When I became a mom for the first time, I was far from imagining that breastfeeding would be my biggest challenge during postpartum. From pregnancy to childbirth, I was prepared for every steps (sleepless nights, crying baby, baby blues etc ...) except for this one. Breastfeeding, which seemed so obvious and natural to me, turned out to be a nightmare. It’s what caused me the most pain, anxiety, frustration and medical consultations. I faced almost every issues possible that can make breastfeeding harder for new moms: C-section, cracked nipples, hyper-sensitivity, bad posture, painful latch, tongue tie and thrush. All of this made my first experience quite difficult. But what kept me going despite the challenges was the fact that my milk production was actually going very well. Yes I had a lot of issues with breastfeeding, but breastmilk production was never a part of it.

For many women, breastfeeding can be challenging for different reasons. In addition to the common issues mentioned above, it’s frequent for new moms to experience a low milk supply. A decrease of breastmilk production can be caused by various factors including: fatigue, stress, malnutrition, insufficient feedings, medication. When it happens, we may feel guilty or unable to feed our baby. But the truth is, it’s not necessarily our fault. Think about it: after child birth, our has to perform the double task of supporting the organism while it is undergoing major hormonal and physical changes, and producing breastmilk intended for the baby’s nutrition. Consequently, breastfeeding may be more difficult when we are tired and lack essential nutrients. Fortunately, there are a couple plants allies designed to support the woman’s body after birth, stimulate breastmilk production and provide complementary vitamins and minerals.

I breastfed my two daughters (and still breastfeeding the younger one), and as you can imagine, there were ups and downs. I understood that the key to successful breastfeeding lies in these vital aspects of our daily lives: a healthy, rich, and balanced diet and a lot of rest. I know it’s not always easy especially when you’ve just given birth and barely sleeps at night. But fatigue is often the leading cause of decreased breast milk production. This herbal tisane supported me throughout postpartum, helped increase my breastmilk production, and gave me the energy boost I needed every day.

Before sharing the recipe, let me talk to you about the wonderful plants this herbal blend is made of.

• Moringa leaves (Moringa Oleifera) are rich in vitamins A, C, B, E and iron, which is an essential mineral during pregnancy and lactation. Moringa is also a lactogenic herbs that helps increase and enrich breast milk production.

• Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is a particularly nourishing and mineralizing plant that is recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women because of its high amount of vitamins (B, C, A) and minerals (calcium, iron, magnesium). Nettle helps stimulate breastmilk production and to enrich its quality.

• Oats tops (Avena sativa) are rich in vitamins A, B1 and D, and minerals (calcium, magnesium, iron and phosphorus). They contain more protein than any other cereal and are beneficial for breastfeeding women because of its high amount of nutrients.

• Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is one of the most famous lactogenic food. It is rich in calcium, vitamin C, and flavonoids and combines very well with other lactogenic herbs. In addition, fennel has a beneficial action to relieve colics in babies.

• Red raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus) is rich in vitamins A, B, C and E, folic acid and essential minerals: calcium, magnesium and potassium, not to mention iron. Red ​​raspberry leaf tea is encouraged during breastfeeding for its nutritive properties. It helps boost the milk supply, and balance hormones naturally.

• Rose petals have many medicinal properties: they are rich in vitamin C which facilitates the absorption of iron, an essential mineral for breastfeeding women. They also help strengthen the immune system and fight against fatigue.

You can purchase all of these ingredients in health food stores and/or on the internet.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/4 cup. Moringa leaves

• 1/4 cup. nettle

• 2 tbsp. red raspberry leaf

• 2 tbsp. fennel seeds

• 2 tbsp. oats

• 1 tsp. rose petals

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Place all ingredients in a glass jar with lid. Close the jar and shake well so that all the herbs can mix.

2. Put 1 tbsp. herbal tea blend in a cup of boiling water (250ml). Alternatively, you may use a tea infuser and place it in a cup of boiling water. Cover and steep 15 to 20 minutes.

3. Filter or remove the tea brewer. Drink hot. 1 to 4 cups a day.

4. Keep your herbal tea blend in a cool, dark and dry place.

NOTES:

• You can add some fresh mint leaves for a minty and refreshing taste, or honey if you prefer sweet herbal teas.

• You can drink it hot or cold, depending on your preference.

• This herbal tea blend is a dietary supplement. It will help increase and enrich your breast milk production as long as you have a rich and balanced diet, and enough rest.

• For best results, you can start drinking it at the end of the third trimester (2 cups per day). The plants used are safe during pregnancy.