How to increase the production of breast milk? Have you asked yourself the most important question about your breast milk production? That initial question should be in the form of “Is my breast milk supply really low?” It is not uncommon for mothers to feel that breast milk production is not meeting the demands of the baby due to the nature of the baby’s feeding schedules. It is best to talk to a lactation consultant if your breast milk supply is really low because many times the lactation consultant can tell you why your breast milk supply is low and what you can do to fix the problem and also how to maintain your breast milk production. at optimum levels forever. You can also contact your local La Leche League for mother-to-mother support, education, information, encouragement, and to promote a better understanding of breastfeeding as an important element in the healthy development of the baby and mother.
If you have determined that your breast milk supply is inadequate, take steps in a positive direction that will actually have an impact on producing more breast milk for your baby. Plan ahead and reserve a Saturday or Sunday when you will apply the techniques described below, which many mothers have found to increase breast milk production 24-72 hours after applying these techniques. Also keep in mind that if you are using a breast pump and also breastfeeding, you may find it difficult to maintain your breast milk supply, so apply the techniques below as well.
Pump and/or breastfeed your baby as often as possible. During the day, try to nurse every 1 ½ to 2 hours and at night, even if it means waking your baby, no less than every 3 hours. Keep track of the time your baby starts feeding until the next feeding time. This will help you discover a pattern. Your baby may increase the amount of breast milk you make because babies naturally stimulate your breast more than they express.
Nurse your baby on each breast until he is completely satisfied. A baby who falls asleep while you are nursing is a good indication that you are getting enough for your needs. Also, make a conscious effort to encourage the baby to nurse from each breast.
Use a hospital-grade electric breast pump if direct breastfeeding is not an option. Breast milk production has been shown to increase with double pumping due to a breast milk stimulating hormone called prolactin. Limit your breast pump sessions to around 10 to 15 minutes.
You may want to express milk for 5 to 10 minutes after your baby has finished nursing. This can be easily achieved by simply adding an extra pumping session once or twice a day.
Try to avoid bottle feeding or pacifiers during this period, as you are trying to allow your baby a chance to be satisfied at the breast. This will ensure that your baby learns to breastfeed, which directly impacts the stimulation of your breast milk production.
Juice, water, formula, and solid foods are items to avoid when trying to get your baby to breastfeed more often, and remember that the less your baby feeds at the breast, the less stimulation from your breast milk.
Try to eat snacks that are high in calcium and protein often.
Be sure to drink plenty of fluids, but don’t overdo it, as overhydration can have a negative effect on breast milk production.
Get enough rest. Sleep with the baby close to you, preferably skin-to-skin to increase the chance that your baby will want to nurse more often. (Research how to safely co-sleep with your baby.) Also, getting enough sleep is beneficial for both you and your baby.
Fenugreek is an herb that several mothers have found to help increase breast milk production. Combining this herb with more frequent breast feeding and/or pumping will produce the best results. Fenugreek is usually available at local nutrition or health food stores. 2-4 capsules a day is the normal dose. Within 1 to 3 days, most mothers notice an increase in breast milk production. For some mothers, high doses of fenugreek can cause hypoglycemia, so avoid taking more than the recommended dose. Fenugreek can cause urinary tract infections during pregnancy, so avoid taking it during pregnancy. Blessed thistle and alfalfa are also herbs you can use in combination with fenugreek, as some mothers have found that combining herbs works better in contrast to using a single herb alone. Combine fenugreek, alfalfa, and blessed thistle if you want to try the herbal combination approach.
Although recommending prescription drugs is not favorable, it may be a viable option if breast milk production does not increase noticeably after applying the above techniques. Your doctor may prescribe a prescription drug called Metoclopramide, also known as Reglan, if your breast milk supply is inadequate, so ask your doctor if all else fails. Depression and mood swings are potential Reglan side effects, so Reglan should be avoided if you have a history of depression. You can combine Fenugreek, Blessed Thistle and Alfalfa with Reglan.