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The Benefits Of Breastfeeding & Tips To Help Increase Your Breastmilk

Updated: Mar 21

Breastfeeding is far more than a natural and beautiful act between a mother and her child—it is an incredible source of nourishment, healing, and connection. Rooted in both modern science and ancient wisdom, breastfeeding provides profound health benefits for both mother and baby.


🌿 Why Breastfeeding Matters


Breastmilk is nature’s perfect food. It adapts in real time to your baby’s changing needs and offers unparalleled nourishment, protection, and emotional comfort. It’s also deeply nourishing for the mother, supporting physical recovery and emotional bonding.


Benefits for Baby:

  • Contains all essential nutrients for the first six months of life

  • Adapts to baby’s needs in real time

  • Easy to digest and absorb

  • Rich in antibodies, protecting against infections and disease

  • Supports brain, nervous system, speech, and vision development

  • Lowers risk of SIDS and SUDI

  • Decreases risk of allergies, diabetes, and obesity

  • Enhances emotional security and nervous system regulation


Benefits for Mother:

  • Encourages uterine contraction and healing post-birth

  • Lowers risk of postpartum bleeding

  • Decreases risk of breast and ovarian cancer

  • Promotes emotional bonding and oxytocin release

  • Convenient, cost-effective, and always available


🌙 Colostrum: The Golden First Milk

In the first few days post-birth, your breasts produce colostrum—a golden, protein-rich fluid packed with immune factors, digestive enzymes, and nourishment designed specifically for your newborn’s needs. It primes the gut, protects from disease, and promotes healthy digestion and development.


🔍 Challenges and Considerations

Sometimes breastfeeding doesn’t come easily. Common issues include:

  • Improper latch

  • Hard breasts/engorgement

  • Post-birth stiffness (in mother or baby)

  • Tongue-tie or lip-tie

  • Difficult positioning

  • Exhaustion and emotional overwhelm


If you are experiencing difficulty, know that support is available. Consult with your GP, midwife, lactation consultant, or a trusted holistic health practitioner such as a naturopath or traditional Chinese medicine doctor. Amberley (Midwife & Breastfeeding Consultant)


⚖️ What Can Affect Breast Milk Supply?

  • Blood loss during labour

  • Lengthy or traumatic labour

  • Nutrient deficiency or poor hydration

  • Emotional stress, anger, frustration, worry

  • Lack of postpartum rest and support


It’s important to remember: your wellbeing is essential for your baby’s. Lean into support—whether from family, friends, or professionals. Honour the postpartum phase and consider adopting traditional “first 40 days” practices.


🍲 Chinese Medicine & Postpartum Nourishment

In Chinese Medicine, breastmilk is seen as an extension of the blood. Therefore, replenishing and building blood postpartum is essential to milk production and overall healing. The Spleen and Stomach are responsible for transforming food into Qi and Blood—foundations of vitality.


Nourishing Foods for Breastfeeding & Recovery:

  • Apples, avocado, carrots, pumpkin, zucchini, beetroot, celery

  • Grass-fed meats, rice, eggs, bone broth

  • Wild-caught fish, good-quality fats (ghee, coconut oil, cod liver oil)

  • Chinese red dates (jujube), goji berries, oats, sesame seeds

  • Coconut milk & water, rice noodles, honey


✨ Tips:

  • Eat warm, moist, slow-cooked meals (soups, stews)

  • Keep food and drinks warm or at room temperature

  • Minimise cold, raw, processed, and fried foods

  • Avoid stimulants and caffeine, especially in the first few months


🌿 Herbal Allies: Galactagogues

These herbs support milk production naturally:

  • Milk Thistle

  • Shatavari

  • Fennel

  • Fenugreek

  • Blessed Thistle

  • Goat’s Rue

  • Moringa

  • Alfalfa

  • Red Raspberry Leaf

  • Nettle

  • Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis)


Always consult with a qualified practitioner before starting herbs, especially postpartum.

✨ Recommended Products

Use Code MBSC for 10% OFF the following:



Breastfeeding is sacred. Whether it comes naturally or requires extra support, trust that you’re doing beautifully. Lean into your intuition, seek support, and honour your body’s wisdom. If breastfeeding isn’t an option, remember: connection, nourishment, and love are what matter most.


Educate yourself, honour your body, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. You’ve got this, Mama. 💛




Always consult your health care provider before starting any new supplements or herbs

 
 
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