Breastfeeding // How to Keep Up Your Supply

I'm really not an expert on this topic but it is one that is of particular interest to me, especially since I'm currently breastfeeding.  I've found that this time around, my supply has been much higher than with Ethan and I will contribute it to a couple things:

1. Stay hydrated

I try to drink a lot of water throughout the day and I know it makes a difference.  I find that I especially drink a lot at night--for some reason I wake up feeling beyond parched and so downing water definitely makes a difference.

2. Eat lots of good fats

I typically start my day with a piece of sprouted toast with almond butter.  Lately, I've been sprinkling some ground flax seed on top or munch crunch...which not only aids milk production but also digestion!  I also try to eat my fair share of avocado, whether in a salad or as guacamole and last--these cookies are amazing!

3. Pump

I have the Medela Pump in Style Advance and would definitely recommend it.  To build up my supply, I pump an hour after Wyatt's first feeding in the morning and that has allowed me to have a nice backup, especially now that I'm back at work.  At work--I try to pump at least twice throughout the day.  It's a lot of work, but I know it's worth it!

4. Drink Tea

I really like Mother's Milk Tea but I'm also looking forward to trying this chai spice variety.

5. Fenugreek Bars

Last, I was contacted by Mrs. Patel's about trying some of their products and while I have yet to try to the tea, and I enjoy the munch crunch...I genuinely loved the fenugreek bars and really feel like they made a difference in my supply.  We've been traveling a ton lately and that always seems to take a toll on my supply.  But I was consistently eating these bars in the morning--and even found myself craving them--and I swear it kept my supply on par!  The peanut butter is my favorite...the bar itself is kind of spicy, which is strangely addicting!  They even make a gluten-free and vegan kind!

If you're interested in trying, you can receive 20% off your first order by entering FIRSTORDER at checkout.  

OR...enter below for a chance to win your very own package of goodies--including the tea, munch crunch and fenugeek bars!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good Luck!  The winner will be announced next Thursday!

xo natasha

Postpartum Favorites

Barefoot Dreams Robe // Blanqi Postpartum Leggings // Cambelbak Water Bottle

Lansinoh Lanolin // Tucks Cooling Pads // Mother's Milk Tea

Gilligan & O'Malley Nursing Bras // Belly Bandit

With a week and a half under my belt, I feel pretty settled into the postpartum life.  I vividly remember how difficult the transition was into motherhood with Ethan.  This time, I knew what we were getting into and I feel much more in control of my body.  That being said, going from being pregnant one day, to not, is a big change.  These are the things I've looked to, to help with that transition:

Barefoot Dreams Robe: Delivering in the middle of winter calls for a big, cozy bathrobe and I can't say enough great things about this Barefoot Dreams version.  It would make a great & practical "push present" for those that are looking.  I also love their blankets and just purchased this one for Wyatt.

Blanqi Postpartum Leggings: The thought of wearing maternity clothes postpartum, is slightly depressing to me.  Which is why I really love these postpartum leggings.  They are thick and really suck you in, but feel like butter.  Definitely worth the investment!

Cambelbak Water Bottle: If you're breastfeeding, then you know how important it is to stay hydrated.  I love the Camelbak because I can drink from it with one hand...the other hand is usually holding baby!

Lansinoh Lanolin: Lanolin is a huge lifesaver when you're breastfeeding.  I especially like this brand and feel like it really helped me "adjust" to nursing full-time.

Tucks Cooling Pads: My hospital gave these to me, but you can find them at your local drugstore.  Though their intent would suggest that these pads be used for other "issues", they are GREAT for postpartum healing.

Mother's Milk Tea: Speaking of staying hydrated, if you're craving something warm, may as well opt for this tea...kill two birds with one stone!

Gilligan & O'Malley Nursing Bras: Love this whole line from Target...I have their underwear for postpartum too.  Tip on the undies: buy at least two sizes bigger than your normal size...you will thank me later.

Belly Bandit: Last but not least, the dreaded Belly Band.  I know it's expensive and I really didn't think it was necessary the first time around, but I was wrong!  This thing is amazing.  It support my back, sucks me in and makes me feel more put together.  Not to mention, I really do think it helps shrink your belly down.  I have the Bamboo version, which I understand is much more comfortable.  I usually wear my Belly Band underneath, for extra comfort.

Other things that are helpful, are chapstick and the Itzbeen Timer...I talked about that before, but it really is better than any app out there.

Do you have any other "must-have" items that you love?  Please share in the comments!

xo natasha

What to Wear: Nursing Apparel

Maxi Dress // Maxi Dress // Tank // Shirt // Bra // Sandals // Shorts // Skirt // Leggings

When I was pregnant, I always knew I would breastfeed.  What I didn't realize then, however, is how difficult it is to dress for breastfeeding...and really, for postpartum in general.  My body, which had slowly evolved over the last nine months, suddenly seemed so foreign to me.  It was {and still is!} softer, rounder, and so unfamiliar.  And the transformation happened in the blink of an eye...talk about shock!  I found that dressing postpartum, with nursing in mind, was way harder than while I was pregnant...who would have guessed?!  It initially left me feeling frustrated and anxious as I was learning so much all at once in the beginning.

For me, while comfort is key, I also wanted to feel "normal" again, which is hard to do, when you're forced to wear granny panties and nursing bras, not to mention adjusting to my new body!  Easy access for nursing also became a key requirement.  So through trial and error, I've been figuring out what works best for me:

I have found that strapless maxi dresses are key.  I love both styles above...they're loose-fitting but still flattering.  I have also been wearing low-cut tops and button ups so that I can nurse at a moment's notice.  I recommend this Gilligan & O'Malley nursing bra too...it's feminine, yet functional.  On the bottom, anything that is forgiving around the waist is a priority for me, like these shorts, skirt or leggings.  And of course, Havaianas sandals are my favorite.

Dressing accordingly has allowed me to not only nurse Ethan, but also start to regain my confidence in my body postpartum.  We new moms already have enough "unknowns" on our plate as is without having to worry about how to dress postpartum...so I hope this helps you find your way and focus on what really matters, your new bundle of joy!

So ladies, what is your nursing style?  Any tips for this first-time mama??  I'm still learning!

xo natasha