Creating a Conscious Family | Ellen Fisher

Challenges

Breastfeeding can present numerous challenges, both emotional and physical, as Ellen Fisher shares her experiences. She emphasizes the importance of support and relaxation, noting that stress can significantly hinder milk production. Ellen recounts a moment when stress affected her ability to breastfeed, highlighting the need to take breaks and relax to improve the situation 1.

Stress plays a huge role, absolutely. Because if you're really stressed and clamped up in your body, your body is going to have a harder time letting down the milk.

--- Ellen Fisher

She also discusses the importance of having a lactation consultant and support from family to focus on breastfeeding without other distractions 2.

   

Enhancing Supply

Ensuring an adequate milk supply is crucial for breastfeeding mothers, and Ellen provides several tips to help achieve this. She stresses the importance of a healthy diet, sufficient calorie intake, and hydration to maintain milk production. Ellen also highlights the role of pumping in maintaining supply, although she notes that it is not as efficient as direct breastfeeding 3.

A lot of times I'll talk to a mother who feels like they're not making enough milk and like, how many calories are you eating?

--- Ellen Fisher

Creating a dedicated space for pumping at work can also support milk supply, as Ellen shares from her personal experience of advocating for her needs in the workplace 4.

   

Donor Milk Advocacy

Ellen is a strong advocate for the use of donor milk when breastfeeding isn't possible. She shares stories of how donor milk has helped mothers in challenging situations, emphasizing the importance of community support and education. Ellen encourages mothers who can produce extra milk to donate, helping those who struggle with supply 5.

Breast milk from another mother is definitely the best alternative to your own breast milk.

--- Ellen Fisher

While acknowledging that formula is a viable option, she hopes for increased availability of donor milk to support families in need 6.