Now that you and baby have gotten the hang of breastfeeding basics, it’s very common if you might be feeling unsure if you’re making enough milk. One of the many questions that might go through your mind is, “how can I start increasing milk supply?” If baby is gaining weight well, you probably don’t need to be worried about low milk supply. However, if you feel you do have low breast milk supply, there are a few ways to address this concern.
Your breast milk is produced on a supply and demand basis. How often and how much milk is removed from the breast are the main factors that determine how much milk will be made. In other words, the more often the milk is removed from the breasts (by baby or breast pump), the more milk the breasts will produce.
You can increase the frequency that you empty your breasts to start signaling your body to produce more milk. Some moms have seen a great response to adding an evening or early morning nursing or pumping session. Make sure you’re nursing or pumping at least 8 times a day. If you’re exclusively pumping your breast milk for your baby, double pumping (pumping on both sides at once) will yield more milk and decrease the amount of time you spend pumping.
Another way to boost your supply is to breastfeed and then pump. Sometimes your breasts may not feel completely “empty” after nursing, so add a pumping session right after your baby finishes eating. This will stimulate your body to produce more and start increasing milk supply – even if it’s just a little bit. Every drop counts!
Taking good care of yourself can also impact your breast milk supply, and potentially increase breast milk production. Try keeping healthy snacks and bottles of water stashed by your bedside table, or the chair or couch where you most frequently nurse. Find time to relax and focus on yourself – take a bath, take a nap, read a book. It may seem nearly impossible to find the time, but by taking care of yourself you are taking care of your baby, too!
If your concerns about low breast milk supply go beyond what’s been suggested, you can always reach out to a lactation professional. An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant can help determine if you do need help with your milk supply, and work with you to find ways to address the issue.
Some moms have turned to lactation enhancements (galactagogues) to increase breast milk production. Studies are mixed as to their effectiveness, but each mom should inform herself and make the appropriate choice for her breastfeeding journey. Teas, cookies, and smoothies containing herbs like fenugreek or alfalfa, or common ingredients like flaxseed meal, oats, and brewer’s yeast, oshikundu, beer and certain juices are used as natural lactation enhancements. Be sure to consult with your doctor or lactation consultant before utilizing these products to ensure their safety and efficacy.
Article published from mendela.com