Breastfeeding is the optimal food for baby and it is great for mothers too. But what happens when you can’t produce enough milk? Should you take supplements to boost supply?
Remember, while ingredients in products may claim to be organic milk boosters. The reality is not all milk booster work for everyone. it is important to nurse on demand or pump frequently with a good pump. There are many reports of mothers developing blocked ducts and mastitis or baby having bad reactions after the mother starts taking milk boosters.
This is due to the milk thickening or allergies that baby could have.
So, Is there a way to increase milk supply naturally?
When we aren’t producing enough breast milk, our first inclination is to panic, but that’s the last thing we want to do. Stress can deplete milk supply more than anything else. Breathe deeply and remember that everything will be OK. At the end of the day, the most important thing is that baby is fed.
1. Keep nursing
Breast Milk creation is about supply and demand. Don’t worry if your breasts don’t feel full or think baby isn’t getting much milk, the sucking reflex from your baby’s suckling will help stimulate more milk in the long run. So, anytime you can, bring your baby to the breast and let him/her nurse.
2. Nurse skin-to-skin
When you do nurse. Take off your shirt and bra and keep baby in just a diaper. Wrap a blanket around the two of you and nurse away.
This practice is not only incredibly bonding for mama and baby, it also helps release more of the hormones that produce milk, as well as the milk ejector hormones. Continue this practice during nap time, bedtime, and throughout night.
3. Don’t set a time limit on nursing sessions
If you are struggling with supply, it’s best not to schedule feedings or limit how much time baby is on each breast. Try to give baby both breasts during each feeding for more overall production. Try and spend the weekend in bed with baby, nursing as much as possible.
This works best during your confinement period.
4. Don’t use pacifiers, bottles, or food
Especially in the first month of baby’s arrival. These not only satisfy the oral stimulation, but can also reduce hunger, making baby less likely to nurse.
5. Get enough sleep and stay relaxed
Easier said than done with a newborn, but try as best you can. Studies have shown that mothers produce more milk and have a better milk letdown when they are calm and relaxed.
6. Make sure latch is right
If your baby can’t efficiently drain the breast, you may have problems with supply since the breast isn’t stimulated enough. A bad latch or any anatomical issues that are preventing a good latch from a baby being lip tied, tongue tied, or having inverted nipples can be the cause. The good news is most of these issues can be corrected, so baby and mom can breastfeed successfully.
If you’re having any issues in this department, Rejoice Pregnancy’s Lactation Specialist can help you with this with our Lactation Therapy. Click here to find out more.
7. Switch breasts
For a sleepy baby that falls asleep before they reach the second breast, stop him/her a few minutes into nursing and switch her to the other side. By doing so, you are keeping him/her awake to feed more. Keep switching back and forth when you notice baby starting to doze off until breasts are drained.
8. Double feed
Nurse and take a break by burping baby then latch him/her back on for another feed at both breasts. By burping, you are releasing gas in her stomach to allow more room for milk. When baby takes more milk, there’s a greater demand, which signals your body to increase milk supply.
Breastfeeding Is Hard, But You Got This!
When we aren’t producing enough breast milk, our first inclination is to panic, but that’s the last thing we want to do. Stress can deplete milk supply more than anything else. Breathe deeply and remember that everything will be OK. At the end of the day, the most important thing is that baby is fed.
Though there’s no one secret formula that works for everyone but there are absolutely ways to increase your milk supply. Just remember that building a healthy milk supply takes time and patience. Breastfeeding does get easier!
Did you know that we can help you prepare for breastfeeding without causing birth induction? Engorgement, Lack of Milk Supply and Blocked Ducts days are over!
learn more about Rejoice Pregnancy’s Lactation Therapy!
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