Weleda Nursing Oil review | Al Manara Pharmacy

I have been breastfeeding Yunus for 14 months. It's very convenient and we love it, but it hasn't always been easy. We struggled to latch on for the first few days and were advised in hospitals to use nipple shields.
The shields worked very well and we were able to feed. However, Jonah lost over 10% of his body weight during the first week. He was very upset immediately after feeding, and cried a lot at night. Out of anxiety and doubt, we fed him two 4-ounce bottles of formula daily to help him gain weight quickly and satisfy his hunger.
And weight gain did! This allowed us to be discharged from the hospital because his weight gain was significant.
Did he seem more relaxed? Not real. In hindsight, I think Jonah's fussing was normal newborn behavior. So we continued the supplements for 5 weeks, then gradually reduced the formula, and I pumped to increase my supply. We went back to exclusive breastfeeding, which is exactly what I wanted.
Eventually, after about four months, we stopped using the nipple shields as well. Jonah decided he didn't like them and pestered and bothered them until I removed them. Oh, the pain! My breasts were not accustomed to being held without the armor protecting them.
Which brings me to this review of Weleda's Beautiful Comforting Nursing Oil. Nipple creams and balms are helpful, and I used them in the early days of breastfeeding. But I really wanted something that could be used with massage, since I had pain in my breasts. I also sometimes have a milk blister or a blocked duct that needs massage and heat to get rid of. Weleda nursing oil is great for this!
“Oil massage takes care of the breasts, stimulates the skin and blood circulation and warms the breast tissue,” says Weleda.
They do not claim that their nursing oil increases milk supply. They say the herbs in the formula are “traditionally used during breastfeeding to support healthy lactation and stimulate the free flow of milk.”
However, the formula contains galactagogues (substances that increase milk supply), which have been used by breastfeeding mothers to support milk production.
It is important to note that you should not rely on galactagogues to increase your milk supply. The most natural and reliable way to increase milk supply is to increase the frequency and/or duration of feedings/pumps.
Let's take a look at the beneficial ingredients:
Fennel is a phytoestrogenic herb that women use to increase milk supply. The great thing about fennel is that research supports its traditional use. It can be applied topically as an essential oil or consumed. Fennel can also help relieve colic in breastfed infants. Read this great article for more information on how to use fennel for breastfeeding mothers.
Caraway is used by breastfeeding women as a lactation aid and to treat colic, however, there are no studies to validate its anecdotal benefits.
Marjoram is a lactogenic, anti-inflammatory herb with a history of use to support a healthy milk supply. Again, there is no evidence that it increases milk production.
An easy-to-absorb carrier oil that moisturizes the skin without being too heavy – great when your next breastfeeding session isn't too far away.
In the early days, I had a very difficult time massaging with Weleda Nursing Oil, as it is supposed to be used after feeding. I've found that if baby is group feeding, there may not be much time until the next feeding! But the herbal scent in Weleda Nursing Oil seems to fade away very quickly.
In the early days, I had a very difficult time massaging with Weleda Nursing Oil, as it is supposed to be used after feeding. I've found that if baby is group feeding, there may not be much time until the next feeding! But the herbal scent in Weleda Nursing Oil seems to fade away very quickly.
It increases the speed of letting me down. Combining massage with the use of Weleda breastfeeding oil speeds up the letdown reflex which means less work for our johns. In fact, he may be a little surprised at what he has to do, as there is so little work to get the milk flowing!
Pampering factor! Great for self care because it helps me feel comfortable and taken care of. I feel very pampered after a massage with this oil. My breasts are working hard!
Fixes blockages. The oil helps transform lumpy parts and clogged ducts. Lots of heat and massage for the win!
Increases milk production? The herbs in Weleda Lactation Oil are traditionally used to support breastfeeding, but are not intended to increase milk supply. So who knows? I can't say if this is the case because there is no reliable way to know.
Regular massage is essential to maintain the benefits. I try to massage once a day.
I recommend Weleda Nursing Oil if you like the idea of using a breast massage with oil, or if you have blocked milk ducts. It speeds up the letdown, warms the breasts, feels wonderfully comfortable, and is a great way to practice self-care.
Have you tried breast massage? What natural oils do you use? Let me know in the comments!