Breastfeeding is hard, and my milk supply isn’t as hearty as I would like it to be these days. It is with a heavy heart that I share with you that at 6 months, I will have to stop. I do not want to stop but I have got the point that three pumping sessions (3 hours) a day, only allows me to pump one bottle of milk (120ml) for the baby. I have tried and am trying various methods to re-stimulate my milk supply in a hope that I can get it going again but to no avail. I do not want to stop but I have to.
Do breastfeeding teas really make a difference? In all honesty, I have no idea but they do no harm!
Breastfeeding Teas
For centuries, herbs have been used as galactagogues to help women make more breast milk. Different combinations of plants that stimulate and support breast milk production and promote relaxation have been passed down from generation to generation. One of the most common and traditional ways to prepare these herbs is by making tea. I understand and respect the history.
Lactation teas or nursing teas usually include fenugreek, which is thought to increase milk flow, but the evidence is largely anecdotal.
I have tried two nursing teas:
1 – HiPP Organic Nursing Tea
HiPP Mama Organic Nursing Tea, they claim, has specifically been developed with midwives to cope with the particular requirements of the end of pregnancy and breastfeeding. The composition of selected herbs stimulates lactation. HiPP Mama Organic Nursing Tea meets the highest standards of quality and is beneficial for the health of mother and child. The herbs in this tea are fennel, anise and caraway. Taste wise, there is no faulting it, but does it really support milk production?
2 – Neuner’s Nursing Tea
The other tea nursing tea I have been drinking is this one from Neuner’s. Ingredients include aniseed, fennel, verbena, caraway, (11%) fenugreek seeds; all organically grown herbs, 100% natural, no added flavourings, sugar and caffeine free. This is a multi-award winning organic nursing tea with a special blend of organic herbs that they say will bring comfort to breastfeeding mothers. It has been created especially for those times when mums milk just not seem to be enough. And this is exactly how I am feeling at the moment.
Besides having a very pleasant taste, they stipulate that their nursing tea is also recommended by midwives and lactation consultants across the UK. It has also been voted ‘Best Breastfeeding Tea UK’ by independent parents in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 as well as having achieved a Platinum Award for ‘Best New Product from Mums’ by Janey Lee Grace. Shortlisted for a Mother & Baby Award 2018.
But do these nursing teas actually work?! I am still undecided. They have not increased my supply but maybe if I was not drinking these teas, then just maybe, my milk would have dwindled off earlier. I feel better drinking 3 to 4 cups per day and will keep drinking them until Athina-Eleni turns 6 months.
Breastfeeding Supplement
Più Latte Plus
This is not a tea. It is a dietary supplement said to support and stimulate the natural milk production of lactating mums. This product is purely based on phytotherapy which is a medical form of herbalism and can be taken from the day of birth onwards. The active and safe herbal extracts in this product are patented SILITIDILTM milk thistle and Galega.
It is a once per day sachet mixed with water or juice and not be taken at the same time as food (either one hour before or after food).
Does it work?
Out of everything I have tried so far, I do see a difference when I take this supplement. It does not create a miracle but I do seem to have more milk. It is not the cheapest but I do feel and see a difference. It costs €22 for 14 sachets.
I have enjoyed breastfeeding my daughter even though it has had its challenges especially now that I am working full time again. If I could continue for longer, I would but I do not have the milk supply to be able to support it.
My Opinion
Out of the teas and supplements I have tried, the dietary supplement from Humana, Liu Latte Plus, makes the most difference. Personally, I think they should offer it with enough sachets for the month rather than 14 days and offer it at a better price. Maybe if I had known about this earlier, I would not be facing having to stop, maybe! All I can tell you is that I feel sad and guilty knowing that I have to stop and yet I do know that I have done the best that I can.
On the plus side, I will have an additional 3 hours per day which will give me back my writing time. Working full time, pumping three hours per day and trying to be a good mum does not give me time for much else.
If you have any questions or would like to share your experience, please send me a message.
: Christina Kyriakidou, thanks so much for the post.Really thank you! Keep writing.