With Reflexologist Nuria Weaver
Home Remedies for Breastfeeding Problems
The best food that a mother can offer to the infant is her breast milk. This is the best and vital for the infant because it contains all the essential nutrients and minerals required for the growth. In fact most of the baby food has this written on the logo.
Benefits of Breast Milk
- It can be easily digested
- Protects against infections
- Prevents food allergies in the future
- Helps growth of healthy teeth
- Also the most important benefit is it helps and improves brain development
A common problem faced by lactation mothers are breast engorgement which occurs mainly in the beginning of the first two-three weeks after delivery. Engorgement is due to increase milk filling along with fluid and blood retentions in same area.
Symptoms of Breastfeeding Problems
Other common breastfeeding related problems are:
- Physically the breast becomes hard, tight, full, tender and painful. It may also lead to fever and makes it difficulty for the baby to suck milk.
- Another common problem is plugged duct when the baby cannot empty the breast milk completely. The remaining milk hardens in course of time and eventually blocks the duct and plugs it.
- The position while feeding the child may also lead to crack nipples.
Causes for Breastfeeding Problems
- The low quality in breast milk may be due to poor diet, medications and other antibiotics that contaminate the milk. Caffeine diet can cause colics and hamper sleeping.
- In some cases the use of breast pump that may be used to inhibit the production of milk may lower the amount and quantity available for the infant. And this fact gives some incorrect idea that the baby should be given some formula food to satisfy him. However as a matter of fact this may be due to the insufficient quantity of the mother's milk.
Home remedies for Breastfeeding Problems using tea bags and water and salt
- One of the best treatments for lactation problems is applying tea bags on the nipples. This reduces the soreness and prevents the pain associated with sore nipples.
- Another effective solution for breastfeeding problems is prepared from water and salt. In a cup of water add 1/4th teaspoon of water and mix it well till the salt dissolve. Use this solution to soak the nipples for around 15 minutes and do this in between feeding.
Home remedies for Breastfeeding Problems using chaste tree and milk thistle
- To increase the flow of milk use chaste tree. This affects the pituitary's prolactin secretion.
- Another method to increase the production of breast milk is by using milk thistle that kills and decreases the pesticide residues found in the milk.
Home remedies for Breastfeeding Problems using barley, fennel seeds and cumin seeds
- Barley is also effective for breast milk production. Use a half of regular barley and soak in three cups of water and keep it overnight. You can also boil them in water for around 25 minutes and strain the barley out. Store the barley water and allow it to cool.
- After this add a teaspoon of fennel seeds in a cup of barley water and allow it to boil for not more then 30 minutes. In addition to increasing the production of breast milk, it also improves the pain and digestion of both the mother and the baby.
- Cumin seeds are also common in home remedies for breastfeeding problems. These seeds are effective for the increase production of breast milk.
Home remedies for Breastfeeding Problems using herbs
- Alfalfa can be eaten directly or in the forms of capsule helps in stimulating lactation and improves the quantity and quality of breast milk.
- A famous Chinese herb which is known as codonopsis helps to improve lactation and also improves the blood supply.
- An effective herb called goat's rue is one of the oldest home remedies for breastfeeding problems that have been used by the midwives to improve the production of breast milk.
Home remedies for Breastfeeding Problems using confrey leaves and elder
- Confrey leaves are steamed for few minutes and are wrapped in gauze and are placed on the breast. This is a perfect treatment for engorgement.
- If you prefer homeopathy medicine then you can go for belladonna 6X.
- One of the simplest home remedies for breastfeeding problems is to use a towel and soak it in hot water and then place them on the breast for almost 10-15 minutes. This is effective if done before feeding the baby.
- Elder is very effective for the treatment of engorgement and reduce the swelling of the breast too.
Home remedies for Breastfeeding Problems using chamomile, dandelion and fluids
- For inflamed breast, you can always go for chamomile which not only reduces inflammation of the breast but also reduce the pain.
- Dandelion is also excellent and among the popular herbs for the treatment of mastitis which means the inflammation of the breast tissue.
- Lactation mothers should increase the intake of fluid which may include fresh fruit juice and vegetable soup. Some tips for healthy feeding may include:
- Frequent breast feeding the child like 10 to 15 minutes will also help reducing the problems associated with breastfeeding.
- Keep a check on the nipples and if you observe dry milk or dark spots then wipe them off using cotton or warm water and feed the child as soon as possible.
Apart from all the home remedies for breastfeeding problems, as mentioned problems are associated with the position of feeding. Therefore, while feeding always place the baby in different position that will ensure that the all the ducts are being used.
Home Remedies for Bladder Infections
Home Remedies for Dark Circles
Home Remedies for Hyperthyroidism
Home Remedies for Morning Sickness
A List of Alternative Therapies