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#45 Breastfeeding: The Truth About Breast Engorgement, Postpartum Nutrition & Colostrum Benefits
14 Plays10 hours ago
In this episode of The Bean Talk, Riannon and Jeremy explore the realities of breastfeeding and what many mothers are not told about the early days of feeding your baby. From the powerful benefits of colostrum to the physical challenges like breast engorgement and low milk supply, this episode breaks down what is really happening in your body and how to support your breastfeeding journey naturally.
They discuss why breastfeeding can feel difficult in the beginning, the role hormones and nutrition play in milk production, and how postpartum nutrition can support both mother and baby during this important time. You will also learn practical breastfeeding tips, natural strategies for supporting milk supply, and gentle ways to manage common breastfeeding challenges.
In this episode, we cover:
- Breastfeeding tips to support a smoother feeding journey
- Colostrum benefits and why it is often called liquid gold
- Breast engorgement and how to relieve discomfort naturally
- Common breastfeeding challenges and how to navigate them
- Postpartum nutrition and what your body needs while breastfeeding
- Foods that support milk supply and recovery after birth
- Natural ways to support breastfeeding through hydration and herbs
- Practical breastfeeding tips for tired and busy parents
- How stress and hormones can affect milk supply
- Where to find breastfeeding support if you need help
If you are preparing to breastfeed, currently breastfeeding, or supporting someone who is, this episode will help you better understand the challenges and the natural ways you can support both your body and your baby.
Connect with us on Instagram or TikTok at @mungbean_health or visit www.mungbeanhealth.com to learn more about how we support families through pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond.
If you want to book an appointment with one of our incredible naturopaths, visit our website https://mungbeanhealth.com/
The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before starting, changing, or stopping any supplements, medications, or health protocols to ensure they are appropriate for your individual needs.
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Transcript
Introduction to The Bean Talk
00:00:13
Speaker
Welcome to The Bean Talk with me, Rhiannon, your fertility fairy godmother, joined by my trusted partner in life and in the mission of Mungbean Health, Jeremy. Here at Mungbean Health, we're on a mission to unlock the secrets of fertility and natural wellbeing one episode at a time.
00:00:36
Speaker
Hello and welcome back to the Bean Talk. We are so excited to have you back. We are actually ah re-recording this episode because the first one didn't record sound. So hopefully you can hear us. Hopefully you can hear
Becoming School Parents
00:00:49
Speaker
both of us. And we're excited to go through this again because it is a beautiful topic actually, all about breastfeeding. But before we dive into exactly what we're going to be chatting about today, let's talk a little bit more about the week and what has been and our little Bean Big Bean because it's been a week. Honestly, ye we're school parents now.
00:01:09
Speaker
It's huge. It's really big and adjusting to the schedule. School parents. It's huge. It's emotional. It's exciting. It's tiring. It's tiring. That's a good one. i feel like with daycare, you've got a bit of time up your sleeve where you can go, okay, doesn't matter if they're 5, 10, 15 minutes late because there's no real time that you need to start at. Obviously, if you've got a schedule, then you need to like play around that. But It's not like a set time, whereas every day we start at the same time, but to be there on time, like Evie has to wear the same uniform and she has to you know make sure her hair's done and all the things, have breakfast and, you know, all those normal things. But I guess just squished into a bit of an early and and stricter schedule, which is it's going well. yeah
00:01:52
Speaker
We haven't been late yet, so that's good. Not that we're usually late, but it's just nice to be on time, organized. She also won an award. <unk>s I feel like I'm claiming that as my big bang because it was proud mom moment. You can too. Proud dad moment. Only two people from her class got the award, and it is the great start to kindergarten and for a kindness and caring award and being a good friend. So cute. Like second weekend, chuffed. We got to go to the little assembly. What did you get her award?
00:02:17
Speaker
What did you get her award? She was so excited. She was like, I was looking for you. She could see us lucky. So i was like, that's so cute. Anyway, that's like a big, big moment. But yeah, everything else had shuffle around because normally we would do swimming at a certain time. And now when she's at school, it's either weekends or afternoons. So that has been an adjustment, just trying to organize the schedule. What do you feel?
Preparing for a New Baby
00:02:38
Speaker
and obviously we've got a new baby on the way as well. What's your little bit? What's the little thing that you've been ticking off? Just my supplements, trying to get into a routine. Yes, I feel like that's great. I feel like definitely lots of home cooking and trying to avoid convenience where possible because we are busy. it is easier to sometimes like grab something while you're out, which I totally get for busy parents. So really trying to prioritize, even though it's been hot, the slow cooker's been out a couple of times. Yeah.
00:03:06
Speaker
Yeah. Not that you've had much to do with it apart from eating it, but... I've been doing that. yeah Anyway, so it's exciting. eating but Yes. And obviously nearing it to baby being here and thinking about everything that comes with
Understanding Breastfeeding Challenges
00:03:21
Speaker
that. Obviously going to be breastfeeding again and I feel like I've been, dare I say, like lucky, although I've done all the things to try and support my breastfeeding journey since the start and every baby the same because every baby is different. And there's so many different avenues that make a difference, whether it's they've got a tongue tie, if they've got shallow mouth, if you've got nipples that are really flat, all these things play a massive role. And then not to mention the hormones and the milk supply. Yeah.
00:03:50
Speaker
Yeah. So it can be really, really hard because there are so many things that need to align to have a healthy and happy breastfeeding journey. So let's talk today in this episode all about breastfeeding and not just about the basics. We're going to dive into some natural tips. time-saving tricks and naturopathic approaches to making breastfeeding feel more intuitive, nourishing and aligned with your body's wisdom. Before we dive into practical tips, I want to pause here and say something really important is that breastfeeding can be really hard for some mums.
00:04:26
Speaker
Do you hear people talk about that? How can be hard? Yeah, I've heard about it, but not the directly to me. Obviously, but do you just hear about that in the public? Yeah, it can be difficult. Yeah, for whatever reason, it's not the easiest process, but there's, I guess, steps in place that can make it easier. Easier and support it. It's often painted as this really natural, which is natural, but natural, magical experience. And yes, it can be, but for many in the early days, they are full of tears and pain and a lot of self-doubt as well. And women really kick themselves. We put ourselves to quite high standard especially after we have a baby and our hormones are plummeting, we kick ourselves if we can't make it work. And I feel like almost the media has almost set that up as well on movies. Like the way they make out birth is not what it's like. And same as for breastfeeding. Maybe baby won't latch, you know, maybe your milk hasn't come in yet. Maybe you're just totally exhausted, anxious.
00:05:20
Speaker
Yes. Uncomfortable, gassy and not wanting to latch. Maybe you're just recovering from like a traumatic birth. There's a lot, but please hear this.
00:05:31
Speaker
Struggling with breastfeeding does not make you a bad mother in any way, shape or form. It does not mean that you are failing in any way either. Although you might feel like this, it definitely does not mean that. It just means you're human.
00:05:45
Speaker
And this is how a new world between you and your baby works and how essentially you're going to learn each other. So from a naturopathic and holistic lens, we look at all the layers. So it's not just about the milk production. It's also about hormones and sleep deprivation and birth recovery and emotional well-being and and support systems as well.
00:06:11
Speaker
So with my journey, I feel like it has been amazing. relatively easy in the scheme of things when you hear about a lot of these other mums that struggle but i say lucky usually when i say these things but it really does come down to what i have put into it like obviously thankfully i do have straw shaped nipples for the baby i heard someone else use that term once and it's just always made me laugh thankfully not flat because i know that that does create a lot of issues and i feel like your body can adapt a little bit easier yeah
00:06:43
Speaker
but when your nipples are shaped a little bit differently. I remember actually with our first midwife, a part of one of the appointments was to like pull your top down, like show your nipples the first time because you don't know what you're doing the first time. And I guess they just assess and see if you will have trouble and sort of help you and say, okay,
00:07:00
Speaker
There's flat nipples. Let's go and see a lactation consultant, see if there's something they could support you with or or just be a bit more aware or knowing. Right. But thankfully, didn't have that issue.
00:07:11
Speaker
And yes, the first couple of days, like it's your nipples are not used to being wet or. Tune on. Sorry. but twenty four seven and when you have a new baby the the actual environment changes for them so you can get like cracking i haven't really experienced cracking as such but i have had nipple thrush before which sucks oh god that sucks and that is like a type of cracking i guess because the milk comes through and it stings i got it when i was pregnant i think with tate and i had it with evie and it was just killing every time she'd feed but she was old enough she was like 15 months 16 months i was happy to wean her from there
00:07:50
Speaker
And it's been a good experience, but yeah. And you were also definitely, I guess, accustomed to once you've had one baby, you sort of know what to expect with the next. So I'm actually excited for this one. And this time around, I know what to expect. Definitely the early days as well. It's painful in your uterus, like in the first couple of days, because if you do have a natural delivery and not have an epidural or not a C-section,
00:08:13
Speaker
You're feeling everything and you're feeling that uterus contracting to get back to where it once was. So that after birth pain sucks. And the baby breastfeeding too causes the uterus to contract. that's what was saying. It's like it hurts. Then you feel it and you're like, oh, every time they feed, you're like, oh, here we go again, like another bloody contraction.
00:08:34
Speaker
But some of the natural benefits of breastfeeding is that it's more
Benefits and Solutions for Breastfeeding
00:08:38
Speaker
than just food. It's actually a medicine. It's connection and communication. From a holistic perspective, breast milk is a living fluid full of enzymes, prebiotics, and emotional intelligence.
00:08:52
Speaker
It's also complete in immune boosting components as well. Colostrum, which you probably would have heard of. is like liquid gold that comes in during the first few days after birth. And it is rich in immunoglobulins that protect babies from infections and help to seal their gut lining as well.
00:09:11
Speaker
Breastfeeding also benefits the mother. It helps to contract the uterus like we were chatting about and lowers the risk of postpartum depression, yay, and even supports long-term health by reducing your risk of breast and ovarian cancers.
00:09:26
Speaker
Sign me up if I can support myself to avoid those. Some of the common breastfeeding challenges with solutions that we'll chat through as well. But let's really just normalize this because breastfeeding isn't always easy at first.
00:09:41
Speaker
It does often get easier though. So here are some common hiccups and how to navigate them using gentle holistic support. One low milk supply, herbal support.
00:09:53
Speaker
Herbal medicine can be great tool when supply is low. Yes. We actually use Galactagogue herbs in clinic alongside postpartum support. so we usually do support both. A Galactagogue supports milk supply, but won't work if the milk isn't being removed effectively. They're helpers, not the main driver. You're best to work with a naturopath to get the right dosage and blend for you. Remember, natural does not always mean safe. So be careful of Googling or chat GPTing or what's Geminiing.
00:10:25
Speaker
Be careful. because you can get the wrong advice there if it's not from a qualified practitioner that knows your case. Hydration as well is really important. So sipping on lactation tea throughout the day or utilising an electrolyte formula like HydroBummer.
00:10:42
Speaker
To latch issues and the nipple pain. Latch issues happen when a baby takes too little of the breast into their mouth and it's called a shallow latch. This causes the nipple to get squashed, leading to pain, cracks and poor milk transfer. A good latch is deep. It feels super comfortable and lets the baby feed effectively.
00:11:04
Speaker
Fixing a latch usually involves adjusting positioning, waiting for a wide open mouth and bringing the baby close to the nipple so that then it sits deep in their mouth. It actually does have to sit quite close to like the back of their throat for the milk to just go down. Otherwise they'll choke on it, you'll notice when you're feeding. There's also topical healing for your nipples like using calendula infused oils, lanolin-free nipple balms, or even expressed milk to soothe crack nipples, which I actually try and do in those early days after a feed.
00:11:35
Speaker
I'll hand express a little bit and leave a little bit on the nipple. Just let it air dry. Usually not wearing a top or whatever around anyway. and then you've got some body work as well. Craniosacral therapy for baby or chiropractic adjustments can sometimes really help with the latch difficulties, which are rooted in tension or misalignment. Three, engorgement and blocked duct. Yeah, this is a bad one. I've been, again, lucky that I haven't really experienced this a lot. And I hope are that I do not because I know how painful mastitis is for people. But engorgement happens when the breasts become overly full. They become really firm and really uncomfortable. Very painful for a lot of women, often from missing feeds or increased milk supply. Block ducts occur when milk actually gets trapped in one area, ah causing a tender lump to start. Both improve with frequency of feeding or pumping, gentle massaging that spot and ensuring milk is being removed well. Also, you can use some cabbage leaves. That's really good. Yeah, so good. cabbage on the price Yes, I know. I haven't had to use that and I hope I don't have to, but yeah, meant to be really, really good.
00:12:44
Speaker
Also, the haka is really good. It's like a... plastic device that you put on the other side and you can when you're feeding it catches the letdown so that then nothing gets sort of trapped and you're releasing home remedies that are great are warm compresses and gentle massage towards the nipple in that area making sure that we're really draining the breast as well also anti-inflammatory diets rich in bromelain which is actually from pineapple turmeric and omega-3s these can all help reduce that inflammation And breastfeeding probiotics specific. So chat with your naturopath about strain specific probiotics that enhance milk supply and reduce the chances of getting mastitis. Naturopathy boosts for breastfeeding wellness. So your postpartum body needs nourishment more than it did throughout pregnancy. Let that one sink in. So your postpartum body actually needs more nourishment than in pregnancy. Your calorie intake needs to be about 500 calories higher than your maintenance because your body is still doing a lot. People forget about this, but your body's still doing so much. So here's how to fuel your body and your
Supporting New Mothers
00:13:53
Speaker
vitality. Different types of foods. Bone broth, oats, flaxseed, sesame seeds, warming spices like cinnamon and ginger. Yes. Eating three meals a day. Yes, exactly what going say. Make sure you're eating three meals a day. and then you can chuck in some snacks. One-handed snacks are great for while you're breastfeeding. Supplements.
00:14:13
Speaker
So supplements to consider is definitely postnatal multivitamins that are a bit more specific. Things like vitamin D if it's needed, magnesium, DHA for brain health of mum and bub. And also chat with your naturopath because it will depend on what you need. You might need iron because you've bled and you were low in iron.
00:14:33
Speaker
You might need more support with herbal medicine around... stress and nervous system support because you do get postnatal anxiety or depression so there's so much that we can do for everything even making sleep-derived mom feel so much better mind body supports stress can impact let down practice a few minutes of deep belly breathing before nursing yes use affirmations like my body knows how to nourish my baby yes so reminding yourself like my body knows what to do going to bring down the stress, bring down the cortisol because it can become very stressful. And babies feed off us as well. Their energy, their nervous system, they're really just feeding off us. Their body temperature. You control pretty much everything in the early days.
00:15:15
Speaker
That's why skin-to-skin is so great, both for hubby, your partner, and also yourself because the skin-to-skin, it helps them to just regulate their temperature. Breastfeeding tricks for busy, tired mums.
00:15:28
Speaker
Let's talk about some real life strategies here for you. Dream feeds, which if you haven't heard about this, it's actually feeding your baby right before you go to bed. It often extends sleep for both of you. So if you feed them, you're usually say you put them to bed, like say at seven o'clock, you put them to bed you go to bed at nine, then you give them a little feed while they're like drowsy or you sort of like when you pick them up, they usually, you know rock around and you pop them on and that will actually extend the sleep because then it'll be like nine o'clock till whenever they're going to wake up rather than you just fall asleep by 10 and then they wake up again, you know. Sideline nursing, this is actually my favorite way to feed. It's great because it gets you laying down, takes the pressure off, especially if you have had any stitching or episiotomy or whatever that looks like, or even just soreness after birth. You lay down. it's such a game changer for rest because you lay down and you feed them on the side. So really just practice safe bed sharing principles if you're co-sleeping and try to avoid sleeping while you're doing it. But just feeding them is a great way there.
00:16:32
Speaker
And if you are pumping, remember to when you pump nighttime breast milk to try and use that for nighttime feeds because it will have melatonin in there. Yes. So right on an AM feed or PM feed and then you'll know when to give what.
00:16:45
Speaker
because it is it changes throughout the day have some milk stashed aside for you so use that hacker on the non-nursing side to collect the letdown during feeds this actually helps build your freezer stash with zero effort it's really good and if you don't have much of a letdown on the other side don't stress i never really have a lot and that's okay that's just the way you are it's fine breastfeeding snacks so keep a basket of your favorite one-handed snacks in your little nursing station or caddy, like a little nappy caddy, or by the lounge or wherever you are, protein balls, trail mix, you know, nuts and seeds, electrolyte-rich coconut water, you hide your hydromama, that sort of thing, and meal prep, especially if you don't have support around you. Make sure that you meal prep because you want to get that healthy
00:17:33
Speaker
freezer full to ensure you're being supported nutritionally and it just makes life so much easier. A great one that we've just been trying is the whole bowl. co So good. The soups we actually had last night. Yes. Couldn't wait until a postpartum, honestly. good.
00:17:46
Speaker
Tried their protein balls, which are delicious. the green goddess soup and the chicken noodle sort of soup. So yeah, really good enough. got heaps more that I'm gonna be trying over the next couple of weeks. So definitely recommend. And just know that whatever wherever you are in your breastfeeding journey, whatever that's looking like, you're not alone. There's so many moms on this exact same journey and your body is wise. So lean in on your village if you have a village and I really hope you do and trust your instincts and don't be afraid to ask for help.
00:18:18
Speaker
If you are struggling and needing more support, there are a range of breastfeeding support services available Australia-wide. Australian Breastfeeding Association or the ABA, there is the Breastfeeding Helpline and Pregnancy, Birth and Baby Helpline. We'll have the details of both of those associations in the show notes. So check them out if you are struggling and always know we're here to reach out if you need support. Also, if you love this episode, please check out some other ones. The other ones you might like is number 18, baby brain and brain fog, or we've got number nine, which is the gut microbiome in pregnancy.
00:18:55
Speaker
Hope you enjoyed today's episode. We are so excited we got to share it with you double, even though you only get to hear one. And if you are looking for support, please reach out. www.mungbeanhealth.com Yes, on Instagram. Oh, wait, sorry. Yeah, that's our website. And then we've got Instagram, which is mungbean underscore health.
00:19:15
Speaker
Same as our TikTok. Please, if you need support, we're here for you. DM us. They're always open and we'd love to support your breastfeeding journey. Bye. Thanks, guys.
00:19:31
Speaker
And that's a wrap on today's dose of wellness. I'm Rhiannon, your fertility fairy godmother. Thank you for joining us. Stay connected with us on Instagram at mungbin underscore health.