward.
Oatmeal
Eating oatmeal can help you increase your milk supply. This may be due to the iron content of oatmeal. Breastfeeding your baby puts a stress on the body, which can result in lost iron. Too little iron can affect your milk supply. Eating one bowl of oatmeal each day can improve your iron content and breast milk supply.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek is an herb that can be used to help increase your breast milk. It is used in many Indian dishes as a staple spice. Fenugreek is a galactogogue, or a substance that can help increase breast milk production. It works by stimulating the milk and sweat glands in the body. You can take fenugreek as a supplement or use it to add flavor to your cooking. Always consult your doctor before taking any new supplement.
Water
It may seem simple, but staying hydrated is important while breastfeeding. Breast milk contains almost 90 percent water. It makes sense that a nursing mother may need to drink more water to keep up her supply. A nursing should woman drink at least 10 8-oz. glasses of water each day.
References
- "The Breastfeeding Book"; Martha Sears, R.N., and William Sears, M.D.; 2000
- KellyMom.com: Oatmeal for Increasing Supply
- KellyMom.com: Fenugreek Seeds for Increasing Milk Supply
