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.