Breast feeding may be natural, but it isn’t always easy.  New motherhood, as joyful as it can be, can also produce considerable anxiety for the mother as she adjusts to her new situation. Add in the overwhelming feelings of new motherhood and sleep deprivation, and the combined stress can start to affect milk production.  Having an inadequate milk supply doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to breast feed your baby.  Diet, herbs, and holistic treatments can offer a safe and natural way to increase milk without medical intervention.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been practiced for thousands of years and offers a natural way for you to treat your production issues.  The way the Chinese see it, one very big reason for inadequate milk supply is the obstructed flow of energy in meridians which flow to the breast, usually caused by stress and anxiety.  Even though welcoming a baby into your family may be wonderful, it often comes with several adjustments and many women experience high stress and even depression and anxiety at this time. Acupuncture is used to relax tension and free up the energy in the chest to release milk that is already there.

Whether discussing Chinese medicine or traditional western practices, there is one thing that remains the same: Pregnancy and childbirth require hard work from a woman’s body, and sufficient rest, proper hydration and nutrition are crucial during the months that follow delivery.  A mother who breastfeeds exclusively needs to eat 300-500 calories more per day than what was needed to maintain her weight before becoming pregnant. Adding one or two healthy snacks, such as hummus and whole grain pitas or apple slices with peanut butter, will help you consume the calories you need to produce enough milk for your baby.  Mothers who eat less than 1500-1800 calories per day run the risk of reducing their milk supply.

Pumping can also help you increase your milk production. Effectively removing milk from the breast stimulates even more milk production. Using a breast pump for ten minutes at the end of a nursing session, as well as between feedings, can help increase lactation.  Aim to pump until the pump has removed all milk possible – it is this draining that sends the signal to increase production.

Variations to your nursing routine may also help you to support milk supply.  Breastfeeding requires a lot of energy from your baby and falling asleep or ineffectively nursing may not provide an increased demand for production.  Offer the second breast after baby finishes at the first.  To keep your baby awake, you can switch sides each time she seems to fall asleep or lose interest.

A few simple changes to your diet can also help.  Fenugreek has been used by nursing mothers for hundreds of years.  An herbal supplement available at most natural food stores, it can be taken in capsule form three times a day for both short-term stimulation and long-term maintenance of your supply.  Foods high in fiber and calcium also support milk production, such as nuts, seeds, whole grains, and dark leafy greens, such as kale or spinach.  Oats (rolled and steel-cut) increase both the quantity and richness of breast milk.  Try them as oatmeal or in granola with raw almonds and flaxseed for an extra boost.

There are many resources available to help you holistically increase your milk supply.  Consider meeting with an IBCLC or Lactation Educator.  Additionally, La Leche League offers great support to breastfeeding moms and the internet is home to wonderful websites like www.kellymom.com, which offers information on every facet of breastfeeding.  With good information, caring professionals, and a little extra care for yourself, you can solve your nursing challenges and naturally care for your baby.

Anne Cabrinha, M.S., L.Ac., FABORM, is a fellow of the American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine. She is an acupuncturist and herbalist at Balance Restored in Mill Valley, CA, and also works part-time at Pacific Fertility Center in San Francisco. Contact Anne at acabrinha@balancerestored.com.

Emily Schaffer, CPD, CLE, CBP is a certified Postpartum Doula, Lactation Educator and Baby Planner. She is available for in-home consultations and group workshops in Marin and San Francisco. Contact Emily Schaffer at emilymschaffer@gmail.com.

Recently there has been a lot of news surrounding babywearing and slings. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has posted a warning, “advising parents and caregivers to be cautious when using infant slings for babies younger than four months of age.” The warning continues to report that suffocation occurred due to fabric and the infants airway being restricted. Babywearing can be beneficial to the parent and/or caregiver when using skilled techniques and properly fitted equipment.

Here are a few rules to keep in mind when choosing your baby carrier:
Please note that whatever carrier you choose, please learn how to use it properly by reading the instruction manual, taking a class or asking a professional. Safety is the utmost importance.

• Make sure your baby can breathe at all times. You will be moving around, so check on your baby often to confirm that he/she hasn’t moved into an unsafe position within the carrier.
• Use the “two finger” rule. In any carrier, make sure your baby has “two-fingers” width between his/her chin-to-chest. This will insure that that the position will not restrict the baby’s ability to breathe.
• Never cover your baby’s face or head with fabric. By covering your baby’s face, you are creating an environment where he/she will be re-breathing their same air. This is not optimum for health. Also, you will not be able to check in to see how he/she is doing or what position they may be in if their face or head is covered.
• Use only carriers that are appropriate for your baby’s weight and age. Many carriers vary in size and weight restrictions. As your baby grows, be aware that the carrier may not be safe for them any longer. Post a note with your doctor appointment in your calendar. This way you’ll always remember to double check your carrier for age appropriate weight, height and age.
• Be fitted properly and take a course on babywearing. There are so many carriers on the market these days that it it virtually impossible to keep up. There are professionals who’s sole job is to teach, research products and educate parents about babywearing. Sign-up for a class today and bring your slings, carriers and backpacks to have them properly fitted.

The benefits of babywearing are countless! Research shows that “wearing” your baby can increase weight, reduce baby’s crying, and deepen the bond between mothers, fathers, grandparents, adoptive parents, babysitters, and other caregivers. When a baby is close to the chest (or skin-to skin), he/she is able to regulate their body heat successfully. The baby is then able to relate with the caregivers scent of skin,

rhythm of breathing, body movements and heartbeat. This type of stimulation helps baby to regulate their physical and emotional development. The more connected a caregiver is to the baby, the more in tuned they are to their needs, therefore creating a loving, nurturing and healthy relationship from the start. Keeping baby close to you, will assure that you”ll always be close enough for a kiss.

For further information about babywearing and attachment parenting, check out the following websites:
www.babywearinginternational.org l  www.thebabywearer.com l  www.attachmentparenting.org

Located at 514 Fourth St.  San Rafael, CA   www.theparentscenter.com

www.yourpiggyprints.com

www.nanny.org

The Mom’s Ultimate Book of Lists written by: Michelle La Rowe

www.michellelarowe.com

This was a great fair filled with an array of vendors, speakers and products…. everything related to BABY!

Check out this great service and product!

Alana Hammer with Moss Acupuncture – specializes in Fertility and Postpartum care.

www.mossacupuncture.com

Lesley Mattos with Bottoms-Up organic washable baby wipes – great idea!

www.bottoms-up-baby.com

Choosing to have a child is one of the most important decisions that any family can make, but the choices don’t end there. Expectant families are surrounded by hundreds of decisions. From births to bottles, nurseries to nannies, the options seem endless. Baby Planners help you to find the plan that’s best for your family. Whether providing services for expectant or new parents, adoptive families, friends and family of a new arrival, or people trying to start a family, a Baby Planner can find the information, services, products, and professionals you need.

Baby Planners support and educate you throughout pregnancy, birth, and new parenthood. Think of having your own personal baby planning assistant to provide you with a list of prenatal birthing classes, exercise classes, or pampering pregnancy massage services. Baby Planners maintain a database of well-respected professionals from your local area that will allow you to make an educated selection when choosing the right professional for your family. If you’re trying to choose cribs or car seats, a Baby Planner can walk you through the options, then set up your baby registry with all the gear you’ll need. To celebrate your new arrival, a Baby Planner can help arrange your shower.

What do you do when you bring that little newborn home? Baby Planners can put you in touch with the best lactation consultants, night nurses and postpartum doulas available in your area. They can put you in touch with services that can support your entire family once baby has been born. Are your friends and family checking their emails or mailboxes daily for your baby’s birth announcement? Can you barely find the time to take a shower, much less find the time to send out birth announcements? Baby Planners can save you time and money by assisting you with creating the announcement or handle the entire process for you!

Baby Planning services don’t end there. If you are going back to work, selecting a childcare provider can be a source of great stress and anxiety. Whether you choose a nanny, a commercial daycare center or in-home daycare for your child, you will have to decide which is best for your family. This is an important decision, and relying upon the expertise of a Baby Planner can result in significant savings in both time and money for your family. Baby Planners have carefully researched their local area and maintain lists of reputable child care providers for you to select from.

If you are pregnant, have a new baby at home, or have a baby on the move, cleaning with all natural products is a must. By relying on environmentally friendly cleaning products, you will avoid the ingestion of toxic fumes by both you and your family. Baby Planners can recommend the best organic cleaning products, all-natural cleaning services or a non-toxic nursery environment to ensure a safe environment for your family.

How does a Baby Planner know so much?

Baby Planners are accredited by the International Academy of Baby Planner Professionals. The rigorous certification course tests Planners on their knowledge and expertise in the field, including fertility, birthing options and preparation, going green, sleep, breastfeeding, child safety, child care, fitness, nutrition, postpartum care, product knowledge, business, marketing, sales, liability and more. Baby Planners stay informed of the most recent research on development, health, and safety, including product recalls. Their goal is to support and educate parents and parents-to-be. Baby Planners’ goal is always to guide and empower families. The final decision is always the client’s!

Where do I find a Baby Planner?

The International Academy of Baby Planner Professionals (www.iabpp.com) hosts a directory of certified Baby Planners in your area. Each Baby Planner brings his or her own prior knowledge and area of expertise, with backgrounds including health, nutrition, fitness, yoga, or experience as a birth or postpartum doula, lactation consultant or event planner. That diversity of experience is what makes each Baby Planner unique, a professional with the skills and knowledge you need.

For more information regarding Baby Planners in the Bay Area, please contact Emily Schaffer at www.emilyschaffer.com.

These are fabulous classes were I teach about the benefits of wearing your baby. I also cover proper positioning and safety. We filmed it downtown Mill Valley, California. It was a little windy, but a TON of fun! Sign up today! Remember to bring ALL your slings, wraps and front packs!

Click here to view the embedded video.

You can sign up for my next one in Mill Valley, California on my “Calendar of Events” page.