My breastfeeding journey has had its ups and downs. My first few weeks postpartum quite literally felt like I was sending my nipples into a battle that no one warned me about! Sometimes my nipples would make it back with minor scrapes and bruises, but more often they would come back bloodied and mangled. All jokes aside, if you are a mama deciding to nurse your baby or to pump, here are some helpful tips you can use to survive the first few weeks and to support a natural milk supply, the Ayurvedic way.
Understanding the Ayurvedic Basics of Breast Milk
According to Ayurveda, there are two “byproducts” of the Rasa dhatu (blood tissue)~ breastmilk and menstrual blood. Obviously, these two do not always happen simultaneously since, for most women, a menstrual cycle is suppressed while breastfeeding, but they are both nourished by the same dhatu. Knowing which bodily tissues breastmilk comes from can help you better support your supply.
What I noticed for myself, and for most women, is that breastfeeding is an uphill battle that usually continues for the first six weeks - after that, it becomes much easier, trust me. You and your baby really begin to perfect this art, and the pain and discomfort you feel diminish tremendously. Also, as your breasts are “building” a supply based on your baby’s feeding demands, things like engorgement and clogged ducts are quite common during this time.
Key Tips to Survive the First Six Weeks
1. Invest in a lactation consultant
I can not stress this enough. I read many books on breastfeeding, but I mostly assumed that this was “natural” and I would catch on right away - in my experience, this was the furthest from the truth. First, it’s not just a learning curve for you, but your baby’s as well. Getting an LC right away will save you from a lot of pain and nip any bad habits in the bud before it gets too late.
2. Hydration is essential.
Rasa (blood tissue) is built upon the water element (apas). I always recommend doubling your intake of fluids. This includes water along with juicy fruits and veggies, and things like coconut water that contain plenty of electrolytes and minerals. An easy hydration boost hack ~ add a pinch of sea salt and lemon in your water first thing in the morning.
3. Support the lymphatic.
Daily breast massage with warm oil was a lifesaver when I got clogged ducts the first two weeks after my baby arrived. I paired this with a lymph mover tincture that had red clover, calendula, and red root. Wish Garden’s Happy Ducts is a great option. Allow the massage to be intuitive to you.
4. Love on your Heart Chakra.
Your heart lies directly behind your breasts. Focusing on the heart will help find lightness and expansion in areas where you may feel heaviness and contraction. Postures that open up the heart can help combat the dreaded neck and upper back stiffness we get from breastfeeding and can refresh the mind. Chanting the seed sound Yam in meditation helps to open the heart chakra as well.
Boosting Milk Supply with Galactagogue Herbs
Everything I shared will help support a milk supply, but if you want an extra boost, you can explore galactagogue herbs. Some of my favorites for lactation include fenugreek, fennel, hops, blessed thistle, moringa, and shatavari. It is best to take these herbs with Ahimsa (non-violent) organic milk that is slightly warmed. Avoid dry and heating foods and drinks such as coffee or spicy foods that can “dry up” your milk supply. Osh Wellness’s Lactation Support is a wonderful supplement formulated with the best organic lactation-boosting herbs.
Whether you are exclusively breastfeeding, pumping, or both, these recommendations will help not only maintain your optimal milk supply but also help to take care of you. No matter what this journey looks like for you, just remember you are doing an amazing job, mama!
Sending you so much love, from one mother to another xx
Relevant Product
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Author: Malia Michael
Malia Michael is an Ayurvedic practitioner, wellness writer, and mother dedicated to empowering women through every stage of hormonal health and motherhood. With a passion for making traditional wisdom practical and relatable, Malia shares her knowledge on postpartum recovery, breastfeeding, and holistic living. When she’s not working with clients or writing, you’ll find her exploring herbal remedies, enjoying family life, and inspiring women to embrace their natural rhythms.
