Brewer's Yeast - why breastfeeding mums don't need more 'yeasty' problems!
We're often asked why our Lactation Support Products don't contain Brewer's Yeast - isn't it one of the most well known milk supply increasing ingredients used?
The fact of the matter is that (as many new mums can probably relate to), yeast overgrowth (or Candida) is a very real and annoying problem and we thought mums and babies have enough 'yeasty problems' to deal with at this time without adding to it in food at the same time.
Those Damn Hormones!
The reasons new mums and babies are so susceptible to yeast overgrowth is thanks to the massive hormonal changes going on in your body at this time of life and you can be particularly at risk if you're suffering cracked nipples from breastfeeding or your bub was delivered by C-Section (with a dose of antibiotics).
Coupled with the fact too that more than 70% of pregnant women suffer a yeast infection at some point during their pregnancy (often occurring in the second or third trimester), means that many women arenotstarting out the road to new motherhood with the yeast balance in check.
How to Tell if Yeast Overgrowth is Affecting My Baby too?
During this time that your baby can get a yeast infection too, which then further complicated treatment - it's often a vicious cycle of recurrence between you both that no one needs at this often somewhat difficult and exhausting time.
Tell tale signs to look out for are white spots inside the mouth or on the lips, problems with gas, or nappy rash that just doesn't seem to completely go away.
It's important to ask a doctor if you suspect your baby has a yeast issue and the good news is they should be able to diagnose it quickly and easily.
Breaking the Yeasty Cycle
Unfortunately, yeast overgrowth isn't an isolated problem, it affects your whole body's system. While pharmaceutical treatments will kill off a yeast infection, it won't always completely resolve the problem until you've restored a healthy balance between yeast and healthy bacteria.
It's well known that the best way to prevent recurrent Candida (yeast overgrowth) is by ensuring you and your baby have a good diet, a strong, healthy immune system and intestinal tract.
Some key dietary considerations to help combat a yeast problem while breastfeeding is to ensure a healthy, balanced diet that includes some of the following recommendations:
Eat small amounts of fruit
Pears, berries and green apples are low GI and best at this time and it's important to eat it as fruit rather than juiced so your body gets the full benefit from the fiber. Your body will also process the fruit's sugars better too.
Eat high quality carbohydrates
At a time when your body needs every bit of energy it can get to produce milk, cutting out carbs completely is not an ideal option, but veggies like beans, sweet potatoes, parsnips and winter squash are all high quality complex carbohydrates that won't mess with your blood sugar levels. Brown rice and whole grains fall into the same boat too.
Avoid added sugars
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Try not to buy anything that contains high fructose corn syrup, glucose, sucrose or anything else that sounds like a processed sugar. Processed sugar is in so many things in the supermarket like soft drink, processed meats, sauces, yoghurt and so on.
Choose healthy proteins
Always choose fresh cuts of beef, chicken and lamb which are great sources of protein, as eggs - just make sure you buy as free-range or organic as you can, because this makes a difference to your health.
Try not to eat any processed proteins too, try to avoid meats like salami or sandwich meat as these are loaded with nitrates, sulfates and sugars even!
If you own a thermal mixer an easy way to make enough sandwich meat for a week's worth of lunches or snacks is to roast meat yourself and then simply use the thermal cooker to finely chop it creating 'pulled meat'.
Help heal the gut naturally with Bone Broth
GRAB A COPY OF THE BREASTFEEDING NUTRITION WEEKLY MEAL PLAN
Making your own bone broth and including it wherever you can in your cooking can really help improve gut health by providing gut healing amino acids, vitamins and vital nutrients.
While a google search quickly brings up many recipes for making bone broth, the recipe we recommend for breastfeeding and postpartum mothers is included in our Breastfeeding Nutrition Weekly Meal Plan.
Once you've made a big batch of it, just separate it into freezer size containers which makes it easy then to incorporate it into many of your weekly meals.
We love using reusable food pouches. They're just the right amount to easily add to a meal and you can even buy them in super-cool designs, so even when you take them out to defrost your kids have no idea what's in them - and you can tell them it's just special Minecraft sauce (or whatever the theme is)!
If mum-life gets too busy, sometimes store-bought bone broth is the best way to ensure you're getting the goodness, but please click here to learn more about what to look for in a supermarket bone broth.
Take the Next Step
Ready to simplify your breastfeeding journey?
Explore our range of nourishing lactation products designed to support you every step of the way. From teas to cookies, every item is crafted by our Certified Postpartum Nutrition Expert with love and expertise to help you thrive.
You’re Not Alone
Every mum’s breastfeeding journey is unique, and it’s okay to need a little extra help along the way. By focusing on restoring your body’s natural balance, you can achieve the breastfeeding goals you’ve been striving for.
Let’s nourish your body, support your milk supply, and empower you to thrive as a breastfeeding mum. Together, we can make breastfeeding a positive and rewarding experience for you and your baby.
Success Stories That Speak for Themselves
Take Sarah, for example. After weeks of trying different lactation cookies and supplements with no luck, she discovered our lactation blends. Within two weeks, she noticed a steady increase in her milk supply and felt more energetic throughout the day. “I finally feel like my body is working with me, not against me,” she shared.
Success Stories That Speak for Themselves
Or meet Jess, who struggled with low supply despite following all the advice she could find. Once she started incorporating our products and tips into her routine, she not only met her breastfeeding goals but also felt confident in her ability to provide for her baby.
These are just a few of the mums who’ve found hope and success with our unique approach.