The Milk Magic 

Hey mamas!  Let’s talk about the liquid gold, the life-giving nectar, the stuff that makes our little ones thrive – breast milk!  

We’ve all been there,  pumping and nursing,  feeling like we’re squeezing every ounce of our energy (and milk!) just to keep our babies happy. So, how can we make sure that our milk supply is flowing like a river (and not a trickle)?  Don’t worry, you’re not alone!  

Good news! 

There are tons of natural ways to boost your breast milk production.  

Here are some tips I’ve learned along the way, from the days of breastfeeding my own three little bundles of joy to the countless chats with other moms: 

1. Eat Like a Queen (with a Milk-boosting hack): It’s true what they say – you are what you eat.  Fuel your body with nourishing foods like oats, fenugreek, flaxseeds, and even good ol’ fashioned water! My personal favorite?  A big bowl of oatmeal with berries and a sprinkle of flaxseeds – it’s like a breastmilk-boosting breakfast superhero!  

2. Rest When You Can (Because Sleep is a Mother’s Best Friend): We all know how precious sleep is, especially when you have a little one demanding your attention around the clock. But did you know that sleep helps boost your milk production? Aim for at least 8 hours of sleep a night, if possible (ha!). But hey, even catching a 20-minute nap can do wonders!  

3. Skin-to-Skin Time (Bonding Experience is a Milk Booster): Hold your little one close, feel their sweet scent, and let the warmth of their skin soothe you both. Fact: The skin-to-skin contact releases oxytocin, the “love hormone,” that can stimulate milk production. 

Pro tip: It’s even more effective if you’re both wearing soft, comfortable clothes that allow for easy access. Speaking of comfortable clothes, This is my favorite breastfeeding top.  Coz we all want comforting, stylish, and easy access that can be worn from day to night. The discreet openings make it easy to feed your baby without exposing anything you don’t want to.  

You deserve to feel confident and comfortable, even while breastfeeding. This brand is a small investment for a big reward – more milk, more comfort, and more confidence!  

4. Stay Hydrated:  It’s Not Just a Saying, It’s a Mama’s Mantra! Water, water, everywhere!  Keeping hydrated is essential for milk production and overall health.  I try to sip on water throughout the day with this affirmation tumbler, especially during breastfeeding sessions.  If you find plain water boring, try adding lemon, cucumber, or berries for a flavor boost.  

5. Pump It Up (But Don’t Stress): Pumping can be a helpful tool to boost your milk supply.  However, it’s important to find a pump that’s comfortable and convenient for you.  Just make sure your breast milk is being stored correctly and is safe for your child to consume. 

I have this Breastmilk Storage Guide Magnet, you can grab yours too.  

Remember, every mom is different, so don’t compare your milk production journey to anyone else’s.  Just focus on what works best for you and your baby!  

6. Get Support From Your Tribe: Breastfeeding can be challenging, so don’t be afraid to reach out for help! Talk to your doctor, a lactation consultant, or your fellow mama friends.  Sharing experiences and getting support can make a world of difference.  

Side Tip:  

Fenugreek and Blessed Thistle: These herbal supplements are said to be galactagogues, that have been known to help increase milk supply. But…Always consult with your doctor before taking any new supplements, especially while breastfeeding. 

You can also try: 

Lactation cookies:  These tasty treats are often packed with milk-boosting ingredients like oats, flaxseed, and brewer yeast.  They’re a delicious way to sneak in those extra nutrients! 

One of my favorite memories from breastfeeding is when my little one would get a little “milk drunk” and would giggle uncontrollably after a good feed.  Those moments were pure joy and solidified why those late nights and early mornings were all worth it. 

You got this! 

Remember, mamas, you are amazing!  You’re providing the best possible nourishment for your little one, and that is a gift that will last a lifetime.  If you have any questions or concerns about your milk supply, please reach out to your doctor or a lactation consultant.  They are your allies in this journey of motherhood! 

Being a mom of three is a wild ride!  It’s filled with laughter, tears, tantrums, endless snack requests, and moments of pure joy that melt your heart.  With some frequent “Mommy, I need help with…” let’s be honest, sometimes it feels like we’re juggling a million things at once – But one thing that’s always at the forefront of my mind is raising kind, confident kids.  

What is Gentle Parenting? 

You may have heard about this; It’s a philosophy that emphasizes building a foundation of empathy, understanding, and respect that should start at home. And for me, gentle parenting isn’t just a parenting style, it’s a way of life. It’s about creating a nurturing environment where kids feel safe to explore, express themselves, and learn from their mistakes.  

Here are 20 tips that have worked wonders for me:  

1.  Active Listening:  

Remember those times when your little one wants to tell you about the “big, scary monster” under their bed?  Instead of dismissing it as silly, try to listen actively and validate their feelings.  It shows them that you care and that their emotions matter.  

2.  Validation and Understanding Emotions:   

Kids don’t always know how to express their feelings.  Teaching them about emotions – happiness, sadness, anger –  can help them identify and deal with them healthily. I often use picture books or simple games to make it fun and relatable.  

3.  Positive Reinforcement:  Positive reinforcement is a game-changer!  Instead of focusing on what they did wrong, try praising their good behavior.  “Wow, you cleaned up your toys all by yourself!  That’s amazing!”  This encourages them to repeat good actions.  

4.  Patience, Patience, Patience:  Sometimes, our patience wears thin.  When my child insisted on wearing mixed-matched socks, I knew I had to let it go.  Choosing my battles is key.  Remember, we’re raising independent thinkers, not robots!  

5.  Empathy is Key:  Putting yourself in your child’s shoes can help you understand their behavior.  Think about why they’re acting the way they are.  Is it tiredness?  Hunger?  Frustration?  This helps you react with empathy and find solutions together.  

6.  Set Clear Boundaries:  While gentle parenting is about understanding and compassion, it’s also about setting clear boundaries.  Knowing what’s acceptable and unacceptable helps them feel secure and safe.  

7.  Embrace Mistakes:  Mistakes are learning opportunities!  Instead of scolding, turn it into a teaching moment.  “Oops, you spilled your milk.  We need to make sure we are sitting correctly in our chair, careful not to spill but accidents do happen. Let’s clean it up together.”  This helps them develop problem-solving skills.  

8.  Teach Kindness:  Modeling kindness is the best way to teach it!  Being kind to others, especially to our children, spouses, etc. even when it’s tough, sets a good example for them. They are sponges and will mimic everything that we do! 

9.  Promote Independence:  Let your child make small choices.  “Do you want to wear the blue shirt or the red one?”  This builds confidence and a sense of self-reliance. It can also avoid a meltdown in case they don’t want to wear what you chose. When given two options they feel like they were able to pick out their outfit (even though they liked either choice ha!)  

10.  Celebrate Successes:  Big or small, celebrate every success!  This reinforces positive behaviors and encourages them to keep trying. Confidence and positive vibes are key. 

11.  Show Respect:  Always treat your child with respect.  Even when disciplining, speak to them calmly and respectfully. Would you like it if someone was constantly yelling in your face for doing something wrong? It’s not a good feeling. 

12.  Be a Role Model:  Kids learn by observing.  Be the kind of person you want them to be. Our kids are sponges, soaking up everything we do and say.  Be the kind and compassionate person you want them to be.  

13.  Limit Screen Time: We all need a break sometimes, and it is tempting to hand them a tablet to keep them occupied but limit screen time to encourage creativity and active play. If you need to use screen time, that is okay – I do it! I just make sure that I put something on that is educational and not too overstimulating. 

14.  Encourage Reading:  Reading opens up a whole world of knowledge and imagination.  Make it a habit to read together daily or read them a bedtime story before sleeping. My sons cannot go a night without reading a book. It’s a great time to relax, read, and discuss what you have read. 

15.  Get Outdoors:  Fresh air and sunshine are essential for a healthy body and mind.  Take your kids for walks, picnics, and adventures in nature or park. Let them engage and meet other kids too.  

16. Encourage Creativity:  Art, music, dance, building, exploring…  the possibilities are endless! Tip: Support them if they want to do something in life, be their #1 fan! 

16. Make Time for Family:  Despite your busy schedule, make time for family meals, movie nights, or just sitting down and reading together. They will cherish it for a lifetime. My business is on my phone, literally, so I try my best to put my phone away while I play with them, during mealtime, movie night, etc. to give them my full attention. 

18.  Choose Your Battles:  You can’t win them all.  Pick your battles wisely.  Sometimes, letting go is the best option. Sometimes it’s our pride pushing us to think that we are always right. This was a hard one for me to swallow, and after having three kids, trust me it gets easier! 

19.  Don’t Compare:  Every child is unique.  Don’t compare your child to others.  Focus on their strengths and always believe that your child is better than anyone else.  

20.  Connect with Other Parents:  Parenting can be overwhelming and overstimulating. Talking to other parents, family, or professionals asking for advice if you need to, and supporting each other can make a big difference.  

Do you agree with this parenting style?  

Remember, parenting is a journey, not a destination.  Be kind to yourself and enjoy the ride! 

During the nine months of pregnancy with each of my children (I have three boys!), I was all about finding ways to nourish my babies while keeping myself healthy and energized too.  

Turns out, there’s a whole world of delicious and nutrient-packed superfoods that are perfect for both mom and baby!  

Let’s talk about some of my favorites, and why they’re so awesome:  

1. Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, and collard greens are powerhouses of folate, iron, and vitamin A. They’re essential for healthy fetal development and help prevent anemia. I’ve been known to sneak them into smoothies and even bake them into muffins. 

2. Berries:  These sweet little jewels are packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, which boost the immune system and protect against cell damage.  I’ve been known to indulge in a berry smoothie weekly especially when I’m feeling a little sluggish.  And hey, it’s a win-win because they’re also yummy for little ones!  

Speaking of berries, Have you heard about drinking Red Raspberry Leaf Tea during pregnancy? You’ll be surprised by its benefits during labor and birth! Read all about it in my blog post: (Drinking Red Raspberry Leaf Tea During Pregnancy) 

3. Salmon:  This fatty fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for brain development and vision.  I love to bake salmon with a bit of lemon and dill, but I’ve also been known to make salmon patties. 

4. Sweet Potatoes:  This root veggie is a great source of vitamin A, which is essential for healthy skin, eyes, and immunity. I love to roast sweet potatoes with a little cinnamon and grass-fed butter, but they also make a delicious addition to soups and stews.  

5. Avocados:  This creamy fruit (yes, it’s a fruit!) is loaded with healthy fats, fiber, and potassium.  It’s a great way to get your energy levels up and maintain healthy blood pressure.  I love to add avocados to my salads, toast, and smoothies. When adding to my toast, I sprinkle everything but a bagel seasoning. 

Pro Tip: Listen To Your Body! While these superfoods are amazing, every pregnancy is different.  Squatting and Yoga can also prepare you for labor, and it helped with all three of my pregnancies as I suffer from a painful lower back. You can learn more on this blog: Benefits of Prenatal Yoga (at home)  

Getting ready for comfortable breastfeeding? 

After 9 months of food cravings… Then what? It’s time to give your little one nourishing milk. Whether it be formula or breastfeeding, as long as the baby is happy that is all that matters. It’s not going to be that easy (if you’re a new mom) you may find it sometimes uncomfortable and overwhelming.  

But hey! We’re living in the luxury of modern times, and you have taken it to your advantage…  

So I have created this list (my go-to products) that made my life as a breastfeeding mom much better. (Affiliate links may be included in this post) 

Favorite Products for Moms (because we all love a good find) 

Nursing Pillow –This boppy pillow has been a lifesaver for breastfeeding and cuddling with my babies.  It’s soft, supportive, and provides the perfect amount of comfort for both of you. 

Diaper Bag- This baby bag is multipurpose, very roomy, stylish, affordable and has all the pockets you need for everything from bottles to snacks to wipes and beyond the baby phase. It’s perfect for every travel and you can use it as changing pad too. Plus, comes with stroller attachment! I have used it on all three children, and I still use it 

Nursing Friendly Bra – Finding the perfect nursing bra can be a challenge.  I’ve tried so many, but I’ve finally found a few that I love.  They’re comfortable, supportive, and easy to use – and let’s be honest, with all the extra laundry that comes with breastfeeding, you want something that’s easy to clean! Comes in a pack of 3 and is extremely affordable. 

Breast Pump – Whether you’re planning to pump exclusively or just supplement, having a good breast pump is essential. I never used a hands-free pump so I do not have one to recommend, however, I always used the Spectra S1.  

The Spectra S1 did not come free with my insurance. The S2 was free (pink machine) but it isn’t cordless. The blue machine, Spectra S1, is cordless so I was able to carry it around the house if needed. 

Please note: I highly recommend using the non-hands-free breast pump like the Spectra when first pumping, then if you want to, add a hands-free option after your milk has been established.  

Natural Nipple Pain Relief- I found my own easier way of healing my sore nipples using only (2) natural remedies for nipple pain.  

Apple Cider Vinegar and Raw coconut oil only. You can read this hack on my blog about Nipple Pain Relief from Breastfeeding 

BONUS TIP:  

If you want to be comfy and stylish, I have this breastfeeding crewneck sweatshirt for nursing mamas out there. Trust me they are so comfortable, minimalist, and easy to nurse in.   

I love the high-quality material, discreet zippered opening and it makes breastfeeding a breeze!  Plus, they’re so versatile you can wear them beyond the breastfeeding phase. You will also love this mama brand. 

Additionally, don’t forget to hydrate! I have this bamboo lid tumbler designed with affirmations that really keep my day positive, relaxed, and calm.  

Remember Mamas 

Taking care of yourself is taking care of your little one. Nourish your body with these superfoods and enjoy your motherhood journey!  And don’t forget to stay hydrated and get plenty of rest – you’ve got this!