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By Wendy Colson, RN, IBCLC, RLC   You were consistent with your prenatal vitamins all throughout pregnancy and now as a breastfeeding mama want to know- should you take vitamins while breastfeeding?  You know from growing a healthy baby that the best way to provide your baby nutrition is through a well balanced, healthy diet. Now that you are breastfeeding, the same goes from breastfeeding vitamins. Ideally you are able to achieve what you need through your diet, but as mom life ensues you may find it difficult to get in everything you need (let alone find the time to remember to eat!) A lactation supplement can be a great booster and act as a good “insurance policy” to fill...

To all the breastfeeding mamas out there - have you ever wondered if lactation supplements actually work? Read on to find out more about how they work and their benefits. 

By Wendy Colson, RN, IBCLC, RLC   Every breastfeeding mom knows how essential nutrition is during breastfeeding,  and especially which foods can increase breast milk supply. Foods known to help with producing breast milk are known as “lactogenic.” Staying well nourished during breastfeeding in conjunction with plenty of skin to skin, breastfeeding and pumping will help you increase your breastmilk supply quickly. Adding in these foods is another layer that can help you stay nourished and boost your breastmilk! Some foods are natural galactogogues that when included as part of your day to day diet can help increase milk production.    What Foods Help Produce Breast Milk? Whole Grains: oats, barley, brown rice, quinoa, millet. These grains contain high amounts of...

By Wendy Colson, RN, IBCLC, RLC   While most foods are well tolerated during breastfeeding, there are a select few of foods to avoid while breastfeeding. We can use nutrition to optimize the composition of our breastmilk.  Generally we encourage a balanced diet rich in lean proteins, complex carbohydrates and good fats and plenty of fruits and vegetables to help make nutrient rich breastmilk. Surprisingly, there are still plenty of myths  floating around about foods to avoid when breastfeeding.. Let’s break down what not to eat while breastfeeding below:           What Should You Avoid While Breastfeeding? Caffeine How much caffeine upsets your breastfed baby depends on if you consumed any during pregnancy. You can absolutely have your cup of coffee mama...

By Wendy Colson RN, IBCLC, RLC   As a breastfeeding or pumping mom, we know that maintaining your milk supply is always top of mind. So it’s no doubt that you’ve heard of lactation bars. Some moms sweat by lactation snacks at moms groups and on facebook groups as a way they boosted their milk supply. So, the question is- do lactation cookies and lactation treats really work?  What Are Lactation Bars?  Lactation snacks can come in a variety of forms such as bites, bars and cookies. They contain ingredients commonly known to help increase your milk supply such as oatmeal, flax seed and lactogenic herbs (known as galactogogues).  Do Lactation Snacks Work? Yes! Lactation snacks and lactation bars are...