Got milk?

  

Breastfeeding is such a natural thing for a mother to do for her child.  No one ever tells you that being natural may not be easy.  Somehow they forget to add that caveat.  Well, I will tell you that breastfeeding can be a huge struggle.  I know, I have three wonderful kids and I struggled with my first two.  Finally, on my third I have found success.   

A little background on my struggles with breastfeeding.

I welcomed daughter #1 just about 4 years ago.  She was tiny and perfect.  I had read all the advice to use the lactation consultants in the hospital.  I requested they come to visit my room numerous times.  The nurses, although wonderful, kept telling me it would just happen and to not worry.  Well, finally the lactation consultant arrived and realized 3 days after giving birth, I was struggling.  Breastfeeding lasted 1 month.  The day I gave up, I pumped every 2 hours for 25 minutes and produced 1 whole ounce the entire day.  I was reduced to tears.

Despite the trouble, I gave it a shot with daughter #2.  This time, I requested the lactation hours after she was born and explained the trouble I had experienced with my previous attempt.  Luckily, the nurses listened.  The lactation consultant remembered me and was extremely helpful.  Even with  help and encouragement, I had to take numerous lactation supplements, eat lactation cookies, and drink mother's milk teas.  I truly loved the cookies...I won't lie!  My production was a struggle to really get going.  I had to talk myself into the "your milk is in"  and I never felt the tingle of let down.  After 3 months, we moved to formula.  No matter what I did,  I just dried up.  Frustration.

Fast forward to the week prior to delivery of my son.  I was having some contractions but they were not regular.  I thought I would give my breast pump a try to see if helped regulate them.  

I will admit, I used Clary Sage occasionally prior to my contractions.  You have to be very careful with Clary Sage during pregnancy since it can stimulate uterine contractions.  Great for labor though!  Anyway, I was 38 weeks and knew I only had one week left so I gave it a try.  1 drop on each breast rubbed with a bit of Fractionated Coconut oil.  I tried this every third day. 

To my surprise, I pumped a little over a teaspoon of colostrum on the day I had contractions.

So what is so different this time?  My doTERRA essential oils.  Specifically, Clary Sage, Fennel, Basil and Roman Chamomile. 

 

After I delivered my son, I told my husband to hand me the Clary Sage and Fennel.  1 drop of each oil on each breast once a day and it was amazing how much colostrum I made in the hospital.  A few days later, my milk really came in and I did not have to guess or talk myself into believing it.  

Today, we have been home a little over 2 weeks.  My son is over birth weight by 2 oz!  I feel the major tingle of "let down" and have even had leaking!  A few nights ago, I was curious about my production levels.  My baby boy was happily sleeping so I pumped.  I pumped over 2 oz!!!  This amount never happened with either of my girls at this point.  

To help with my sore nipples, Roman Chamomile has been a savior.  One drop on each nipple and my soreness is gone by the next feeding.  

I have made a few batches of the lactation cookies.  I am telling you...they are good even if you aren't breastfeeding.  As we have started a bit of a growth spurt, I have used Fennel to help my supply keep up.  No supplements or teas...which have lots of Fennel taste and made my baby girl very gassy.  I have also used Basil to break up the use of Fennel.  There are some cautions using Fennel too many days in a row.

I feel wonderful and confident that by using my doTERRA oils, I will be able to keep my supply going strong.  I am also not worried about taking something that could be harmful to my baby boy.  It is a great feeling as a mother to know you are doing great things for your children.

Oh Baby!

Oh Baby!

One week ago, I welcomed my third baby into the world.  I was scheduled for a C-section on April 11 but he decided he wanted a different birthday.  On Thursday, I had contractions all day and went to get checked out at Labor & Delivery.  They sent me home but said if he wasn't moving much or the contractions got closer come back.  Friday morning, I didn't feel he was moving enough so we headed back to the hospital.  The doctor said it was time for him to join the big world!  

Now, I will say I am not a doctor, doula or a birth expert but I will share how we used the oils during recovery.  The oils worked great for me but know this is one woman's experience.

After I was rolled from recovery to my room for a few days, I asked my husband to set up the diffuser.  We brought our entire bag of oils and the Ace Diffuser so we could set it and forget it essentially.  I wanted On Guard but that was left at home so we turned on Serenity.  The room filled with the lovely smell of lavender and vanilla.  It helped me chill out after the excitement of having a new baby.  The next morning, the OnGuard was started.  I didn't want to pick up any mega germs from the hospital.

                                               

Every doctor, nurse and tech that came into my room commented on how nice the whole hallway smelled.  The really liked to come in a check on us since it didn't smell like a hospital.  I made sure no one was bothered by it and they assured me other patients were enjoying the smell.  I actually passed out material about the oils while staying in the hospital!  (I tell everyone how easy the oils are to talk about and share!)  

On the second night in the hospital, I noticed my baby boy was really stuffy.  He seemed to have trouble nursing because of such a stuffy nose.  I asked the nurse to check him out and she offered saline and the nose sucker.  "There isn't much we can do for them at this age."  I asked my husband to get the Breathe oil out and apply some to his feet and my chest.  Not even 10 minutes later, my sweet boy was breathing better and nursing like a champ again.  The nurse noticed and asked what I had done.  I proudly told her.  She wanted more information!  She was pregnant too.  I felt empowered!  I had helped my child when modern medicine could not due to safety.  

                                               

Nursing was a huge struggle with my first two children.  I was determined to find a better way with this baby.  Say hello to Clary Sage.  Clary Sage is known to help women through labor by enhancing contractions.  I didn't need that but Clary Sage also is known to help bring in a mother's milk.  I immediately started applying 2 drops to the breast area twice a day.  My milk has come in strong!  My baby boy is happily eating away and I couldn't be happier.

Now that we are home, I have used Balance and Lavender on the baby.   It helps calm his tummy.  For myself, I applied Helichrysum to my incision to help with healing, Elevation to have energy and keep the happy feelings going, Grapefruit in my water to reduce the swelling and Fennel to help boost my milk supply.  After having two previous C-sections, I have to say this has been my easiest recovery.  I want to get out and do stuff although I know I must get some rest and not push it for now.