I am woman – part 7
I AM WOMAN series! Taking a look at the nutritional differences through the stages, and ages of womanhood. Women typically need additional support when it comes to our developing bodies and reproductive processes.
If you missed our previous chapters – head to our back to our Blog & READ MORE.
Boobie Traps
A time when short term memory & sleep deprivation are at an all time high..
You DID it! I know you had your doubts. Look at you now! Welcome to motherhood!!
Granted it was a lot of hard work to get to this point, you should be proud of your efforts and of your body!
The First feed, Colostrum, is a thick yellowish pre-milk substance which lines the newborns intestinal tract with a healthy dose of beneficial bacterial antibodies. Breast milk can take up to 5 days to ‘come in’, the pituitary gland controls the release of prolactin, stimulates milk production and Oxycontin which stimulates the ‘let down’ response.
Breast feeding not only provides a foundation for good health for the newborn but it also assists the body to return to normal. It stimulates the uterus to contract back to it’s pre-pregnancy size and helps to use up fat stores from pregnancy.
Breastfeeding can be especially demanding on our bodies, with an increase in nutritional needs of essential fatty acids, calcium, magnesium, iron and an increased need to rest even more so then during pregnancy. Eating a wholesome healthy diet in conjunction with taking a probiotic can assist your body in the nutritional boost it may need during this time.
It definitely is a technique that can take time to master for both mother and baby, don’t be discouraged if you are finding it a little difficult to adjust, do not be afraid to seek advice.
What foods can help boost my milk supply?
Lactogenic foods can help to boost your milk supply naturally, including these types of foods in your diet can help you to overcome low milk supply issues that may be caused by nutritional deficiencies.
- Fennel Seeds – Both seeds and the plant have plenty of tryptophan, one of the essential amino acids our bodies need to help increase milk production.
- Brewer’s Yeast – Packed full of vitamins (particularly B vitamins) along with phytoestrogen, polysaccharides, chromium and protein, all of which are important to lactation.
- Moringa – A powerhouse of nutrients including protein, amino acids, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
- Dark Leafy Greens – Can help reduce swelling that occurs during pregnancy. Natural diuretics are considered lactogenic.
Sometimes despite our best efforts, breastfeeding isn’t always successful. Foods high in polysaccharides (a natural form of long-chain sugar) can help to stimulate prolactin secretion which increases breast milk. Prolactin is the chief hormone involved with milk production.
