Recently, we posted foods not to eat while breastfeeding. But a girl's gotta eat - especially a hungry mama feeding two (or more)! So what are some (nearly) perfect foods for breastfeeding moms? Nearly Perfect Foods for Breastfeeding Moms raw vegetables cooked vegetables healthy fats fresh fruit "clean" protein what you're craving lots of water! Having a baby can mess with the tummy (and the rest of the digestive system!), and hospital food is notoriously not good for keeping things moving. Getting plenty of raw vegetables like celery, tomatoes, salad greens, cucumber, peppers, and even cultured vegetables (a wonderful … [Read more...]
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Disclaimer: The information in this post is for educational purposes only. I am not a doctor. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. None of the opinions are meant to diagnose or treat any disease or illness. You should always consult your healthcare provider.
Angela Sackett is a wife and home-educating mom of five fast-growing, once-breastfed kiddos, as well as a foodie, photographer, and speaker, but before all a daughter of the King. She’s passionate about encouraging women and especially moms, and she writes at Sal et Lux and Dancing With My Father.
Tips for Breastfeeding an Adopted Baby
I remember when my dear friend Shelby was expecting her first adopted baby. She had breastfed her other children and wanted to nurse this baby too, for both health and bonding. Among her many questions as she walked through the nursing journey was, "Can I breastfeed my adopted baby?" She wanted to do everything she could to prepare for this new little one. Because so many moms not only don't have adequate resources and many don't even realize it's possible, I wanted to share tips for breastfeeding an adopted baby. Tips for Breastfeeding an Adopted Baby Breastfeeding an adopted baby IS possible, and it has beautiful and powerful benefits! … [Read more...]
All About Nursing Pads
I will never forget the first trip we made to the mall as new parents. We had our (nursing) newborn little boy in arms, and we were joined by visiting family who were less-than-familiar with the breastfeeding life. Of course, I myself was new to this whole breastfeeding thing, but leaky bosoms and all, I was determined to "get out" and enjoy time with family. When our little man began to fuss to be fed, I plunked down on a bench and tried to "be subtle" as we wrestled into position. Less than sure how to act about this new-to-them normal, my sweet family members headed off to a store to give us some space. When they returned, I was all … [Read more...]
Breastfeeding and Coconut Oil
One of the hottest nutritional supplements, health and beauty aids, and all around health-foodie-favorites these days is coconut oil. There are myriad uses for it, and you can now buy coconut oil at almost any grocery store. But what about breastfeeding and coconut oil? What are its benefits for nursing moms and babies, and is it even safe to use it? Breastfeeding and Coconut Oil - Uses and Benefits One of my favorite uses for coconut oil is to encourage healthy, soft skin. If you've had a baby with cradle cap, you know the frustration of trying to treat the crusty mess. Coconut oil not only moisturizes, but its antifungal and … [Read more...]
Beer and Breastfeeding – Does Drinking Beer Increase Breast Milk Supply?
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When my friend Andrea was breastfeeding her littlest, I remember the struggle she had to keep up her milk supply. She tried breastfeeding tea, and tripled her water consumption. She rested more and added brewer's yeast to her oatmeal. She also tried something I'd never heard of as a mama of five: she tried drinking a glass of beer. What is the deal with beer and breastfeeding? Now in my friend's case, as it has any time she's tried to drink it, drinking beer gave her nothing more than an upset tummy. She's not a fan of the malty brew, and that didn't change as she sipped, then gulped once or twice, then sipped again. In her case, she … [Read more...]
Recipes and Tips for Breastfeeding and Paleo
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Are you considering a Paleo approach to your eating as a breastfeeding mom? Have you looked into this lifestyle as a way to improve your own health and wonder how to approach it while nursing your baby? We introduced the idea in this article where I determined that breastfeeding and Paleo can definitely be compatible, and today I'd like to share some tips with you on incorporating the Paleo eating plan into your breastfeeding lifestyle, as well as give you some yummy recipes to get started! Breastfeeding and Paleo - Getting Started Any lifestyle/diet change can seem overwhelming at first. If you're new to the Paleo mindset, do some research … [Read more...]
Breastfeeding and Paleo Diet (Part 1)
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Over the past year, I've done some foray into the world of Paleo-style eating. If you aren't familiar with "Paleo" or "Primal" lifestyle, a quick internet search will reveal that it's a philosophy of getting "back to our roots" by eating no grains and refined foods, and focusing on high-quality fruits and vegetables, meat, nuts, and seeds. The recommendations are based on studies and anecdotal evidence that these foods are best absorbed and processed for optimal health. There are as many interpretations of the Paleo Diet as there are eaters, some who also include raw or grass-fed organic dairy products. While I don't personally agree with … [Read more...]
A Breastfeeding Helpline – Tips for Supporting New Moms
Every new mama (and every mama of a new little one for that matter) needs a breastfeeding helpline. No matter how many babies I had (five so far, and we think we're done), each time I brought home a sweet bundle of baby bliss, there was, for me, an adjustment period. Every baby is different, and every family changes dynamics with the addition of a sibling. As a now "veteran" nursing mama, I am always looking for ways to encourage those a few steps behind on the mommy-path, and it occurs to me others might be, too! How can we support and encourage a new mom in every way, but especially in the way of breastfeeding her baby? Becoming a … [Read more...]
Breastfeeding Awareness – Parenting Tips
Last week I shared why it's important for us to provide our children (even our teens) with the type of training that normalizes breastfeeding - you can read that post here. We want to prepare them to be comfortable with breastfeeding and breastfeeders. But I promised you some tips for how to do this, so here are breastfeeding awareness parenting tips - feel free to share with others so we can continue to normalize this beautiful aspect of mothering. Breastfeeding Awareness Parenting Tips Expose your children to breastfeeding mamas. Don’t shy away from them, and don't be embarrassed to be close by when a mom is nursing her baby. My … [Read more...]
Breastfeeding Awareness – Working with Young Adults
When I was birthing and nursing my youngest two, my husband was a pastor for young adults, just attending college or beginning their careers. As a mentor to the young women, I saw it as part of my calling to model natural parenting and to help cultivate "breastfeeding awareness" with them. So several of the girls were with us in the birthing room, and I never went away to nurse our babies. I was always discreet, but I also made it a point for breastfeeding to be a "normal" part of our family life, in which many of the young people we mentored became welcome regulars. I laughed one afternoon at a church praise team practice when a young man … [Read more...]
