Breastfeeding a newborn! Help!

Help! I just pushed a baby out of my body and breastfeeding my newborn is making that look easy!

This is common.  Breastfeeding is well…it involves a learning curve and is possibly the hardest, most rewarding learning curve ever.  We want to encourage you on this learning curve.  We will be posting a series on breastfeeding helps.  Keep going.  It will be so worth it!*

We offer postpartum doula support for mothers during this very special season.  Please visit postpartum doula to learn more. 

For our first post in this series about breastfeeding a newborn, how about a couple of recipes? 

By the way if you know someone expecting or who just gave birth, these would make awesome gifts for a new mom, too.  Mom is rebuilding her body after birth and baby is growing and developing at an astonishing rate.  These recipes will be nourishing two so use the best ingredients you can.

*For those who longed to breastfeed and were unable, we know there can be a sense of loss.  It is ok to be sad and need to grieve the loss.  Allow yourself to do that if you need to, but also know you are doing an awesome job of caring for your baby.  Growing your baby on the outside involves so much love and dedication.  You are the perfect mama for your baby.

Now for those recipes!

Modern Alternative Mama brings you this recipe along with some great information on breastfeeding.

Mother’s Milk Tea Recipe

• 1 oz. Borage leaves
• 1 oz. Blessed thistle leaves
• 1 oz. Red raspberry leaves
• 1 oz. Fenugreek

Put all of the ingredients in a large jar, put the lid on and shake to combine. Steep 1 tsp. tea in 1 cup hot water or brew 2 oz. in one quart of water if you’d like make it in bulk. Start off with one cup of tea a day and assess after a couple of days whether you need to add another cup. Use this in conjunction with ensuring the proper latch, feeding your baby when he’s hungry and eating a nourishing diet.

Instructions

1. Mix herbs and store in a glass jar. To brew, add 1 tablespoon to 2 cups of boiling water and simmer on stove for 10-15 minutes.
2. Strain and serve. Can also make my the gallon using ½ cup dried herb mix and store in fridge after straining.

As tiring a season as this is, it is also a season when you can enjoy COOKIES!

Peaceful Parenting shares this recipe along with other information on breastfeeding.  There is also a vegan version on their post!  Share with friends and ask them to bake some for you.  They will be honored you asked.

Major Milk Makin’ Cookies

Recipe by Kathleen Major
Detailed recipe with photos found here

1 1/2 c. whole wheat flour
1 3/4 c. oats
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
3/4 c. almond butter or peanut butter
1/2 c. butter, softened
1 c. flax
3 T brewer’s yeast
1/3 c. water
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. brown sugar
2 tsp vanilla
2 large eggs
2 c. (12oz) chocolate chips
1 c. chopped nuts of your choice

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit

Combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt in a bowl.
In a large bowl, beat almond butter, butter, sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, brewer’s yeast, flax and water until creamy.
Mix in eggs.
Gradually beat in flour mixture.
Mix in nuts and chocolate chips.
Add oats slowly, mixing along the way.

Place balls of dough onto greased baking sheets or baking stones. Press down each ball lightly with a fork.
Bake 12 minutes.

Other questions on breastfeeding and supply?  Kelly Mom has a wealth of information.

We also recommend this book.  Visit our Bookshelf for other helpful resource suggestions (affiliate link)

 

We wish you the best on this rewarding and challenging journey of nourishing your newborn baby.