Top 19 Ways To Boost Your Milk Supply
Frustrated and you need to increase milk supply quickly as a breastfeeding or a pumping mommy? Have you come across the idea that breastfeeding is a game of (supply and demand)? It is true that a woman’s body naturally responds to a baby’s breastfeeding habit and automatically creates enough milk.
If you are experiencing (signs of low milk supply). Some moms are able to double their milk production in less than three days. Some moms see a difference in a day while others take a few days. So a little patience is needed.
Below are the DO list to help you increase your milk supply.
- Give your baby unlimited access to your breasts
Always try to stick to a breastfeeding schedule, try going easy on your tight schedule to create enough time to give your baby the freedom to breastfeed as often and long as he/she desires. Given that the more they breastfeed, the more milk your body produces over time.
2. Try power pumping.
A strategy that many women use, so it’s worth giving a try if you need to quickly pump up your supply. This is to increase the demand for milk by pumping in addition to the normal breastfeeding routine. Naturally when babies grow, they demand more milk, thus you can use your pump to trick your body that it is happening. This is often the fastest way to boost your milk supply.
Some mothers, after their babies are done breastfeeding, they continue using the power pumping process at an extra five or ten minutes.
The routine should be followed for one hour of pumping, it works better if you do it at the same time each day. Most mothers notice an increase in their milk supply within three days of power pumping while others take up to a week to see the result.
Note, this shouldn’t be a permanent routine, it is a strategy to come back to when need be.
3. Manipulate your breasts for maximum expression at each feeding or pumping.
This helps maximize the amount of milk you realize each time you pump or breastfeed. Since it tells your body more milk is needed. The simplest approach is to gently massage your breast while your baby breastfeeds or while pumping. Use a circular motion like how you check for breast lumps during a routine examination. This should stimulate more milk release if it is available.
The manipulation is referred to as MSS (Massage, Stroke, Shake). The method doesn’t produce more milk immediately, but many mothers find it does improve milk supply when done consistently.
4. Mothers milk tea.
This is tea designed for nursing mothers, made from natural herbs believed to improve milk supply. No scientific evidence you can sip your way to a more robust supply of breast milk. It is because many mothers around the world have shared stories of amazing success with this tea. You can buy it at grocery store in your local area or you can order online.
One of the most popular options is the Nursing Mom’s Tea Kit. It contains Mothers Milk Tea plus a Fenugreek Supplement.
5. Feed your body the wholesome, healthy foods you would like to feed your baby.
A healthy body will always function better, so by taking care of yourself you as well taking good care of your baby. It is believed that brown rice, oatmeal and other grains naturally support milk production.
6. Don’t compress your breasts with tight clothing.
Compression is usually used to stop milk supply. So, it is the last thing you want to do when trying to increase your supply. Hence, putting on tight bra, even sleeping on your stomach with your breasts pressed can send signals to your body to reduce producing milk.
7. Don’t allow your baby to suck on bottles or pacifiers.
This is to help them to save that aggressive feeding action for your breasts, mostly if they not the strongest feeders.
8. If your baby naturally wants to feed in clusters at certain times of the day, let them do that.
It may be so demanding to feed so much in a short period of time, but it is worth it since cluster feeding supports healthy milk production by telling your body to produce more in expectation of the next feeding.
9. Encourage longer breastfeeding sessions.
Ideologically, your baby will empty the available milk at each feeding. This will signal your body to produce more milk.
10. Hold your baby close to ensure they are pressed on your skin throughout the feeding.
Mostly babies tend to breastfeed longer when they feel warm and safe against their mother’s skin.
11. Pay attention throughout the feeding session.
Actively engage with your baby to keep them stimulated and focused. This helps to reduce the chance of falling asleep during feeding thus giving time to empty your breasts, which automatically will give chance to more milk production.
12. Ensure your nipple shields are not interfering with breastfeeding sessions.
Once in a while shields can interfere with the milk flow from your breast to baby. Thus very important to check on that mostly if your baby seems to struggle during feeding.
13. Don’t start birth control pills unless you have an important medical reason.
The birth control pill affects your hormone levels which is most likely to have an influence on your milk production.
14. Discuss herbal supplements and prescription with your doctor.
Some mothers believe use of supplements increase milk supply fast, but remember that everything which goes into your body is passed on to the baby. Therefore advised to get your doctor’s approval first.
15. Learn multiple latching techniques and work with your baby to determine what works for him/her.
In any chance if your baby seems to struggle with latching and staying latched, give it a try to work with your baby to learn new techniques. If nothing seems to work, consult a lactation specialist.
16. Ensure your body and mind are relaxed during feeding.
If you are physically uncomfortable during a feeding, your baby is likely to be uncomfortable as well. The comfortable you are, the longer your baby is likely to breastfeed. Some relaxing time is a sauna between feedings, it isn’t only a safe option but also proven to relax you while increasing milk for the next feeding.
17. Don’t feel ashamed about the time you spend lounging in bed or a couch with your baby.
There are two most important jobs during this period of time: Relaxing your body and nourishing your baby. Cuddling your baby close and allowing him/her to feed on demand will increase your milk supply and create a mother child bond that lasts forever.
18. Keep a sling and cover-ups with you at all times when away from home.
By doing this, it allows you to breastfeed whenever your baby demands. Scope out the most private locations when visiting a new location.
19. If your baby tends to favor one breast, encourage to nurse from both regardless.
By doing this, you encourage even milk supply from both breasts.
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