Did you know that baking soda can help with breastfeeding? Believe it or not, this household staple has a lot of benefits for nursing mothers!
This article will discuss the connection between baking soda and breastfeeding and how you can use the kitchen staple in your motherhood journey! Further, we will look at using baking soda to improve your nursing experience.
Is Baking Soda Safe During Breastfeeding?
The quick answer is yes, baking soda is safe during breastfeeding. It can even be beneficial in some cases. Let’s take a closer look at the connection between baking soda and breastfeeding to see why this old-fashioned remedy remains popular among mothers today.
Baking Soda And Breastfeeding: The Benefits
Baking soda is a natural remedy for various health conditions. It’s often a common ingredient in many household products, including baking powder and toothpaste. But did you know that baking soda can benefit breastfeeding mothers?
There are several benefits of using baking soda, such as:
- It can help neutralize the acids in your baby’s stomach, which can help to prevent digestive issues.
- Baking soda can even help to reduce the risk of mastitis, a common infection among breastfeeding mothers.
- Additionally, baking soda is a natural soother for your baby’s sore throat or upset stomach.
In conclusion, baking soda is a safe and effective way to improve your breastfeeding experience. If you are interested in using baking soda while breastfeeding, be sure to consult with your doctor first. Your doctor can help you determine the correct dosage and any potential risks.
Side Effects
Baking soda is a generally safe and effective home remedy for many issues. However, there are a few potential side effects to be aware of. These include:
- Digestive issues like gas and bloating
- Upset stomach
- Diarrhea
It’s important to note that these side effects are typically only associated with consuming baking soda in large amounts. When used in smaller quantities, such as when added to a bath or used topically, baking soda is generally safe to use.
If you’re concerned about any potential side effects, it’s always best to speak to your healthcare provider before using baking soda for any purpose. It is essential if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. While there is no evidence that consuming small amounts of baking soda while pregnant or breastfeeding poses a risk, it’s always best to be cautious.
Alternatives Of Baking Soda
If you are not comfortable using baking soda during breastfeeding, there are some other things that you can do to help with engorgement.
1. Drink Adequate Water
One thing that you can do is to make sure that you are drinking plenty of water. It will hydrate your body and will even help to increase your milk production.
2. Cold Compress
Another thing that you can do is to try using a cold compress on your breasts. It can help to reduce the swelling and pain that you are feeling.
3. Breast Pump
Finally, you can try using a breast pump to help relieve some of the pressure you are feeling.
If you are still experiencing pain after trying these remedies, you may want to contact your doctor or a lactation consultant to see if there is anything else that they can recommend.
Things To Stay Away From During Breastfeeding
There are a few other things to be mindful of during breastfeeding:
1. Caffeine
Caffeine can increase your baby’s heart rate and cause them to be irritable. It’s best to limit your intake or avoid it altogether.
2. Alcohol
Drinking alcohol can reduce your milk supply and make your baby drowsy. It’s also not safe for your baby to drink any alcohol.
3. Nicotine
Smoking or being around smoke can harm your baby and reduce their oxygen levels. If you need help quitting smoking, talk to your doctor.
4. Herbs
Some herbs, such as peppermint and sage, can decrease your milk supply. If you’re taking any herbs, consult with a lactation consultant or healthcare provider first.
Conclusion
So, what does this mean for breastfeeding mothers? It is undoubtedly good to add baking soda to your diet to increase your milk supply. However, talk with your doctor before making any changes to your diet, but adding a teaspoon of baking soda to water or juice each day is a safe and easy way to help boost your milk production.
