Breast engorgement or mastitis is an inflammation of the breast or clogged milk ducts that can be caused by obstruction, infection and/or allergy. Breast engorgement is most common in the first 2-3 weeks, but can occur at any state of lactation.
Engorgement may come on abruptly and usually affects only one breast. Non-infectious engorgement can usually be resolved without the use of antibiotics.
Fever may usually spikes up up to 38.5 degree celcius.
Natural Remedy of breast engorgement that you can do at home is to use hot towel massage for 10minutes, express the breast milk out, apply cold towel for another 20 minutes to soothe the engorged breast.
Many breastfeeding mothers also consume lecithin to alleviate breast engorgement.
Importance of wholegrain diet for breast feeding
- If you are breast feeding whatever you eat will be transferred to your baby via your breast milk therefore it is important that you eat wholegrain diet so that your baby will get the right nutrients for optimum growth and development.
- You may find that your appetite is slightly low especially during the first week. This is common as your body is getting adjusted to its pregnant state both physically and mentally therefore it is better to have small wholegrain meals instead of the normal 3 big meals a day.
- You must drink plenty of fluids in order to get sufficient breast milk and it is best that you get this from sources such as whole grain drinks. Not drinking enough water may decrease your milk supply, therefore it is important to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.
5 Foods to increase breast milk supply
Oats- Oatmeal as breakfast is ideal for breastfeeding mother as it contains iron which helps to increase breast milk supplies for mothers. Study has shown that low iron level in women especially pregnant or breastfeeding mothers (known as maternal anaemia) could lead to low milk supplies.
Brown Rice – breastfeeding mothers should keep away from white rice. Brown rice contains important vitamins and minerals that are essential for the body and baby. It also helps breastfeeding mothers to stay full longer, maintain consistency of blood sugar level so that no drastic drop of energy as breastfeeding mothers need a lot of energy.
Sesame seeds- sesame seeds are good sources of calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, magnesium and fiber. You can try to sprinkle some sesame seeds into your whole grain drinks, soups or porridge.
Salmon – salmon is rich in protein and DHA, a type of fat that is important to build your baby’s nervous system and cell buildings. You may pan fried it with butter in low fire and go with your brown rice.
Avocado – folic acid is very important for baby’s growth and development. Avocado is rich in folic acid, vitamin E, C and potassium. Your baby needs the rich nutrients for better development and your body needs monosaturated fats from Avocado to balance the cholesterol level. You can blend avocado with milk or whole grain drink to get an instant boost of energy.
Breastfeeding mothers typically need extra 500 calories per day. Therefore, do not be afraid, go ahead and eat, because your body needs it. Additionally, do not forget to eat a lot of the type of food, such as oats, brown rice, that will help to produce more milk.
If you are worried about which whole grains drinks to choose from or no time to prepare your whole grains food? Many breastfeeding mothers have recommended NutriBrownRiceTM (Oat with Soy Lecithin).
NutriBrownRiceTM (Oat with Soy Lecithin) is very popular to help increase breast milk from testimonial of breastfeeding mother’s forum. Introducing the smooth and yummy brown rice instant beverage packed with natural vitamin and minerals, NutriBrownRiceTM is a healthy drink for your breakfast, teatime or supper.
Brown rice is 100% whole grain; According to Singapore Health Promotion Board, 1 cup of NutriBrownRiceTM can serve you up to 42% of your daily wholegrain requirement. Consuming whole-grain can help to improve high cholesterol, high blood pressure, high blood sugar level, digestive problems and slimming.
For further information please visit www.nutribrownrice.com and Qoohealth.com