Breast Milk Production

www.mybodyafterbaby.com

New Mom Stress

How To Increase

By Beating

Presented by: Body After Baby

Breastfeeding Rates Are Up!

• 3/4 of new moms in America are breastfeeding today compared to less than 2/3 in 2000.

• Most medical groups recommend a minimum of 6 months of exclusive breastfeeding, but over time milk production can dwindle making this hard to accomplish.

• Are stress levels and milk production linked?

…Possibly

• New moms are naturally stressed, yet anecdotal research shows calm moms produce more milk.

The Stress Connection

• The key is to learn to let go.

• Do that and your milk will naturally let down.

• Easier said than done, right?

What’s a New Mother to Do?

Stress is tough to manage in the best of times, with a new baby to care for, it can seem impossible.

We’re here to help! We’ve assembled 8 tips to help you reduce your stress levels and help your milk flow.

How To Increase Breast Milk Production8 Tips on

1. Leave the chores2. Use disposables3. EAT!4. Take advantage of maternity leave5. Just say No6. Ask for help7. Allow yourself time to heal8. Exercise

Give up on the belief that you have to do everything at once. Dirty dishes can wait. Slow down and focus on what’s important in the moment…a happy baby.

1. Leave The Chores

2. Use Disposables

It’s not “green” but sometimes it’s vital to your sanity. Don’t be afraid to use disposable products. Even if it’s only temporary, throwaways can get you through the tough times.

3. Eat

You need fuel to produce milk and keep yourself going through the day. Healthy food choices will support your milk production best but don’t skip meals just because you don’t have anything “healthy” in the house. Order in or get takeout if you have to, but keep the calories coming in.

4. Take Advantage of Maternity Leave

If you can swing a long maternity leave, do it. Work can increase your stress level and diminish your supply. Your body will be better able to adjust milk production the longer you keep the baby at your breast, not a pump.

5. Just Say No

If you need time alone with your baby, say No to visitors. Reduce stress levels by asking visitors to wait until you’re comfortable with the baby and established in your breastfeeding to pay a visit.

6. Ask for Help

Don’t say no if someone offers to help you. Grab that opportunity with both hands! Enjoy a shower, eat a hot meal, take a nap, let them do your dishes or laundry or change that dirty diaper. Every little bit of help can relax you.

You’re recovering from LABOR and BIRTH! Give yourself time to heal. Boost the process with a postpartum belly band or C-section belly band, which provide gentle compression support and support good posture – both of which aid breastfeeding.

7. Allow Yourself Time to Heal

8. Exercise

We’re not talking a marathon here. Gentle stretches, short walks, easy yoga poses….they all get your blood flowing to release endorphins and help you relax.

• Manage stress now before it manages you

• New mom stress may fade but general mom stress is here to stay.

• Take some time now to discover ways to manage your stress levels and visit Body After Baby for new ways to care for yourself.

Remember…