By Anna Cave-Bigley
Before I had my son, I thought breastfeeding was simple—your body makes milk, the baby drinks it, and that’s that. I had no idea just how much science, stamina, and straight-up biology goes into it.
No one told me that in the first few days, your body produces colostrum—a thick, golden liquid packed with immune-supporting antibodies, gut-healing properties, and more nutrients than any formula on earth. I didn’t know that prolactin (the milk-making hormone) spikes at night, meaning your late-night feeds are the most important for supply. And I definitely didn’t realise that milk isn’t just food—it’s alive, constantly changing to meet your baby’s exact needs.
Breastfeeding is a biological masterpiece, but it’s also one of the most demanding things a new mum can do. So if you know someone about to start this journey—or if you’re about to begin it yourself—here’s what actually helps.
1. Hydration That Replenishes What’s Lost
Breastfeeding doesn’t just make you thirsty—it actively pulls water, electrolytes, and minerals from your body to create milk. If you’re not replenishing properly, you’re at risk for dehydration, fatigue, and supply dips.
The problem? Water alone isn’t enough. It hydrates, but it doesn’t replace the essential micronutrients lost through feeding. That’s why breastfeeding mums often crave something more substantial—something with depth, warmth, and nourishment.
That’s exactly why I created The SABI Breastfeeding Herbata—because proper hydration isn’t just about drinking more, it’s about drinking better.
This infusion is packed with:
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Moringa, one of the most nutrient-dense plants on earth, loaded with iron, calcium, and antioxidants to prevent postpartum depletion.
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Oat straw, rich in magnesium and silica, helping to support the nervous system and keep stress levels in check.
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Fennel and cinnamon, which don’t just taste good—they help support digestion, balance blood sugar, and naturally aid milk production.
I started drinking it multiple times a day, and I noticed a difference immediately. My energy felt more stable, my thirst wasn’t relentless, and I wasn’t dealing with that mid-afternoon crash that hit when I was running on just coffee and water.
Pro Tip: Brew a big batch in the morning, pour it into an insulated bottle, and sip throughout the day. No effort, maximum hydration.
2. Understanding the Science of Milk Supply (and What Actually Helps)
The first few weeks of breastfeeding are like a hormonal crash course. The body is learning how much milk to make, and the entire system is regulated by supply and demand.
Here’s what most people don’t realise:
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Milk is produced based on how often the baby feeds—more feeding signals the body to make more.
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The fatty content of milk increases throughout a feed, which is why letting babies nurse until they’re full (rather than switching sides too soon) is key.
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Milk composition changes depending on the baby’s needs—during growth spurts, it contains higher fat and calorie content; when a baby is sick, breastmilk produces more immune-boosting compounds.
One of the biggest mistakes first-time mums make (and I did too!) is worrying too much about supply before the body has regulated itself. In the early weeks, your baby might want to feed constantly—not because you’re not making enough, but because that’s how your body learns to produce the right amount.
That’s where milk-supporting foods and hydration make a huge difference. I focused on slow-release energy sources, making sure every meal had protein, healthy fats, and fibre to keep my body fuelled. And of course, I always had Breastfeeding Herbata next to me to keep hydration levels up.
3. The Role of Oxytocin & How to Encourage Let-Down
Let-down—the reflex that releases milk—isn’t just physical. It’s deeply hormonal, regulated by oxytocin (the “love hormone”).
That’s why stress can literally stop milk from flowing. If a mum is anxious, overwhelmed, or uncomfortable, her body produces cortisol instead of oxytocin, making it harder for milk to be released.
I learned this firsthand. The times I was stressed, rushing through a feed, or feeling pressure to “get it right,” my let-down stalled. But when I relaxed—when I took a deep breath, sipped my tea, and reminded myself that my body knew what it was doing—everything flowed.
This is why creating a calm feeding environment is one of the best gifts you can give a new mum.
For me, that meant:
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A warm cup of The SABI Calming Herbata before evening feeds, helping my body settle into a state of relaxation.
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A quiet space where I didn’t feel rushed or distracted.
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Reminding myself that breastfeeding is not just about milk—it’s about connection.
If you’re supporting a first-time breastfeeding mum, remind her: her body is designed for this. And stress is the biggest obstacle to flow.
4. Night Feeds & The Prolactin Connection
Night feeds aren’t just about keeping the baby full—they’re actually biologically critical for milk supply.
Between 2 AM and 5 AM, prolactin levels peak, meaning the body is most efficient at producing milk during these hours. That’s why babies instinctively feed more at night—it’s not a bad habit, it’s biology.
This is where making night feeds easier can be a game-changer. I started setting up a small tray next to my bed with:
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A pre-brewed thermos of Breastfeeding Herbata, so I didn’t have to stumble to the kitchen.
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A light snack to keep my energy up.
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A cozy blanket so I didn’t shiver through the feed (because temperature drops can also impact let-down!).
This small change transformed night feeds from something I dreaded into something that felt peaceful.
The Right Support Makes Everything Easier
Breastfeeding is biological, instinctive, and beautifully complex—but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. It takes nourishment, hydration, patience, and the right environment to make it sustainable.
For first-time mums, the best gift isn’t just encouragement—it’s real, tangible support. A warm cup of Breastfeeding Herbata. A reminder that milk supply is built through trust, not stress. A space to slow down and let their body do what it was designed to do.
Because when a mum feels nourished, informed, and supported, everything else falls into place.
HORMONAL & PROUD
Created as a brand to help women navigate the toughest moments in pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum — and practically every stage of life –– The SABI is changing the narrative around our hormones from one of taboo, embarrassment, and loneliness to awareness and even, pride. As more than a wellness brand, The SABI offers a carefully-crafted line of products to carry you through your hormonal journey, including rituals, supportive tools, and ancient herbal remedies that have been tested time and time again by women and now come backed by medicine. The SABI is a blend of science and nature conceived by women who have experienced the joys and deep struggles of bringing a child into the world, the pains of a heavy, difficult period, miscarriage, and difficulty conceiving.
We invite you to get to know your body and its cycles better –– to really understand what is going on inside. Learn to use your hormones to your advantage no matter your stage of life, and know that you can support and balance your hormone levels. We are here to help with the information, understanding and natural tools to support your body and the emotional process along with it.
