I can clearly remember thinking when I was first breastfeeding that for an activity that is as natural as breathing and eating, it’s very hard! Fortunately, there are some excellent homeopathic remedies that can address many issues with breastfeeding, and which are safe to take for both mother and baby. This week we look at remedies to stabilise milk supply.
Remedies work to bring the body back into healthy balance, so you will see that some remedies are applicable for both over and under supply. Read through the list of the top 3 homeopathic remedies for milk supply issues and choose the one which most closely resembles your situation. Please bear in mind that there are many other helpful remedies, so if your situation is different, please get in touch for further advice.
Urtica Urens
This remedy is made from nettles and is useful to help establish a plentiful supply of milk, especially in the early days of feeding. Choose this remedy if there are no strong emotionally oriented feelings that would better indicate other remedies (see below). The same remedy can be used when there’s an oversupply.
Pulsatilla
This remedy suits when the supply is scanty, too plentiful or when there’s a to and fro between these extremes. In any of the cases, the mum is very likely to be feeling changeable herself and also feeling tearful (sometimes as the baby feeds) and in need of support and reassurance. As a person who often has to be reminded to drink, there may be simple issues of being sufficiently hydrated.
Asafoetida
The person who would benefit from this remedy is likely to feel highly stressed and emotional about their lack of milk. They may also experience pain on feeding, which clearly makes matters worse. They may also be experiencing a fair amount of wind alongside the breastfeeding issues.
Finally, there are dietary measures that can assist further with a low milk supply. You may want to consider increasing your intake of papaya, barley and fennel, which have been used for generations as galactogogues.
I hope this is helpful; don’t hesitate to get in touch for more information.