Stimulating lactation with breastfeeding herbal teas really works?
If breastfeeding is a natural gesture, it is far from innate."While 70% of mothers are breastfeeding at the end of maternity, the figures show that the average duration of breastfeeding is only 3 weeks," said Charlotte Redon, midwife and lactation advisor.One of the main reasons for the judgment?Insufficient milky secretion, often due to bad practices, to erroneous information received by young mothers.A baby who regains weight a little too slowly, the impression of not having enough milk, the young mothers are looking for boosts to stimulate their lactation.Can nursing herbal teas really help?
Breastfeeding herbal teas, support for the limited effect
Some plants are traditionally used for their galactogenic properties. These remedies have crossed the centuries. This is the case, for example, of fenugreek, a spice that can be taken in infusion or capsules. Other plants would also have beneficial effects on stimulating milk production such as gallega, thistle-marie, anise, fennel seeds, basil. In trade, infusions are generally in the form of a mixture of several plants. "It is often these associations that I suggest," explains Célia Dos Santos, childcare assistant and lactation advisor. "Women can drink three large mugs (the equivalent of one liter) during the day. In capsule, you can also do associations like Fenugreek and Chardon-Marie, two capsules of each 3 to 4 times by 24 hours." The results are fluctuating. "Some young mothers do not see an improvement while others really see a difference," notes the lactation counselor. It is up to each to test and be their opinion in a few days. If herbal teas have the advantage of ensuring sufficient hydration, according to Célia dos Santos, breastfeeding women are naturally thirsty.
Frequent errors to be corrected
But beware, these herbal teas should not be considered as miracle potions.Behind a lack of milk often hide problems related to breastfeeding.Bad position, not suitable rhythm, when healthcare professionals and entourage go there from their advice, the message is blurring in the head of young mothers and overnight in the production of milk.
- "Young mothers are looking for a lot of information and try to wedge themselves on a schedule that reassures them," says Célia Dos Santos.But when a doctor advises 10 minutes on each breast every 3 to 4 hours, this is where we end up with breastfeeding that is not correct.Not all women have the same breasts, the same breast glands, the same babies.The mother must adjust to her baby's need. "
- Breastfeeding on demand?This term is not always well understood."We must not wait for the baby to cry to give him but watch for his signs of awakening, his expressions," continues the specialist.
- Giving him a pacifier to make him wait can also harm breastfeeding."Some breast glands are smaller, the baby asks more often because he knows what he needs," adds the lactation advisor.
- Some pediatricians also recommend that he no longer give him the night spent the first months."This can start a start of withdrawal," decrypts Célia Dos Santos."We can request the advice of a lactation advisor."Also pay attention to the famous supplement bottle sometimes advised by pediatricians when the baby does not gain enough weight.The baby then puts less and less what can lead to breastfeeding failure.
- Another brake on breastfeeding: pain.Crevasses are formed, often due to a bad position of the baby, "we see that the baby does not open the mouth enough", explains Célia Dos Santos.To be advised on breastfeeding and positions, it is important to turn to specialists, lactation advisers, midwives or associations such as Leche League, or Solidaritis.
An unknown ally: Moringa
Charlotte Redon, midwife and lactation advisor, noted the effects of a very effective product to stimulate lactation: Moringa.The powder of the leaves of this tree originating from India is considered to be a superfood.
"To stimulate milk production, it is essential in the first place to ensure effective drainage of the breasts. It is noted that by taking Moringa, the ascent is done more quickly," explains the midwife.The right dosage: three teaspoons a day, morning, lunch and dinner for 15 days to three weeks.The effects are quickly felt.
This super food also has the advantage of being adapted in postpartum to fight against fatigue and deficiencies, especially in the event of a hemorrhage of deliverance.Moringa is rich in iron and magnesium.If he is responsible for intestinal disorders (diarrhea, cramps), the doses should be reduced.
Read also :
⋙ Breastfeeding: everything you need to know about the rise of milk
⋙ Breastfeed by working, it is possible.Survival manual
⋙ Breastfeeding position: 6 postures ideal for breastfeeding baby
