Breastfeeding does not come easily to lots of new Mums despite them knowing all the reasons why breast is best. Sometimes the baby is too small to latch on properly which means the breast is not emptied fully and breast milk supply is reduced. Sometimes Mum is not sure baby is feeding properly and getting sufficient milk and this creates anxiety.  Mums are so often stressed and anxious worrying about their new baby or their work commitments that breast milk supply can drop off.  If that happens there are ways to increase your milk supply without quitting.

Regular Breastfeeding

The main way of increasing breast milk is to feed your baby on demand whenever the baby needs it. Breast milk can often drop if a Mum works to a schedule, such as four hourly feeds. If Mum then introduces a bottle to supplement feeds then breast milk will drop off further.  Some Mums like the freedom of not having to feed all the time but for others who want to continue breastfeeding long term, feeding your baby whenever he wants will ensure that supply will meet demand!!

Expressing

Premature and small babies are not going to feed sufficiently at every breastfeed which will leave the breast half full. It is worth considering here buying a breast pump for expressing the milk after your child nurses. If you use a breast pump milk production will be increased and there are also huge benefits for Mum  if you do this. I would freeze the surplus milk and pop it in the fridge or freezer then if I wanted an afternoon shopping without my baby I could leave a couple of bottles of milk for my Mum! Be prepared though for the agony of engorged breasts half way through the trip…make sure you take your breast pump with you to ease the pain!!!

I used a hand pump which worked for me but some of my friends found an electric pump far easier to use.

Relaxation

Relax and take it easy!  Your ability to  produce milk is directly related to stress.  As a result the more stressed the less milk is produced.  What does it matter if the house is not tidy? Especially while establishing breast feeding just relax and enjoy spending time with your baby use breastfeeding as a time when you are allowed to be lazy!!!  I always sat down and watched Neighbours when I gave my baby the lunchtime feed and before long hearing the theme tune relaxed my baby and my let down reflex!

Drinking an abundance of liquids

Your body needs 3 litres of fluid a day while breastfeeding to maintain breast milk supply.  So drink lots of water and before you settle down to feed get yourself a glass of water.  Stay well hydrated and drink juice (although be cautious with too much juice it really unsettled one of my babies) as well as milk as an alternative to water to increase your milk supply. According to La Leche League it is safe to drink up to six cups of coffee but for me its always wise just to try and minimise your intake so maybe have a cup of tea  or coffee occasionally.  If you can substitute it for de caf tea and coffee but don’t deprive yourself if its one of your real pleasures in your day!

Finally there are products on the market that help you increase your milk supply.  Such as Mothers Milk Tea which is recommended by some lactation nurses.  Also Innate vitamins Baby and Me Trimester III and Post and Motherlove drops are meant to help with milk production.  Always check with your doctor before taking these products.

The recommendations above are the most usual strategies for increasing milk supply. There are numerous lactation professionals if you are having problems otherwise post a question on the site and I will contact our lactation specialist.

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