The Lactation Smoothie Series
One of those things I dreaded the first time around because it was more LACK- Tation then anything. Truth be told, like every first time mother I had no clue and the guidance/ help just wasn't there. So I panicked. The more I stressed, the less I produced. It was as simple in my Breastfeeding journey. I spoke to my Health Visitor, the Midwives ( who weren't as helpful as I thought they would be apart from handing me a breast pump contraption with an instruction manual on the second day after having baby) and the Postnatal Nurse who told me to keep trying.
Apart from that, I only knew to cry to my Mom on Skype. The reason I am breaking it down on a real one is because I know I am not alone in saying that Breastfeeding can be both the most easiest things to some new mothers to do and also the most gut wrenching, guilt associated activity of a new mother's journey.
Once I had wholeheartedly told how much I hated breastfeeding to my mom, she said you will come to love it once you start producing more and it will get easier. She shed light on the lactation diet. IT IS TOTALLY A THING. Well atleast in my household, passed down from generations of Moms. My great grand ma, grandmother, my mother and now me. I couldn't agree with this more.
Lactation Foods you ask? Yup they exist. Food that increases milk production. For reals. Some you will experience with in 24-48 hours (so keep that breast pump ready) and others you will see a gradual increase in production within the week of consuming. All these methods/ recipes I have tried, tested and aced. Can I also point out that they are all natural remedies and will work differently on everyone. Our bodies are all different so please don't go into this expecting "miracles". Be patient. Chill.
So First up babes
- Ginger Bread Oatmeal Smoothie
Oatmeal is a breastfeeding mother's winning ingredient. Not only is it high in iron which is known to increase production of milk but also helps lower cholesterol. It's an excellent source of carbs + fibre + a whole other list of nutrients.
Ofcourse scientifically, nothing has been proved that Oats is a Milk Producing godsend but hand on heart. This is what genuinely worked for me and made both Juno and I smile through the feeding sessions
Ingredients
1 Cup Cooked Oatmeal
1 Banana
1 Spoon Baobab Powder
1 Spoon Manilife Peanut Butter
3 Thin Slices of Ginger
Method:
Blend Blend Blend, et voila. It's my go to whether feeding or not.
Top with whatever you fancy. I used Chia Seeds, Sunflower Seeds, Buckwheat Groats ( I am obsessed) and pumpkin seeds
Next up......
2. Fenugreek
Sounds absolutely insane right? But hear me out. This little magic spice has been used in Indian cooking for centuries. Fenugreek has a long list of health benefits including great skin, shiny hair and promoting lactation too.
I remember when that time of the month would come around and the usual cramping begins, we always grabbed a handful of fenugreek seeds and chugged it down with some water. Within an hour or so, the cramping stopped and it just worked.
Fenugreek hair mask, face mask + body scrub. The list of what you can use this magic ingredient for is endless.
Its also a "Galactagogue" which is basically a food that helps increase breastmilk production. It's all natural and of course you do get it in a pill form too make sure its certified organic, chemical free etc etc
It can be bitter and leave an after taste, but I don't mind it at all. And when mixed in with a smoothie, you won't even be able to tell.
So here is how you Fenugreek the shit out of your smoothie.
Ingredients:
2 Tablespoons Fenugreek
Handful Blackberries
1 Tablespoon Walnuts
1/2 Banana
1 Tablespoon Aduna World Baobab Powder
1 Cup Filtered Water
Method:
- Add the Walnuts + Fenugreek Seeds in to your blender and give them a whizz to get them blended well
- Add in the rest of the ingredients
- Blend Blend Blend
Please feel free to use any toppings you like. I used Macadamia Nuts + Pistachios & chopped dried Figs
Next up & one of my most reached for....
The Humble Spinach
The humble but heavyweight source of Iron+ Folic Acid Pre & Post Pregnancy, won't let you down when its time to breastfeed. It's packed with Vitamins, Fibre and a whole lot of other amazingness. It's easily available + affordable. So don't give me any crap about not being able to get your hands on Spinach/ Leafy Greens.
Folate/ Folic Acid is advised when you conceive for a healthy lung development of the fetus. And once baby is here, he or she will continue to get it via what you consume. Leafy Greens are amazing and listen to Popoye the Sailor man, except avoid canned spinach though.
Here is how to make your Spinach smoothie super Sexy...
Ingredients:
2 Epic handfuls Spinach- Washed
1 Cup Oat Milk
2 Medjool Dates
1 Tablespoon Aduna World Moringa Powder
1/2 Banana
Method:
- Add all the ingredients to the blender
- Blend Blend Blend that sexy mess
I always add extra toppings on my smoothies. So I went with Buckwheat Seeds, Pumpkin Seeds & Sunflower Seeds.
Papa's these are great to rustle up pre and post workout too. So when you make yourselves a glass, make that gorgeous Mama one too. Because better believe you will get extra brownie points.
Mama's good luck with the journey. Don't be too hard on yourself and take the rough with the smooth too.
Love & Hugs
Aj