HeyMonicaB

Hey! I just added a new category called, “Questions!” It’s important because these come from YOU, my bloomin readers. I get them from time to time (would love more if you got ‘em!) and sometimes they are nice to post.

I got a question today from a very lovely gal reading “from her perch in Nebraska.” How sweet is that – does your heart melt or what? Mine did. Anywho! She asked if I had any tips for breastfeeding mothers (her baby is 3 months) And I do! Below is what I wrote back to her. If you have further questions, I’m happy to answer the best I can.

MonicaB says:
As far as Ayurveda is concerned, the “sweet” taste will be important for you. Because “sweet” is the only taste newborns have :) The “sweet” taste doesn’t necessarily mean sugary foods which is why I put that in quotes. Rather, they are grounding, building foods which are very important to create foundation and structure (a new baby needs that for growth). Examples of easy-to-digest sweet foods are mostly carbs, like: white rice (brown can be hard to digest), sweet potatoes/yams, pasta, breads, nuts, milk, ghee, brown sugar, sweet fruits and juices, ripe bananas (non ripe are astringent and not a good choice for you now), mangoes, grapes, figs, and dates (dates are GREAT for you). Cooked veggies are also great. I would say for now stay away from salads, pizza, red sauces, peppers, yogurt, and fermented foods. Your job is to build the baby’s little body through whole, nourishing, fresh foods. The sweet taste will go easy on yours and baby’s digestive system and I think you will feel very satisfied and nourished.

One spice that is great for breast milk is fennel. Do you like fennel? You can take 3 cups of boiling water, add the seeds (crushed a little) and boil for 5 minutes. Strain and drink the tea during the day. Fennel is great for quality and quantity of breast milk while helping reduce both mommy and baby’s gassy tummies. It’s an excellent digestive aid and can also help with colic and relieve pain for teething babies! And if you ever have cramps, gas or bloating, chewing up a small amount of fennel seeds after meals (or as needed) will take care of the problem.