The word ‘usually’ is included because sometimes mothers are unable to breastfeed, in which case there are often other mothers who kindly donate their extra breast milk (screened, it’s the next best thing). But there’s no point sending people on guilt trips if they can’t or won’t breastfeed (in fact the experts say that you should ‘give up on a good day’ if you find it does not work for you. Then choose zero waste baby bottles for reputable formula.
Never heat baby milk (or pet food) in a microwave. They heat unevenly causing ‘hot spots’ that could scald the mouth and throat (and are also dodgy anyway).
If you feed formula, WHO still recommends breast milk up to 1 year to prevent type-1 diabetes. Else Nutrition has launched organic plant-based toddler formula, recommended by doctors for age 2 and up. Certified Kosher, see FAQ for info.
Every creature on earth feeds their baby naturally, apart from humans. Breast milk contains more nutrition (and less chance of cancer for mothers later on). And colostrum given in the first few days, sets up a baby’s immune system.
England has one of the lowest rates of breastfeeding in the western world, from a lack of knowledge on health benefits to a negative attitude by some shopkeepers. Not being able to feed naturally is rare (works by supply and demand). But if you want a little helping hand, ‘lactogenic’ (milk-producing foods). include:
- Dark green leafy veggies help boost milk (check paper inserts of medications)
- Barley, oats, brown rice and millet (not just for budgies) are all good
- Legumes (beans, peas, lentils) are good due to omega fatty acids
- Orange veggies are good (nursing uses extra beta-carotene)
- Dried fruits are good (organic apricots, dates)
- Asparagus has tryptophan (amino acid to stimulate milk)
- Fennel (tastes like aniseed) is good for same reason
Herbs to avoid during breastfeeding (decreases milk supply) are peppermint, parsley and sage). So does alcohol, but presumably you’re not drinking it. Fenugreek (sometimes used to boost milk supply) should not be used in supplements, it can cause wind in babies (never use during pregnancy, it can stimulate contractions, leading to premature birth).
- Better Breastfeeding is a book by Dr Linda Dahl who looks at how breastfeeding works, why it fails and what to do. She offers a weekly guide and tips on gape restriction and tongue tie, nipple/breast pain, issues with milk supply or abnormal nursing behaviours.
- Find help at The Breastfeeding Network. You can also find info on breastfeeding with disabilities, and there’s a phone helpline.
- Medela is a device to help babies with cleft palate and other issues breastfeed, using a one-way valve that prevents air from entering the teat.
- Florian Botanicals Nurture Nursing Balm is fragrance-free and free from beeswax and lanolin. Ideal for tender, cracked or inflamed nipples from breastfeeding, it won’t stain clothes. Also use to heal minor cuts, burns and scrapes or any dry itchy skin, including your hands.
