  |
|
|
|
How to Increase Your Milk SupplyEasy Tips for Boosting Breast Milk OutputPumping or nursing more frequently, drinking water, herbal remedies, eating more calories, and eating oatmeal can increase your breast milk supply.
There can be many reasons for a mother's supply to decrease. Stress, returning to work, or even baby's growth spurt can be cause for concern. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to steady or increase your milk supply. Pump or breastfeed more frequently. If you're breastfeeding, try pumping for five to ten minutes after a nursing session. Whether nursing or exclusively pumping, you can also try adding a pumping session or two during the day to increase your supply, such as first thing in the morning or after baby has gone to bed. Make sure that you're using a hospital-grade pump that efficiently removes your milk. Drink plenty of water. Make sure you're drinking enough water and are hydrated during the day. Eat enough. According to kellymom.com, breastfeeding moms should consume 1,800-2,200 calories per day to maintain an abundant supply; fewer than 1,500-1,800 calories can cause a decrease in supply and decrease in the number of calories your milk contains. Make sure to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and protein-rich foods. Rest and relax. It's easier said than done, but do make sure you are resting and getting sufficient sleep. Try taking a nap during the day or just resting on the sofa with your little one. Some sources also suggest co-sleeping with your baby. Give oatmeal a try. Many moms say that adding oatmeal to their diet increased their milk supply. Have a bowl or oatmeal for breakfast, or snack on oatmeal-granola or even oatmeal cookies throughout the day. Take away the pacifier. Your nursing baby should be sucking only at the breast -- no pacifiers. Your baby's need to suck will ensures that he or she spends enough time at the breast to stimulate your supply. Avoid supplementing. Supplementing with water, formula or juice will fill baby up and make him or her nurse less, meaning that your supply will decrease even more. Try massage and relaxation techniques. Before breastfeeding or pumping, take a few deep breaths and try to relax. Sit in a comfortable chair, play soft music and massage your breast for a minute or two before you begin to help with letdown. Herbal remedies. Fenugreek is an herb commonly used to increase milk supply. According to Kellymom.com, Fenugreek can be used short-term to boost your supply or long-term to augment supply and/or pumping yields. Mother's Milk Tea may also be effective. Be sure to consult with your doctor before taking any herbal remedies. Concerns about your milk supply can be worrisome, but with these tips you can maintain or increase your milk supply, keeping both you and baby happy. For more information: Related Articles: Easy Baby Memory Keeping Ideas Tips for Baby's First Doctor Visit
The copyright of the article How to Increase Your Milk Supply in Breastfeeding is owned by Juliet Bluth. Permission to republish How to Increase Your Milk Supply in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
|
|
|
|
