So I'm officially a full time working mom (FTWM). It's not too hard for me cos I send my kids to the daycare downstairs =D But I have to say, staying at home is so much more convenient when it comes to BFing. Btw, just FYI, the way I breastfeed is left right, right left. That means I'll let Caedy latch on the same side as the previous feed, reason is I want her to empty the (.) if I don't pump out so that she gets the hindmilk, if you don't understand what i'm saying pls let me know, I'll explain in more details.
OK back to the topic, pumping is not so convenient... When I'm not with Caedy, I have to pump and let her drink from the bottle, that means I have to wash and sterilize the bottle + the pump. Not to mention I have to bring the pump (the super bulky heavy pump) to the office and bring it home on every Friday and bring it back to office on Tues. Oh in case you don't know, I'm using Spectra Dew 300.
I've not been diligent in pumping. Yeah sad to say. But, amazingly whenever I pump, I can get about 7-10oz of BM. Caedy is only drinking 3oz per feed. So that's like 2-3 feeds already. *wink* not too bad huh?
So what's the secret of having enough supply? (thanks for asking...)
These are the things I've tried:
1. Fenugreek pills - hhmmm.. it doesn't really work for me and it kinda made Caedy's tummy gassy. But fenugreek is also good for general health, so no harm trying. Diff moms have diff reaction though, it works for some of the mommies I know.
2. Sacred Tea for Nursing Mom - bought it at RM84.90 from fabulousmom.com (PWP - purchase with purchase). Original price is RM99.90. OK, I have to say this is a heaven-sent. It works miracle. Not only it increases the supply, it also makes the BM creamier. (basically thicker la, more fats...) but again diff moms react differently.
It tastes herbal-ish, not too bad...
**Btw this tea contains fenugreek + fennel + other stuff. When fenugreek is mixed with fennel, it doesn't make baby gassy.
3. Papaya soup. I don't know if it worked (everyone is talking about it when it comes to BF), I just drank once =D that's also because Auntie Linda boiled the soup for me. It tasted very sweet and nice, so I just drank it. Yang penting enak...!! =D
4. Milo / Horlicks - yummmyy..... it's just so nice that I can't resist. Some moms testified that their supply increased after drinking them. So, no harm trying too.
5. Instant Red Dates Tea - I simply like the taste. But I always got ulcers after drinking. Too heaty I guess? It doesn't work for me btw.
Some friends said eating fatty fried chicken boosts their supply (aka McD ayam goreng & Chicken McDeluxe), cos of the fats and proteins in the chicken. But I didn't try la, I'm dying to lose weight, I better have self control kan?
I've also known friends that do not take any supplement whatsoever, just be as natural as possible. The more you feed, the more the supply you have - that's the key (but remember to increase your calcium intake).
So I'll say, whatever works for you.
Next round I'll do a review of diapers. So far, I've used Mamypoko, Huggies, Diapex Easy, Diapex Premium (gonna try for the 1st time today), PetPet, Drypers and gonna try BabyLove soon too. Stay tuned :)
Bonus Caedy's pic =D
