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What do I need after having a baby?

You're so tired and so focused on your baby, it's easy to overlook your own health. But you have to, or you won't be able to be the best version of yourself for your little angel. (Although they probably weren't acting like an angel at two in the morning - all the more reason you need to bolster yourself!)

Here is a breakdown of the not-as-exciting-stuff no one gets you but realize you need and you end up Googling at 3 am - the health products I discovered were game-changers, in terms of milk supply and mood (post-partem depression, anyone?)...on baby number THREE:
Electrolytes 2
https://www.athsport.co/products/lytes?utm_source=Google_paid&utm_medium=19660938388_152979726918&utm_content=668755876290&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19660938388&gbraid=0AAAAADled-Bxi4f4aGDiNL34A57kvlZMJ&gclid=CjwKCAjw6vHHBhBwEiwAq4zvAxUIM-hHoGVPhA3UtHj2jZaNTLKizfZ1VlnPZUVSKrLwzl9XXAZBPRoCiTYQAvD_BwE&variant=40290744959152
Electrolytes - GET THESE. My primary care and lactation consultant explained water apparently isn't enough for breastfeeding women (come to find out on baby number three.) Electrolytes come in many forms - I did pineapple coconut water as well as salt packets to stir into my water. I did not do Gatoraide because it has a bunch of other stuff in it I'm not a fan of.

The addition of electrolytes into my diet filled an empty spot physically and mentally. That's all I know how to explain it. It wasn't just increased energy, it was a feeling of being more awake...that's as close as I can get. I love ATH's "Lytes," (see the image to the left) because they have zero added sugar or natural flavor, and they taste amazing!

Here is an article about the benefits of electrolytes while breastfeeding you might find helpful:
https://mypuredelivery.com/how-to-use-electrolytes-for-proper-hydration/
D
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=vitamin+D+and+K+gummies&crid=1VKMIOF1I988P&sprefix=vitamin+d+and+k+gummies%2Caps%2C185&ref=nb_sb_noss_1
Vitamin D/K gummies - My primary care doctor and lactation consultant recommended an extra D boost for mood, in addition to my post-natal vitamins. The health food store near me (Good Health in Hanover, MA - they are so helpful and knowledgeble!) told me K helps vitamin D absorb and helped me find a brand that had both. I'm weird and can't swallow giant pills, so these were great! (And a nice treat to look forward to each morning when I was stumbling into the kitchen.)
 
Tea
https://www.amazon.com/Yogi-Tea-Hibiscus-Positive-Supports/dp/B09C16TWTW
Postive Energy Tea - This was such a nice afternoon routine to look forward to. I would have a cup and read while breastfeeding. It's a lovely flavor and it really did boost my energy level as well as my mood. And there's not nearly the same amount of caffine as coffee, if you've already had your daily allotment, or if you're worried about that (I wasn't - accodring to WebMD, you should limit coffee intake to 300 mg / day if breastfeeding. See https://www.webmd.com/baby/is-caffeine-safe-while-breastfeeding. That's three cups of coffee per day. That's a bit more than I drink anyway!)

FUN FACT: Cover your tea while steeping! Did you know that if you don't, many of the nutrients float away in the steam? I recently found this out in a fascinating little book from my nana, 20,000 Secrets of Tea, by Victoria Zak. All these years, all those nutrients, just floating away...
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