Tips and Tricks to Increase Breastmilk Supply

Most of the present-age mothers go through a dilemma of having a low breastmilk supply. There are many reasons, which can lead to a reduction in the production of breastmilk. To increase breastmilk supply, most importantly you must nurse the baby.

When in initial days, all your body is producing is colostrum, many women think that it is not enough for the baby, and hence the mantra of low milk supply starts. Well, before your body produces mature milk, you should know that the colostrum you are producing is enough for your baby.

The Logic Behind Low Milk Supply

A baby’s stomach is as small as a cherry on the first day of birth. That means that 1 teaspoon of the colostrum every two hours is enough for the baby. Trust your body and feed the baby every time he demands milk or at the 2-hour mark throughout the day. The milk quantity depends on the demand and supply rule. Your body will start producing more milk when the needs of your baby increase.

If during this critical duration you fall into the formula hack, coming back can be very crucial. Formulas not only increase the baby’s capacity of the stomach, they also include concentrated sugars, which will lead to your baby being more satisfied with the formula.

Reasons for Low Breastmilk

The human body is a miracle in itself and while our bodies know how to deal with the situation, there are some cases when milk is actually not enough. Some of these are mentioned below

• Lower levels of prolactin hormone
• Reduced breast tissue
• Incorrect latch
• Not feeding enough
• Improper diet
• Dehydration

How to Increase Breastmilk Supply

You can easily fix most of the issues concerning your breastmilk supply

Nurse

The first and foremost thing to do when you have low milk is to nurse. Nurse the baby on demand and every two hours throughout the day. You should be nursing at least 8 to 12 times a day to increase your milk supply

No Formula

Don’t fall into the formula hack. It’s a vicious cycle. When you fall into it, coming out can be very difficult. Formula feeding decreases the baby’s demand for breastmilk and will eventually decrease your milk supply too. So, avoid formula feeding if you want to exclusively breastfeed your baby.

Eat Well

One of the very common but neglected reasons for reduced breastmilk supply is eating less. Women after giving birth get skeptical about their postpartum bodies. They tend to eat less, in order to lose excess weight after pregnancy. A breastfeeding woman requires an additional 300 to 500 calories a day to meet the bodily requirements of making milk. So make sure to eat healthy food, full of nutrients. It is advised that women while nursing should eat 3 meals and 2 snacks during the day.

Water

While we are at it, drinking water can do wonders. Drink at least 3 to 4 liters of water during the day and you will yourself feel a boost in your milk production.

Don’t Stress

Milk supply depends on your hormonal levels. It is said that the happier you are, the more milk you produce. Stress levels fluctuate the hormonal levels in the blood thus leading to lower prolactin and lower milk production in some cases. Stay happy and nurse well. You go ladies!

Pump

If you are unable to nurse due to tongue or lip tie, or improper latch. There is always an option of pumping. Pump every 2 to 3 hours to maintain your supply. If you want to enhance your supply, then one session of power pumping during the day and pumping every 2 hours throughout the day will work best for you. However, we advise consultation with a lactation consultant before you plan on pumping because everyone’s body works in a different way.

Correct Your Latch

Both the mother and baby can suffer from an improper latch because it is painful for the mother and doesn’t let the baby suck out more milk. This in turn can result in a low milk supply. An easy guide can be followed to correct the baby’s latch and get yourself out of the pain (Guide: https://wicbreastfeeding.fns.usda.gov/steps-and-signs-good-latch)

Herbs

Some herbs including fenugreek seeds and cumin are said to increase the breastmilk supply. But honestly, taking them is just a risk. While, these herbs increase breastmilk supply in some women, their consumption decrease the milk supply in other women. So before taking these regular desi totkas make sure to have a consult with a lactation consultant.

Mommies!

Your bodies are a miracle. They nurture a human being for 9 months inside themselves and care capable of feeding that little hooman being for as long as you want. So trust your bodies, and nurse the baby because that is what is best for both of you.