Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 2: Before feeding
• Method 2 of 2: While feeding
• Tips

There are many mothers who fear that they will not have enough milk to meet their baby's needs. They usually mistakenly think this, for example because the baby drinks less often, or simply gets more hungry over time. Experiences like this are part of the deal and happen to most mothers. But if your baby is not gaining weight or even losing weight, it may be wise to stimulate the production of your breast milk.

To step

Method 1 of 2: Before feeding

1. Eat at least 1800 Kcal per day during breastfeeding and drink at least 6 glasses of fluid. If you follow a weight loss diet, it can negatively affect your milk production. It will come as no surprise that what you eat has a major impact on the quality and amount of milk produced. Below are some general dietary guidelines that are important during breastfeeding:
   • Look for good sources of calcium. Calcium promotes the growth of healthy and strong bones in your child. Calcium-rich foods include: dairy products (preferably organic products), green leafy vegetables, and certain types of fish (sardines and salmon).
   • Eat fruits and vegetables. Make sure that fruits and vegetables are high in your diet; they are full of vitamins, minerals and fiber.
   • Opt for multiple carbohydrates. Multiple carbohydrates are healthier than processed ones; The latter is generally best avoided. Multiple carbohydrates are found in brown rice, wholemeal pasta, wholemeal bread and legumes, for example.
   • Choose lean meat. Lean meat is better than fat or marbled meat. Consider, for example, chicken fillet, fish, low-fat dairy products and soy products such as tofu.
2. Talk to your doctor about medications or herbal supplements to increase breastfeeding. Herbs like fenugreek, blessed thistle, or raspberries can help. GPs sometimes also prescribe metoclopramide as a last resort for mothers with too little milk production. EXPERT TIP

   Use as few pacifiers or bottles as possible while you are trying to increase your milk production. This way, your breasts will benefit from your baby's sucking needs to the maximum. As your baby gets older, it will become easier to switch between breast and bottle without compromising your nutrition. If you are feeding your child, try to give it with a spoon or syringe.

Method 2 of 2: While feeding

1. Relax. A lot of stress has a negative influence on your milk production. Before feeding or expressing, try to relax by listening to quiet music, watching pictures that make you happy, or socializing with your loved one.
   • If you want, you can put warm compresses on your breasts or give them a quick massage before pumping or feeding.
2. Let your baby drink often and for as long as he likes. The more often your breasts are stimulated, the more milk your body produces. At least 8 feedings per 24 hours is ideal, more is also allowed. If you're used to a feeding schedule, try feeding on demand to help boost production. EXPERT TIP

   Try to undress your child to stimulate skin contact during the feeding. He might drink longer without clothes. And longer feeding sessions help to produce more milk.

   • Take off everything except his diaper, but put a blanket over his back so that he doesn't get cold.
   • Take off your bra and wear a blouse that you can button open at the front to promote skin contact.
3. Try to feed with a sling. Carrying your baby close to the milk supply in a sling can encourage him to eat more often. Some babies eat better when carried around.
4. Have your baby drink from both breasts with each feeding to let your body know that more milk needs to be produced. Switch sides as soon as the baby starts to drink more slowly. The best thing is if you can switch again and offer both breasts twice per feeding session. Let your baby drink as long as possible - until he falls asleep or lets go of himself.
5. Try to take nursing leave. Crawl into bed with your baby for a day or two and only focus on feeding your baby once he is hungry. Of course you can also go to the kitchen and the bathroom, and do your other mother duties, but this holiday is all for you and your newborn child.
   • During this holiday you can try out the benefits of sleep feeding. The word says it all: fall asleep together with your favorite food at your fingertips. Mother and child both relax from this. AND it increases the production of milk producing hormones.

Tips

• Some drugs inhibit milk production. Talk to your doctor about whether any medications you are taking could have that effect.