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Breastfeeding: Natural support for Mother & Baby

The benefits of breastfeeding to the baby as well as to the new mother are beyond any doubt. Not only is it invaluable for building a long lasting bond, but numerous studies clearly show the many positive effects on the baby's emotional and physical development. Breast milk helps to protect the baby against respiratory, urinary and digestive infections, such as enteritis and diarrhea, and boosts immunity to allergies and infections to name just a few benefits.

Most women are eager to heed the slogan breast is best but many find it is not as straightforward as they thought. However, the sooner after birth the breastfeeding is started the easier it will be in the long term. If there is a lack of sufficient milk then specific nutrient-rich herbs help to increase and enrich milk supply.

ARTEMIS Herbal Medicine produces a traditional European breastfeeding tea for nutrient support during breastfeeding. The recipe contains certified organic Fennel, Aniseed, Chamomile, Nettle and Raspberry leaf. This therapeutic herbal tea assists in the regular production of breast milk and helps to maintain good quality and flow. Raspberry leaf has a dual purpose of acting as a galactagogue as well as supporting uterine involution after birth and helping to restore the strained pelvic floor muscles. As an additional advantage, the breastfeeding mother passes the volatile oils of Chamomile, Fennel and Aniseed on to the baby to soothe digestive troubles, which is invaluable in colic and in digestive upsets. In these cases the infusion can even be given directly to the baby for direct relief of these distressing symptoms. This nutrient-rich therapeutic infusion is very nourishing, calming and restoring and has a lovely taste. It comes highly recommended for all new mothers!

A healthy diet consisting of clean, organic foods is also important for maintaining a good milk supply. Traditionally women have eaten maize, oats, barley, peas, beans and pulses to produce plentiful and nutritious breast milk. Onions and leeks enrich the milk and have antiseptic properties and are great to include into the diet unless there is a problem with wind. Nuts, particularly walnuts and almonds support milk production as well as seeds e.g. sunflower, sesame, linseed, celery and fenugreek seeds. Most fruits are beneficial; in particular bananas, blackcurrants, rosehips, grapes, pears, peaches and apples. It is also important for the mother to eat some raw vegetables too.

Sometimes it is not the actual milk supply that can make breastfeeding difficult but sore and cracked nipples. It is important to make sure that the baby is latched on to the breast correctly before a feed as this can cause or aggravate the problem. In these situations a topical herbal formulation containing Calendula, Chickweed and Nettle can be applied to safely prevent or soothe and heal the tender breast tissue and is invaluable to enable the new mother to breastfeed. Apply it after a feed the cream is quickly absorbed into the skin, clean, safe and ready for the next feed. Calendula has wound healing, anti-inflammatory, anti-septic and anti-yeast properties which help to clear up skin rashes and heals cracked nipples. The anti-yeast properties are particularly useful in Candida albicans lesions on itchy nipples. Chickweed is a cooling anti-inflammatory and Nettle helps to cleanse tissue of inflammatory by-products, reduces swelling and assists in wound healing. This topical herbal formulation is not only excellent to heal cracked nipples but it is also beneficial in cradle cap, nappy rash and infant eczema. It naturally helps to ease itching and swelling and is also a general wound cream for cuts, grazes (also to the perineum) and open skin due to irritation or scratching.

If breast engorgement or mastitis is an issue, a herbal formulation containing Butcher's broom, Horsechestnut and Witchhazel helps to decongest venous flow and acts as an anti-inflammatory. Arnica is a circulatory stimulant reducing swelling, oedema and pain. Calendula supports lymphatic clearance and acts as an anti-inflammatory and pain relief. All of these herbs are found in a traditional Vein Support Cream.

Herbal medicine provides invaluable support, making breastfeeding an enjoyable experience for both mother and baby.