Breastfeeding can be a challenge for some moms. There are many different things that can interfere with breastfeeding, from a fluctuating milk supply to cracked nipples to engorgement. Fortunately, there is help for a woman who wants to breast feed in the form of herbs. There are a variety of herbal uses that can help a mom breastfeeding.
Some of these herbs help to increase the supply of breast milk that a mom supplies. Some of the most common of these are alfalfa, blessed thistle and fenugreek. These are a category of herbs known as “galactagogues,” which is a fancy way of saying that they help a woman to build her breast milk supply for breastfeeding.
Other herbs are designed to help when it’s time to wean your baby from breastfeeding. These herbs, such as sage and parsley, help to tell your body to decrease the supply of milk. This lets your baby know that it’s time to start moving to other types of food, because he can’t get as much milk from you.
Some herbs will help with breastfeeding discomforts. Ask any mother who has breastfed, and she can tell you that it can be truly painful. Whether you’re talking about the pain that comes from the pressure of engorgement or whether you’re talking about sore and cracked nipples, it can be pretty severe. Black tea leaves as well as cabbage leaves can help with sore nipples. Some herbs that can help include calendula blossoms, marshmallow root, and plantain. These herbs are available in cream format, or you can use them in a hot breast compress.
While not all of these herbal remedies will work the same for every woman, the fact is that many women have experienced significant relief from the struggles and pains of breastfeeding just by using some of these few simple herbs.
Related posts:
- Most Common Breastfeeding Problems
- Four Common Challenges to Successful Breastfeeding and How to Overcome Them
- Breastfeeding Late
- Can Herbal Tea Help With Colic?
- Breastfeeding vs. Formula Feeding: A Cost Comparison
