Benefits of Herbal Tea for Breastfeeding Mothers

Being a mother is a dream for most women in the world. Especially in the moment they managed to bring their tiny baby into the world, the moment may never be forgotten by a mother. Another happy moment is when a mother can breastfeed their baby smoothly but sometimes the moment actually becomes an unpleasant moment for some mothers who have difficulty giving their milk to their baby. 

Why do unpleasant feelings appear when breastfeeding?
Postpartum hormonal changes are factors that can affect mood for a new mother. In addition, psychological, physical, and social challenges trigger feelings of sadness while breastfeeding. So this leads to several conditions that cause a decrease in breast milk. 

Causes of unpleasant feelings during breastfeeding
Here is a summary of some of the factors that influence unpleasant feelings while breastfeeding:

1. Dysphoric Milk Ejection (D-MER)
   D-MER is a negative feeling experienced by a mother during the breastfeeding process. Usually, these negative feelings occur right before the milk flows out (letdown reflex).
2. Experiencing prolonged fatigue

Breastfeeding can be a tiring task especially at night. Fatigue can cause unpleasant feelings such as frustration, irritability, and sadness.

1. Stress Conditions

Excessive thinking patterns can lead to stressful conditions that affect all aspects of life, including breastfeeding. Stress can be an unpleasant cause, such as anxiety, sadness, and anger.

1. Health problems

Some mothers experience health problems in the postpartum period, such as nipples or mastitis. Pain can cause feelings of sadness because there is a lingering discomfort in a mother’s body.

1. Concerns about breastfeeding

Some mothers may feel concerned about breastfeeding, such as whether they can produce enough milk or whether their baby is able to breastfeed properly. This worry is also the cause of unpleasant feelings.    

1. Psychological factors

Some mothers may experience postpartum depression or anxiety disorders after childbirth, resulting in a decrease in the quality of health in a mother. 

How to Solve the Problem of Clogged Breast Milk

If you are currently looking for a solution to overcome the problem of clogged milk production, here are the tips:

1. Lactation massage
   Wash your hands thoroughly then massage your breasts in circular motions around the nipples 15-20 times. Massage slowly from the bottom until pursing to the nipple area. Do it regularly every day
2. Breast compresses
   Use a clean cloth to compress warmly on areas that feel swollen and hard. A useful step to dilate the blood vessels around the breast so that over time the blockage of the mammary glands will come off by itself.  
3. Use a breast pump
   Sometimes the cause of breast milk decreases because a mother is experiencing stress and trauma abrasions due to friction from the baby’s mouth. Therefore, using a pump can be a temporary solution for a mother to still be able to breastfeed her baby.
4. Avoid stress and keep your mind in check
   Keep a mindset with a positive mindset, always remember that this condition will be resolved soon and will return to normal.
5. Consume Natural Herbal Tea
   Herbal teas help nourish and support the body during breastfeeding. Processed herbal tea can increase breast milk supply so that it can effectively help the milk production of a mother.