Would like to Increase Mothers Milk...

Question: from Zurvaan

We've been blessed with a baby on the 5th of August 2007.

1) What can my wife do to increase her breast milk?
2) What Xtend Life product would help her do that?

Answer: from Joanna (Medical Nutritionist for XtendLife)

Unfortunately we do not have any products to help increase breast milk. Whilst your wife is lactating we cannot suggest any of our formulas as most of them contain herbs which cannot be recommended for the baby's health. This is not because they are known to be dangerous, but because herbal preparations are an unknown quantity with regard to infant development. Until more research is done on these we have to err on the side of caution.

However, although it is not directly related to your query, I can highly recommend our Omega 3/DHA fish oils for your wife, as these will help both her and your new baby. I would recommend that she take 3 per day if she wishes to. These are for overall health and more specifically will help the baby in both physical and neurological development.

Here are some further suggestions which may be helpful for your wife.

The most important 3 aspects are:

Reduced stress (this helps natural hormones and therefore natural optimal production);

Optimal nutrition; Optimal pure fluid intake (water and fresh vegetable and pure fruit juices).

A good fluid intake and nutritional regime is really important for good milk production.

I would advise taking a multi-vitamin that is made for pregnant and nursing women, until your wife is able to begin taking Total Balance again. Plus, she could also take products to boost the immune system (2 that i know of, but cannot validate, are Bifido Factor and LifeStart, but I am sure there are others recommended for use during lactation). Finally a free form amino acid complex can be helpful for additional protein. Of course these aspects do not 'increase' breast milk, but may help to increase its quality and the mother's overall activity, which will be passed onto the baby.

Herbs to specifically avoid during lactation (as they are known to DECREASE milk production) include sage, yarrow and black walnut.

If your wife does have problems with production, discuss the possibility of supplementing with almond milk, a product called Rice Dream, or a soymilk formula with a small amount of papaya added (blended of course!). These resemble mother's milk and are worth discussing with her midwife.

After the baby is a few months old she can also add a small amount of blackstrap molasses too, and brewer's yeast, if she wishes, as this adds activity to the formula.

You also may find this link useful for some in depth info on what nutrients are important during this time: Click here.