By Maja Žalac, phytotherapist |
Induce lactation, alleviate mastitis and enjoy breastfeeding with help of natural remedies |
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Even though breastfeeding seems so simple and natural, frequently it does not work so smoothly, specially in the beginning.
Sometimes there is a lack or a surplus or milk, sores on nipples, mastitis, inflammation and other difficulties. But, it pays to try.
Nature has offered numerous solutions for this issue as well in shape of teas, compresses, balms and other ways in which moms can overcome difficulties and continue breastfeeding.
1. Lack of milk
At the beginning of breastfeeding, the first milk, colostrum, is produced. It is less abundant, clear, yellowish, and plays an important protective role by giving the baby active antibodies.
In that period the child frequently asks for breastmilk so some moms may think they don't have enough milk since the baby is "hungry all the time."
But that is not true as the rhythm has yet to be established. After several days or weeks there comes the real, mature milk which has greater nutritive value.
The mother, exhausted by the childbirth and the care for the new family member, sometimes may notice she really does not have enough milk for the hungry baby.
A mixture of fenugreek, fennel, anise, nettle, elderflower, melissa and other healing herbs will stimulate the production of milk in a natural way.
Fenugreek acts as a natural oxytocin, the hormone which plays the main role in the release of the milk.
It is rich in essential fatty acids, phytoestrogens and saponins, which contribute to the increase of the glandular tissue in the breasts and to a greater milk production. It has been used traditionally for centuries.
Anise, with its estrogens which stimulate prolactine release, has a lactogenic effect, meaning that it increases the milk production, whereas fennel helps in the process of milk release.
If the baby has colics, fennel and anise will have a alleviating effect through breastmilk.
Nettle and elderflower act as herbal tonics to increase the mother's indurance, enable faster recovery and a successful fight against anemia. On top of that, they also enhance milk production.
Melissa and chamomile act against tension and nervousness and have a beneficial effect on the digestive system.
Tea blend
This tea blend is described in Croatian with the verse, "as long as mom drinks this tea, the baby isn't hungry".
Ingredients:
- Fenugreek (Foenugraeci semen) 20 g
- Anise (Anisi fructus) 20 g
- Fennel (Foeniculi fructus) 20 g
- Nettle (Urticae herba) 20 g
- Elderflower (Sambuci flos) 20 g
- Melissa (Melissae folium) 20 g
- Chamomile (Matricariae flos) 20 g
Directions:
Place the herbs in cold water so that the solid parts of the herbs release their active substances (peels, fruits, seeds, roots).
Put two tablespoons of the blend into a litre of cold water.
Heat the tea until it boils. Then let it simmer on a low fire for a minute.
Turn off the fire and leave the kettle covered for five to ten minutes. Strain the tea and drink during the day.
This tea blend very quickly and successfuly improves lactation in mothers.
When the lactation is established, you must reduce the dose of the tea or discontinue drinking it.
You can take it again if there is a lower milk production due to stress, illness and in other situations when you feel you lack milk.
Note: this tea is not for pregnant women but exclusively for lactating mothers.
2. Mastitis
Sometimes the baby does not use up all the milk or it has hard time passing through the plugged breast ducts. In such cases the milk may stay trapped in the breast causing swelling, heat, pain and an inflammation called mastitis.
Almost every lactating mother has experienced the suffering caused by mastitis.
Here are several solutions for relieving this terrible pain.
Cabbage compresses have proven to be very effective provided you take the symptoms seriously and react quickly.
Lightly crush a cabbage leaf with a dough rolling pin in order to juice it. Use the leaf as a compress between two breastfeeding. It will reduce inflammation, heat and swelling.
Also helpful may be compresses with melissa, fennel or marjoran tea. Soak a towel in a lukewarm tea from these herbs and place it over the painful area.
In any case, it is important to continue breastfeeding and see to it that the baby completely empties the breasts, even though mothers may be reluctant to continue due to pain.
In order to break the lumps and help unblock the ducts, gently massage the breasts with marigold oil.
3. Damaged or tender nipples
Soon after childbirth, sore nipples are a very frequent problem. This may be very unpleasant and make the breastfeeding painful.
The sores are caused by an improper position of the child, whose mouth is supposed to cover the whole areola around the nipple.
The ideal and convenient solution for it is to leave a couple of milk drops to dry on the nipples between two breastfeedings. Marigold oil may also be of help.
Another remedy to choose from is extra-virgin coconut oil, which will nurture the nipples, help them heal, relieve the pain and naturally disinfect this sensitive area.
It will also protect the baby from fungi, viruses and bacteria in the mouth.
Against more severe sores, make a tea bath from oak bark and a white marshmallow root.
The tannin from the oak and the mucus from the marshmallow will contribute to a faster healing.
You can use this bath to rinse the tender nipples or soak a cotton pad and keep it on the nipples as a compress.
Do not give up breastfeeding, although it is sometimes hard and requires great sacrifice.
Use these natural solutions which will help you live through this important phase of motherhood with a smile on your face, satisfied and relaxed.
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