What Mommy Eats/Drinks

*Disclaimer (always check with your pediatrician and doctor to make sure you are doing what works best for you, these are things that I did that helped me, but we are all different. Always be sure to pay attention to your body and your baby.)

Breastfeeding, especially as a working mom, is not always an easy task. During pregnancy we go through the process of eating for two, and if you are breastfeeding that concept does not stop.

The first step I took with breastfeeding is establishing that I was going to do it and give it my best go. I had to completely make my mind up about it, so that I would keep my determination to ensure to the best of my abilities that it would happen.

The first day home from the hospital I was completely engorged. I have become very familiar with my body since becoming Vegan, and also since finding out I had Lupus. I knew that the lymph nodes can also become inflamed and or blocked and cause milk production to run less smooth. In knowing this I first focused on my lymphatic system.

I drank CHAMOMILE tea with a small amount of SLIPPERY ELM & BURDOCK ROOT. I did this every night for about a week straight along with massaging my breast from the lymph nodes down to the nipple. (I did not use a breast pump as that would have made it worse). I will not sugar coat it like this was a fun time, but always remember it will pass, and I was determined.

At this point in time I did not have an issue with milk production just being engorged, so I made sure to eat foods that helped with blood flow and keeping a clear lymphatic system.

· Flax Seeds

· Leafy greens

· Almonds

· Avocados

· Cranberries (if cranberry juice make sure its 100% no added sugars)

· Walnuts

I also was drinking nothing but water. If I had something other than water it was tea or juice, and that was limited to about one a day.

I also took many warm baths and hot showers to get the milk flowing. In less than a week’s time I was starting to see results and had an easier time with feeding.

Keeping Production UP!!!

Once I was able to get the flow under control, I knew I needed to produce enough to sustain my baby while I was home as well as away, and Jaiden can eat, lol.

I start every day with lime water and allow it about an hour or so before I eat.

Every morning for breakfast I eat STEEL-CUT OATMEAL. It is the least processed and contains the most Fiber, which is great for milk production.

I drink fresh orange juice when I have it prepared or on hand, and or eat strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, papaya, pineapple, virtually any fruit high in vitamin C. (I also take vitamin C and D3)

Breakfast on the weekend also includes Oat pancakes (which can be found on MEAT IS MY EX Instagram account), some sort of seitan, and tofu or JUST EGG scramble to get protein.

Lunch/Dinner always have some sort of Leafy green vegetable involved. As they are great for Vitamin C, Folic Acid, and help to keep lymphatic system working properly.

I also always make sure to have at least one of these items in my meals;

• Legumes:

1. Chickpeas (“Toona salad”, Egg Salad, Deviled Eggs)

2. Lentils (Lentil Joe, Lentil Curry)

3. Peas (Split Pea soup)

4. Peanuts

5. Black beans

• Sweet Potatoes (purple and or traditional)

• Brussel Sprouts

• Avocados

Many of the same foods that worked in the beginning with my engorgement helped with maintaining milk production. Every pumping, even after Jaiden has fed, I get 2.5 to 3oz of milk from each breast consistently.

Quick Tips:

• Pay attention to baby’s bowl movements, and response after you eat. (paying attention to Jaiden’s response helps me to see what the effects are to what I am eating)

• Pay attention to the needs of your body and pump on a consistent schedule when feeding at an away from home, body will respond to the amount of times you pump/feed.

• Don’t be hard on yourself (every baby is new to the experience rather we are or not. Don’t beat yourself up)

• Allow yourself breathing time, stress does not help with milk production.

You got this Mama!!!!!