Five Ways to Increase Milk Supply

One of the most common concerns among breastfeeding moms is the fear that they are not producing enough milk for their babies.  To preface, babies’ bellies are very tiny—only about the size of a cherry at Day 1, a ping pong ball by Day 3 and a chicken egg by the first month—so it doesn’t take much to fill them up.  This is also why frequency of feeding is important.  Most mothers are naturally capable of producing adequate milk to nourish their babies exclusively by breastfeeding.  But how can you help ensure your milk supply meets baby’s needs? 

1. Supply and Demand. Perhaps the most important thing to do is to breastfeed frequently.  The more you nurse and/or pump, the better the supply.  Newborns usually need to eat every 2-3 hours around the clock.  If you have a heavy sleeper, you may need to wake baby up during the night to make sure he’s getting enough milk, and to keep your supply up.  Be sure to nurse on both sides.  If baby prefers one side over the other or tires after emptying the first breast, pump the other to ensure equal milk supply to both breasts.
   
2. Good nutrition. There are very few foods that breastfeeding moms need to avoid.  More importantly is what mom is consuming, and that should include a well-balanced diet and plenty of fluids to keep you hydrated.  Dehydration can diminish your milk supply, but forcing extra fluids will not increase milk supply.  Drink to thirst.
   
3. Proper latch. A baby that is not latched properly will not be able to transfer milk efficiently from breast to mouth.  Furthermore, improper latches can cause pain to mom, which may encourage her to cut feeding sessions short.
   
4. Breastfeed exclusively. Introducing solid foods too early (before the 6 month mark), or supplementing with formula, will allow baby to fill up on other sources of nutrition and in turn, will cause their appetite for breastmilk to diminish.  This brings us back to point #1, that milk supply is directly correlated to how much you breastfeed.
5. Consider a galactagogue.   Certain herbal remedies, such as fenugreek, and prescription medications may help increase milk supply.  Check with your lactation consultant before starting any galactagogue.

If baby continues to gain weight, and is having wet and soiled diapers during the day, chances are you’re doing everything right and baby is getting plenty of milk!  Talk with your lactation consultant if you have concerns about breastfeeding and your milk supply.