How to Increase the Supply of Breast Milk

Many women stop breastfeeding their infant because they are not producing enough milk. They fear that their child is not getting enough to eat, so they begin to supplement with formula feedings. As formula feedings increase in frequency, a woman's milk supply will diminish even further. This is why it is important to increase your supply of breast milk as soon as this problem occurs.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Nurse or pump frequently. The more often that you nurse your baby or use your breast pump, the more your milk supply increases. If you frequently miss feedings, you will notice that you are producing less milk.

2. Allow your child to empty your breast. To do this, permit your baby to nurse on one side until he falls asleep or pulls away.

3. Maintain a proper diet. A mother's diet is a strong determinant in the amount of milk that she produces. The amount of fluids consumed by a woman on a daily basis is especially important. A breastfeeding woman's diet should be high in calcium and protein in order to assist with milk production.

4. Avoid both caffeine and alcohol. These two substances are proven to hinder milk production.

5. Prevent your baby from experiencing nipple confusion. Nipple confusion can be caused by bottle feeding and excessive pacifier use. These items can cause the baby to be unable to suck properly at the breast.

6. Take an herbal supplement, unless your doctor advises against it. Herbal supplements are available over the counter and combine several herbs, including fennel seed and fenugreek seed, to increase the supply of breast milk.

Tips & Warnings

• Nursing your baby produces more milk and using a breast pump can help as well.
• Drinking lots of fluids will help your milk supply.
• Nipple shields are a great tool to help with latching on, but they should not be relied on for a long amount of time. If your nipple is not getting stimulated enough because of the shield, you will not have an ample milk supply.
• Herbal supplements can cause side effects, such as foul smelling urine, gas and diarrhea.

[ashleighmiller]

on 1/10/2008 My lactation consultant also told me peppermint actually reduces milk production. And it's a flavoring in many milk-making teas! Something to be aware of.