More On Breastfeeding...

Through my discussion with the Lactation Consultant last week and talking to my midwife about it, I have decided to purchase a few more items that will help with breastfeeding (if need be!).  I have been avoiding the SNS (Supplemental Nursing System) because it has always seemed so complicated.  I was worried that it would make breastfeeding more stressful.  But I have been told numerous times by people who know what they are doing (LC's and midwives) that if I DO need to supplement, this is really the best way to do it.  So, Robert and I decided that because I want to try everything possible, that it would be worth investing the money in.  So, I bought one today.  We had some money set aside for "baby" items, so we had the money for it...  I just don't understand why they are so expensive because it is just some plastic, but if I can make breastfeeding work because of it, then it will be worth it :).  The reason why this is the best way to supplement is because the baby won't experience a bottle at all.  The issues that I remember having with Ethan were that he wouldn't want to breastfeed as much because he was getting his food much faster and easier with a bottle, so he was just frustrated all the time.  It made the times that we were breastfeeding much more stressful.  Plus, I would have to breastfeed, then bottle feed.  It made feeding twice as long.  This way, the baby will be feeding only at the breast, so it will ultimately make feeding less stressful.

I also purchased an herbal tincture that I have read (and been told by the LC and midwife) will definitely help with supply.  It is called Motherlove More Milk Special Blend.  The one I bought is a tincture because it absorbs much faster and better than capsules.  It is considered to be much more potent.  It contains the herbs Goat's Rue, Fenugreek Seed, Blessed Thistle, Nettle Leaf, and Fennel Seed (each link contains information on the lowmilksupply.org website- great info!).  Goat's Rue is the most important one because this out of all herbs have been shown to even produce milk in mothers who are adopting babies!  It stimulates development of actual mammary tissue.  The most awesome thing is that I got a 2 oz bottle for $8.99 because they had it marked wrong at Central Market :).  I actually bought two of them for $18!  They are normally at least that for one :).  So, I should have plenty to last me a long time, and I paid less than half for it. 

My plan is to start the herbal tincture and pumping after each feeding immediately and hope that I don't have to supplement.  But, if I do have to, then I am already set and don't have to worry about purchasing the SNS.  If I don't have to use it, then I can take it back and get my money back.  That would be ideal for many reasons! :)

I also ended up buying some brewer's yeast at Central Market (got just the amount that I needed in the bulk section!) to make some Lactation Cookies (although I plan to modify the recipe quite a bit to make them healthier... I may even try to make some lactation muffins or something!).  I think between pumping, herbs, and food items that help produce more milk, I should be set.  And if not, then I know I did EVERYTHING I could.