How Milk & Cookies Can Help Support Breastfeeding Mothers

Are you a lactating mother? Are you worried about your milk supply affecting your baby? If so, you’re not alone. 

As a new mother, there's nothing quite as rewarding as watching your little one grow and thrive. And for many mothers, breastfeeding is a natural and essential way of nourishing your newborn baby that offers a myriad of crucial health benefits. The Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) recommends new mothers exclusively breastfeed their babies for the first six months of life. While this can be a beautiful bonding experience between mother and child, it can also be a daunting task - especially for new mothers who may struggle to produce enough milk. It’s not surprising then that difficulty with lactation is one of the most commonly cited reasons for new mums stopping breastfeeding before the 6-month mark.

We understand you may feel isolated and frustrated, feeling like you’re not able to provide for your baby in the way you hoped. But, we’re here to remind you that you’re not alone. Many mothers struggle with lactation post-baby, and it’s important to remember that this experience is completely normal and not a reflection of your abilities as a mother. There are many resources and products available to help you overcome this difficult period and even boost milk production. 

What Is Lactation?

Lactation is the process of producing and secreting breast milk from a woman's mammary glands to feed her baby. Breast milk is like a superfood for babies, containing all the necessary nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to support their growth and development. It's even been called "liquid gold" because it contains antibodies and immune factors that help protect babies from infections and diseases. That's right, breast milk is not just food, but also a natural medicine that can help keep babies healthy and thriving.

But the benefits of lactation don't stop with babies. Breastfeeding is also incredibly beneficial for mothers. It helps reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. It also promotes postpartum weight loss and can help mothers recover more quickly from childbirth. Not to mention, the bonding and emotional connection between mother and baby that breastfeeding facilitates is priceless.

Lactation Boosting Ingredients

While there’s no magic potion to drastically increase your breast milk supply, there are certain lactogenic foods and herbs linked to breast milk production that may help support the quality and quantity of your lactation. Here are some examples:

Oatmeal: Oats are rich in iron and can help to increase milk supply.

Fenugreek: Fenugreek seeds contain compounds that can stimulate milk production.

Fennel: Fennel seeds contain phytoestrogens that can help to increase milk production.

Brewer's yeast: Brewer's yeast is a good source of B vitamins and can help to increase milk production.

Alfalfa: Alfalfa is a nutrient-rich herb that can help to increase milk production.

Garlic: Garlic is a natural galactagogue, meaning it can help to increase milk production.

Ginger: Ginger can help to boost lactation and alleviate nausea in breastfeeding mothers.

Milk & Cookies by Jewels

At Padbury Pharmacy, we’re thrilled to now stock Milk & Cookies by Jewels - an Aussie-based brand offering a nutritious snack designed to help support breastfeeding mothers boost their lactation. Not only are these cookies the ultimate comfort food (we love that you can eat them warm), they are made with natural ingredients such as oats, deactivated yeast, and flaxseed, which have been shown to help increase milk production in lactating mothers. By offering a tasty and convenient way to support lactation (even for busy mothers on the go), Milk & Cookies by Jewels can help breastfeeding mothers feel more confident and comfortable in their breastfeeding journey. So if you're a new mother or know someone who is, we encourage you to stop by the clinic and ask one of our staff members about our Milk & Cookies by Jewels products to see how these yummy cookies can aid breast milk supply. 

We offer a range of cookie flavours at our clinic - all of which are free from preservatives, artificial colours and flavours - including choc chip, white choc and macadamia, and double choc cherry to suit a variety of cravings. 

Please note that while these products can help promote lactation, it's crucial that mums maintain a healthy and balanced diet, stay hydrated, and ensure adequate rest and relaxation to support their milk supply. If you are a mother struggling with breastfeeding your bub, we encourage you to consult with one of our lactation consultants.

Bundle and Me Lactation Consultation Services 

Breastfeeding can be a challenging and emotional journey for many new mothers. At Padbury Pharmacy, we understand that support and guidance are crucial for success, which is why we offer services with International Board Certified Lactation Consultants and Midwives (IBCLC) from Bundle and Me at our clinic.

Our lactation consultants specialise in all aspects of breastfeeding, from optimising position to achieve a pain-free latch to addressing more complex issues such as tongue ties, colic, low supply, and blocked ducts/mastitis. But they do more than just address the physical aspects of breastfeeding. They recognise the emotional and psychological factors that can affect breastfeeding success and work closely with mothers to provide personalised care for their unique needs and circumstances.

At Padbury Pharmacy, mums can expect a comfortable and supportive environment for their lactation consult with empathy, compassion, and non-judgmental guidance. 

 

Supporting Mothers in Their Breastfeeding Journey: Our Commitment at Padbury Pharmacy

Breastfeeding is an incredible journey that starts at birth, but despite the high number of mothers who initiate breastfeeding, only a fraction continue to breastfeed beyond the first few months. It's not their fault - without the right support and education, it can be a challenging road to navigate. 

As a community pharmacy, we're committed to helping the mothers and babies of Padbury on their breastfeeding journey. Whether you're a new mum or an experienced one, we tailor our support to your unique needs. If you're struggling with breastfeeding, remember, you're not alone! We encourage you to reach out to our clinic and seek help, and we'll do our best to ensure you and baby are thriving.