Real Talk: Breastfeeding Is Harder Without a Supportive Dad
Breastfeeding is beautiful but let’s be honest, it’s also exhausting, emotional, and sometimes overwhelming.And the truth is, NO MOM SHOULD...
Mother’s Love in a Cup
If you’ve been breastfeeding and thinking, “Bakit parang lagi akong gutom?” — don’t worry, Mommy, you’re not alone. Out of 40 breastfeeding moms we asked, 37 agreed na mas gutom sila ngayon compared to when they were pregnant.
Producing milk takes a lot of energy! Our bodies burn around 500 extra calories a day, that’s even more than during pregnancy. Kaya naman, that constant hunger is your body’s way of saying, “I’m working hard!”
But hunger isn’t just about calories. Hormones like PROLACTIN, which help us make milk, also increase our appetite. Add puyat, stress, and the never-ending demands of caring for baby, and YES, it makes perfect sense why we’re always hungry.
That’s why it’s important to nourish, not just fill, our bodies. Choose nutrient-dense foods that truly fuel and support you—like eggs, whole grains, leafy greens, and of course, malunggay.
Personally, I love adding malunggay to my daily snacks or drinks. A quick bowl of lactation choco oats (rolled oats or instant oats + 1 sachet of malunggay choco), or even a simple slice of bread or a lactation cookie paired with malunggay coffee keeps me energized and helps curb that constant hunger.
Aside from hunger, breastfeeding moms often feel extra thirsty too. That’s because we lose around 25 ounces of fluid daily through milk production. So keep water close and sip throughout the day. And if you’re still feeling drained despite eating well and staying hydrated, it might be time to ask your doctor about breastfeeding-specific supplements to help replenish essential nutrients.
Mommy Dane, a mom of two and breastfeeding for 7 months, is also the mompreneur behind MomZ Clothing Wear. When asked about her go-to snacks, she shared: Instant noodles, Loaf bread, Chocolates. “These may not be the healthiest, but they’re the most convenient when I’m hungry and busy.”
Mommy Maringal — mom of two and founder of Milkmates PH, a breastfeeding support group — shares: “Kay Peanut, favorite ko talaga ang bread, kahit anong palaman, go! Kay Pickle naman, pasta all the way. Lahat ng klase, gusto ko! I guess cravings don’t really stop after giving birth. 😂”
We all have different scenarios and choices, Mommy and that’s okay.
So please, don’t feel guilty for eating more. Your hunger is your body’s way of telling you it’s nurturing, healing, and working hard.
Feed it with love, wisdom, and food that brings you comfort and joy.
You got this, breastfeeding mama! 🤱💚
Breastfeeding is beautiful but let’s be honest, it’s also exhausting, emotional, and sometimes overwhelming.And the truth is, NO MOM SHOULD...
Mother Nurture is beyond thrilled to have been part of the first-ever ENTREPINAY Conference held last April 26, 2025, at...
Why Breastfeed? Twelve years ago, when I first joined a breastfeeding support group on Facebook, I found myself asking this...