Breastfeeding (Part 3)

Though some expressed that the reasons they are not continuing breastfeeding or totally not breastfeeding are mainly due to their career demands, there are also some who encounter low or interupted milk supply. In my effort to encourage breastfeeding, I have consulted my grandma (she breastfeed 11 children), my confinement caterer, my lactation consultant, and a few friendly docs. Diet is the most important influence to milk supply, next comes rest, third is your willingness to breast feed. I have put together some milk-supply-friendly food from my research. Even if you are not breastfeeding, as a woman, these nourishments are also good for you.

Many chinese encounter interupted milk supply due to over consumption of ginger during confinement. Ginger is a good source to warm the body, but consuming too much will affect milk supply. Especially when your child is jaundiced, this may worsen the condition.

Drinks with caffeine such as coffee, tea, chocolates and carbonated drinks can cause over alertness to your child, therefore, should consume sparringly if not at all.

Totally nothing with alcohol content. Although traditional advisors approve of Benedictine DOM, modern health professionals forbid.

Breastfeeding mums should also avoid peanuts, because you never know if a newborn has any allergies, and peanut is a common source of allergies.

Carbohydrates are essential to breastfeeding. Eat more than your usual portion of rice, bread and/or potatoes.

Some suggest dairy products play an important role. However, too much dairy may cause colic to an infant. Consume sparringly.

Fish is excellent for milk supply. Take loads.

There are more, but I will put them in the recipes I've collected from my research. They are fairly simple dishes, even stay at home mums without domestic help can manage.

So, good luck!