Breastfeeding Mamas across the country frequently receive suggestions pertaining to naturally boosting their breastmilk supply. Most of them are wives tales, with no research or evidence. Many supply boosters are successful only in their marketing. But one suggestion that keeps coming back is the blue dye supply lie. Ladies- blue sports drink will not increase your supply!
First and foremost, supply and demand is a revolving door. Most breastfeeding women do not have a supply issue. They have pump output doubt, or a fussy baby (that’s totally normal), and they blame their supply. Point Blank, the more milk you remove from your breast, the more milk your body will make. And reverse; as baby takes less milk once solids are introduced, your body will make less to adjust. Trust the system.
Most women do not actually have a supply issue. They simply believe there is an issue based on their baby’s actions. We are so quick to blame our baby’s fussiness on ourselves. (Or what we eat, but that’s another story for another day). But stop, Mama. You’re doing a great job. Self doubt is the number one reason women stop nursing, especially first time moms. There is nothing to worry about.
Normal Baby Actions that do NOT Indicate low supply
- Your milk hasn’t come in yet, and you only have colostrum
- Baby nurses often, possibly back to back sessions
- Baby nurses for a long time
- Baby nurses for a short time then stops
- Baby is fussy after nursing
- Baby wakes up at night, or nurses more at night
- Baby guzzles a bottle of milk or formula
- You don’t respond to a pump, or get less than you used to
- Your breasts don’t feel full
- Your breasts are sore
- You don’t leak milk
These are all very normal, and do not indicate supply. As long as your baby has adequate diaper output, you do not need to worry. After all, if baby has enough coming out there is obviously enough coming in.
Valid Supply Issues
If you baby does not have adequate diaper output, and you have spoken with a lactation counselor to check for ties and latch issues, there may be a supply issue. But only after ties and latch are addressed can a valid supply issue be entertained. At that point it is very important to add galactogogues under a professional’s guidance. Genuine supply issues are a medical concern, and should be treated by a medical professional. Not your local mom group. Not your neighborhood witch doctor. Not even that blogger with the punny title.
But back to the root of it… blue.
The Blue Dye Supply Lie
The fact of the matter is, sports drinks are designed to replace electrolytes for athletes when they drain their body during extreme physical activity. Being a mom is extremely taxing on our bodies. So while, yes, we can benefit from the good qualities, like the hydration factors and the electrolytes, the negatives don’t just go away. It’s still a sugary sports drink. And it’s blue because of artificial dyes.
Milk is mostly made of water, so staying hydrated is extremely important. Water might not always be the tastiest option. But adding a squirt of lemon or splash of fruit juice will jazz it up. Looking for a nutritional boost? Try some coconut water, which has natural electrolytes without the added sugar!
Moral of the story: If you think your supply is low, it’s probably not. If it is, a medical professional can help you. Myths like buying blue sports drink or special mama tea will make your wallet go down without guaranteeing your supply go up.