Disclosure: Thanks to Theralogix for sponsoring today’s conversation. As always, all opinions are completely my own.
When I was pregnant for the first time, I knew that I wanted to nurse. I also knew that it was something that might not come easy. Some people have a hard time with it, but I’ve been extremely fortunate to have both of my babies latch on quickly and have minimal problems. With Charlotte, I nursed for 14 months, and with Colin, I’m hoping to nurse until he’s at least 12 months. Nursing has so many benefits, and I’d like to keep those benefits around for as long as I can. In order to make that happen, I’ve learned that I must keep myself healthy. Breastfeeding takes so much out of you, so it is imperative to take care of yourself. Here are my 5 best tips to stay healthy while breastfeeding.
BREASTFEEDING TIPS
ONE. Drink tons of water.
Keeping hydrated and drinking plenty of water is important all the time, but it’s especially crucial when you’re nursing. Make sure to drink at least 13 cups a day.
TWO. Nurse and/or pump on a schedule.
When you first start breastfeeding, you’re taught to feed on demand to build up your milk supply. Once your milk supply is established, it’s important to stay on a schedule to avoid engorgement. Engorgement can lead to all sorts of uncomfortable side effects, so be sure to nurse or pump on a schedule that meets your child’s and your needs.
THREE. Eat the right foods and enough food.
According to KellyMom dot com, the most healthy breastfeeding moms with a good milk supply take in 1800-2200 calories a day. I know that my appetite is a whole lot heftier while nursing, and I absolutely do not deprive myself. I try to eat a balanced diet, and I eat healthy snacks throughout the day. Whatever you do, don’t forget to eat!
FOUR. Keep stress down.
Stress can have such a negative affect on anyone’s health, but it’s especially detrimental to your milk supply. I’ve found when my stress is up, my milk supply is down. Learn how to keep your stress in check and take the necessary measures to make that happen.
FIVE. Take your vitamins.
When you get pregnant, you’re told to take a prenatal vitamin. And when you’re nursing, you still should be taking vitamin supplements. There are plenty of good reasons why. Taking a nutritional supplement formulated for nursing moms, along with a healthy diet, will provide all the essential vitamins and minerals you and your baby need.
Here’s a little backstory on what I take. At my first prenatal appointment when I was pregnant with Charlotte, my OB doctor recommended Theralogix TheraNatal Complete Prenatal Vitamin (as seen here in my pregnancy must-haves). He said it’s the best prenatal vitamin he had found, and after doing some research of my own, I totally agreed with him.
It’s two tablets and one soft-gel daily, and they’re easy to swallow. Before I had started taking Theralogix, the prenatal vitamins I had first attempted made me sick to my stomach. I was so happy that Theralogix didn’t give me any side effects at all.
Fast forward to my pregnancy with Colin, and my OB still suggested the same prenatal vitamins. Once I had Colin, it was recommended to me to continue a vitamin supplement for my breastfeeding needs. I switched to Theralogix TheraNatal Lactation Complete Postnatal Vitamin.
Theralogix TheraNatal Lactation Complete Benefits
- 6,400 IU of vitamin D3 — Eliminates the need for infant vitamin D drops! A recent study found that mothers who took 6,400 IU of vitamin D3 each day provided enough vitamin D to their babies through breastmilk alone.
- 300 mg of DHA omega-3 fatty acid — Promotes infant brain & eye development.
- 300 mcg of biotin — promotes healthy hair, skin, and nails for nursing moms.
- lower iron (9 mg) and folic acid (400 mcg) — as compared to most prenatals. Nursing moms need less.
- superior formulation & guaranteed purity allowing optimal absorption
- small and easy to swallow
- convenient delivery
TheraNatal Lacation Complete is shipped to you in a 13-week supply box and auto-refills just before you need more.
Thanks to my friends at Theralogix, the provider discount will be given to you when you order either TheraNatal Complete or TheraNatal Lactation Complete. You can also use the code 177429 to receive a discount on all products on their site.
“Since some supplements may have side effects, may affect other medical conditions, or may interact with prescription medications, Theralogix nutritional supplements are recommended for use under the supervision of your healthcare provider.”
