You can get so hungry whilst feeding, not to mention thirsty, so it’s important that you keep well fuelled – not just for energy, but for your supply. To help with this, I’ve found the simplest foods to get are the ones with pure oats in the ingredients. Not wheats or grains. Oats.
Every morning, usually whilst S is changing T, I chomp down on an oaty snack and glug a ton of water before his morning feed. Depending on how good the snack is, I can guarantee that in an hours time, the opposite boob is then quite full. I’m then able to express. This is a great routine as I’m creating a nice stash in the freezer. If the snack is shoddy then my boob isn’t as full.
Over the past four months I’ve tried my fair share of snacks to keep my supply up, and probably spent a small fortune on gimmicks and promises that a particular snack will boost supply, so here are my ‘Top 5’ favourite snacks to help with supply…
5. McVitie’s Hob Nobs: Simple and cheap, although not great for the waistline. I find the supermarket’s own brand contain less oats so it’s good to stick to the brand.
4. Belvita Breakfast Biscuits (in particular, the milk and cereals): With eight in a box and then four in a packet, you can’t complain. I find these hold me really nicely until breakfast, especially if the feed is at 5:00am!
3. Nairn’s Muesli Break Oatcakes: These are quite expensive but I’ve found they’re really effective, although somewhat dry. If you have the time, spreading some jam or marmalade on top helps.
2. Freida’s Pantry Nursing Bars: I really love these bars as they especially tailored for nursing. They’re tasty and so moist that you don’t realise you’re eating oats and seeds. I tend to save these for before I go out or when I’ve just got home.
1. McVitie’s Oatie Bars: I got these when they were two for £1, but since then they have rocketed up to £2.50 – McVitie’s can kiss it if they think I’m paying out £2.50! Annoyingly, they’re really effective and like eating a good crumble topping. Yum.
I hope to try and make some of my own snacks over the next few weeks, especially as Scottish Oats are so cheap. I’ll share if they go OK!
In the meantime, what snacks help you? Have you got any recipes?
K
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