When I originally joined Day One, it was because our home at the time did not have central heat and I was tired of being couped up in our bedroom with the curtains drawn all day to keep the space heater heat in. My husband thought it would be great for me to get out and meet other moms in the East Bay. And yes, we joined for those reasons but honestly I cant imagine not going to the Walnut Creek Center almost every day. On Mondays and Fridays, I go to the free breastfeeding support group led by one of two fabulous lactation consultants, Linda or Carrie. I have always had an oversupply of milk and a really easy baby so generally I go to hear other womens issues and to add another tip/trick to my back pocket. Did I ever think I would ever need to use my bag of breastfeeding tricks???? Not in the least bit. So here’s what happened:
A couple weeks ago, my husband and I had dinner with another couple. It was a harmless barbecue with sides and iced tea. You might be thinking…I do this all the time, what could possibly go won, right??? I noticed that there appeared to be a good variety and amount of herbs in the food and iced tea. I saw mint and knew that it could reduce your milk supply but it was one dinner and I have an oversupply. No harm, no foul. Well, the next day I woke up to feed the little guy and I had hardly any milk….WHAT?!?! First, I went into panic mode because the kid was hungry and I had nothing to give him as well as he doesn’t take bottles. After taking a few breaths, I thought about what Carrie or Linda would tell me: 1) Don’t stress it will make the situation worse 2) There are ways to bring your supply back
One more deep breath and I was bound and determined to get my supply back quickly. I fed my little guy as much as I had, which wasn’t much but it seemed to satisfy him for a few minutes. Next, I plugged in the pump to see what I was dealing with. Less than a quarter ounce. Wow! I went from 5 ounces to a quarter ounce on each side. Oy! I got my arsenal together: water bottle, food, timer, pump and baby. So I was a little short on my “increase my supply” food. The hubby was off to Trader Joes to get some frozen steel cut oats, avocados and other fiber-full foods. So the entire weekend was spent eating, feeding the little guy and pumping. To buy myself some time in between the tiny feeds the little guy was getting was the introduction of breast milk in a sippy cup. This seemed to entertain him as well as give him something in his belly. After two days of this routine and feeling like I couldn’t lay on the couch any longer, pump any more or stuff my face with anything else…the supply was back. 5 ounces per side. Yes!
I have heard other women talk about how their supply can come and go. Sometimes it can change because of stress or getting sick but I have never heard of it being affected by a harmless barbecue. Wondering if I was losing my mind, I went into Day One on Monday. I told my story to Lindsay, a post partum doula, and she asked if there was any sage in the food. I said I knew there was mint animist likely sage and she giggled. She said the good news was my supply was back and that I apparently know what to eat when I am trying to wean my little man one day.
The moral of this story is that Day One is a lifesaver!