Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 2: Increasing Lactation Before Feeding
• Method 2 of 2: Increasing Lactation During Feeding
• Tips

Many mothers worry that they are not making enough milk for their baby. In most cases, fear is based on unwarranted anxieties associated with shorter feedings or the baby's natural increase in appetite. Many mothers face similar situations during feeding. However, if your baby is not gaining weight, and worse, is losing weight, then advice on how to increase milk production may help you. Here are the tips.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Increasing Lactation Before Feeding

1. 1 While you are breastfeeding, consume at least 1,800 calories per day and drink at least 6 glasses of fluid per day. If you are dieting, it can decrease milk production. It's no surprise that what you eat and how much you eat has a big impact on the quality and quantity of milk you produce. Here are some general guidelines for how nutrition affects breast milk production:
   • Eat foods that contain adequate amounts of calcium. This will help your child's bones grow healthy and strong. Calcium-rich foods include dairy (try to opt for organic dairy), green leafy vegetables, and certain types of fish (sardines and salmon).
   • Eat fruits and vegetables. Fill your diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables as they are high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
   • Choose complex carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates are much healthier than processed carbohydrates, which you are better off avoiding. Complex carbohydrates are found in foods such as wild rice, whole grain pasta, breads, and beans.
   • Choose lean meat. Lean meats are better than fatty cuts. Eat skinless chicken breasts, fish, low-fat dairy products, and soy foods like tofu.
2. 2 Talk to your doctor about using prescription medications or herbal supplements to help increase breast milk. Plants that help increase the amount of breast milk include fenugreek, Benedictus of the Blessed, and red raspberry. As a last resort, doctors sometimes prescribe metoclopramide to breastfeeding women to increase breast milk production. SPECIALIST'S ADVICE

   "Fenugreek and Benedict Dosage may increase the production of breast milk, but you should consult your doctor about the dosage."

   
   

   

   Rebecca Nguyen, MA

   Board Certified Breastfeeding Counselor Rebecca Nguyen is a Certified Breastfeeding Counselor and Parenting Specialist. Together with her mother, Sue Gottshall runs the Family Picnic Center in Chicago, where parents-to-be and new-born parents can learn about childbirth, breastfeeding, child development and parenting. She was a primary school teacher for 10 years. She received her MA in Early Childhood Education from the University of Illinois in 2003.

   Rebecca Nguyen, MA
   Board Certified Breastfeeding Counselor

3. 3 Combine breastfeeding with pumping. Pumping is useful for two reasons. First, expressing will help you stock up on breast milk between feeds and use it later. Secondly, expressing stimulates the production of more milk.
   • Invest in a high quality milk expressing machine. Expressing is not an easy process, so it's worth buying a breast pump that does it right. If you do not have a high quality, dual breast pump, you can rent a breast pump similar to those used in maternity hospitals.
   • Try to express milk for 15 minutes every few hours, whether you are at home or at work. Or, you can use the breast pump within 5-10 minutes after feeding your baby. Using your breast pump at least 8 times a day can help you quickly increase your breast milk production. If you are having trouble expressing immediately after feedings, try doing it halfway between feedings.
   • Express both breasts at the same time. This will help you get twice as much milk in half the time, and on top of that, it will help stimulate the production of more milk.
   SPECIALIST'S ADVICE

   "If your milk supply is low, you can give your baby formula, but remember to pump each time, otherwise milk production will decrease even more."

   
   

   

   Rebecca Nguyen, MA

   Board Certified Breastfeeding Counselor Rebecca Nguyen is a Certified Breastfeeding Counselor and Parenting Specialist. Together with her mother, Sue Gottshall runs the Family Picnic Center in Chicago, where parents-to-be and new-born parents can learn about childbirth, breastfeeding, child development and parenting. She was a primary school teacher for 10 years. She received her MA in Early Childhood Education from the University of Illinois in 2003.

   Rebecca Nguyen, MA
   Board Certified Breastfeeding Counselor

4. 4 Limit the use of nipples and bottles when trying to increase your milk supply. This will ensure that the baby's sucking reflex is fully satisfied by the breast. As your baby gets older, it will be much easier for him to alternate between breast and nipple without depriving you of important breast stimulation. If you are bottle feeding your baby, try replacing the bottle with a syringe or spoon.

Method 2 of 2: Increasing Lactation During Feeding

1. 1 Relax. Stress can have a negative effect on milk production. Try to relax by listening to soothing music, looking at pictures that make you feel happy, or just hanging out with your loved ones.
   • If desired, apply a warm compress to your breasts or massage your breasts for a short time right before you feed your baby or express milk.
2. 2 Latch your baby to your breast often and let him suckle for as long as he wants. Frequent breast stimulation will increase milk production. At least 8 feedings per day are ideal, possibly even more. If you are feeding on a schedule, switch to on-demand feeding to increase milk production. SPECIALIST'S ADVICE

   

   Rebecca Nguyen, MA

   
   
   Board Certified Breastfeeding Counselor Rebecca Nguyen is a Certified Breastfeeding Counselor and Parenting Specialist. Together with her mother, Sue Gottshall runs the Family Picnic Center in Chicago, where parents-to-be and new-born parents can learn about childbirth, breastfeeding, child development and parenting. She was a primary school teacher for 10 years.She received her MA in Early Childhood Education from the University of Illinois in 2003.

   Rebecca Nguyen, MA
   Board Certified Breastfeeding Counselor

   Breast milk production depends on how often you breastfeed your baby. Breastfeeding Consultant Rebecca Nguyen says: “In the first few weeks, your body needs to figure out how much milk your baby needs and adapt to its needs. The more milk is lost during feeding and pumping, the more should be produced. If you feel that there is not enough milk, try expressing in the morning when your milk production is at its highest. "

3. 3 Try removing your baby's clothing while feeding to ensure skin contact. This can help longer feeds, and longer feeds stimulate more milk production.
   • Remove everything from the baby except the diaper, but put a diaper over his back so that he does not get cold.
   • Take off your bra and put on a T-shirt that opens in the front so your bodies touch.
4. 4 Try feeding in a sling. When the baby is in the sling, he is close to a food source, and this can stimulate him to feed more often. Some children eat more when moving.
5. 5 Give your baby both breasts in one feed to help your body produce more milk. As soon as the baby begins to suckle more slowly, give him another breast. It is best if you offer each breast twice during one feed. Allow your child to eat as long as he wants, until he falls asleep or moves away.
6. 6 Take your baby on “feeding leave”. For a day or two, lie with your baby in bed and let him suck when he wants to. Of course, you will need to go to the kitchen and the toilet and perform other maternal responsibilities, but this "vacation" should be completely devoted to you and your child.
   • During this vacation, sleep with your child, giving him constant access to the food he loves. It relaxes both mom and baby. It also increases the amount of hormones that respond to stimulating lactation.

Tips

• Yeast and barley help increase milk production!
• Certain medications are known to decrease milk production. Ask your doctor if the drugs you are taking have this side effect.