Breastfeeding is a natural way to nourish your baby, but you may encounter few challenges. One of the most common doubts for a nursing mother is “Am I making enough milk?”. If you’re worried about your milk production, there are several strategies you can try to increase your supply.
1. Frequent Nursing and Pumping
The basic principle behind increasing milk supply is demand and supply. The more you nurse or pump, the more milk your breast will make.
Nurse on Demand: Feed your baby whenever they show signs of hunger. Feed for at least 8-12 feedings in 24 hours.
Pump Between Feedings: If your baby isn’t nursing effectively, consider pumping between feedings. This extra stimulation can help signal your body to produce more milk.
2. Ensure Proper Latch
A good latch is very important for effectively transferring milk and to ensure milk removal from breast. If your baby isn’t latching properly, they may not be getting enough milk, which can reduce your supply. Remember, the basic principle behind increasing milk supply is demand and supply.
Check the Latch: Your baby’s mouth should cover a large part of the areola, not just the nipple. Their lips should be flanged outward, not tucked in.
Seek Help: If you’re unsure about the latch, don’t hesitate to consult a lactation consultant who can provide guidance. Remember, when it comes to lactation issues “Earlier the better” so get help ASAP.
3. Stay Hydrated and Nourished
Drink Plenty of Water: Sometimes dehydration affects your milk supply. So, aim to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water a day.
Eat well Balanced Diet: Include variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, proteins, and healthy fats in your diet. Certain foods like oats, barley, garlic, meat and fennel are traditionally believed to boost milk supply.
4. Rest and Manage Stress
Physical and emotional well-being plays a significant role in milk production.
Get proper Rest: Try to rest when your baby sleeps. Fatigue can negatively impact milk supply.
Reduce Stress: Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga. Stress can interfere with your body’s ability to produce milk.
5. Skin-to-Skin or Kangaroo mother care
Spending time in close physical contact with your baby can help stimulate milk production.
Hold your baby skin-to-skin as much as possible. This closeness can encourage frequent nursing and boost milk supply.
6. Avoid Formula and Pacifiers
If you’re trying to increase your milk supply, avoid giving your baby formula or using pacifiers, especially in the early weeks.
Exclusively Breastfeed: Offer your breast primarily so that your baby’s sucking stimulates milk production.
Limit Pacifier Use: Pacifiers can reduce the time your baby spends at the breast and you may miss hunger cues, which can lead to decreased milk supply.
7. Monitor Baby’s Growth
Ensure that your baby is gaining weight and having enough wet and dirty diapers, which are indicators of adequate milk intake.
Track Diapers: Newborns should have about 7-8 wet diapers and 3-4 dirty diapers each day.
8. Consider Professional Help
If you’ve tried several methods and still struggle with milk supply, it might be time to take help.
Lactation Consultant: An international Board-certified Lactation consultant can offer personalized advice and support.
Increasing milk supply takes patience and persistence. Remember that every mother and baby are unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Trust your body and give yourself some credit as you start this beautiful journey of breastfeeding. If you need help, reach out for support – you don’t have to do this alone.
Happy Feeding!