How to Increase Breast Milk Naturally

One of the most common questions for new mothers is how to increase the supply of breast milk. If you are concerned that your baby is not getting enough because your body is slow to produce milk, there are a few simple ways to increase the production of breast milk naturally.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Allow your baby to suckle more frequently and for longer periods of time. When your baby suckles, your body is given the message that it needs to produce more milk. Often, simply allowing your baby to suckle longer and more often can quickly increase the amount of breast milk your body produces naturally.

2. Permit feeding to last until the baby is finished. Never stop a feeding prematurely, as it can affect your body's natural triggers to produce milk. Furthermore, the portion of breast milk your baby takes at the end of feeding contains healthy fat imperative to growth and weight gain, and allows the baby to go longer between feedings.

3. Take care of yourself and your body by drinking plenty of water and juices, as fluids are essential in your body's milk production. Drinking excessive amounts of fluids will not increase your milk supply, however proper hydration is important. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, get plenty of rest and reduce stress. A strong body has more energy to produce the adequate amount of breast milk for your baby.

4. Increase your caloric intake. While new mothers are often preoccupied with losing the baby weight and are trying to reduce calories, breast-feeding requires at least an extra 500 calories per day. Too few calories and your body will not have sufficient energy for proper milk production.

5. Drink tea containing the natural herb fenugreek to increase milk supply. Fenugreek may be the most effective herbal enhancer of breast milk production, and is readily available in tea form. Fenugreek is a natural expectorant whose only side effect is to give your breast milk a slight smell of maple syrup. The amount of tea you drink depends on the manufacture's directions.

Tips & Warnings

• It is often said that drinking beer can increase your body's milk production; however, studies show that babies do not like the taste of milk when it contains small levels of alcohol. While your body may produce more milk for a time, it causes your baby to nurse less, which will naturally decrease your body's triggers to milk production.

[ebryar]

on 2/15/2009 i am a lactation consultant and your body will make the milk it needs for your babies. just be sure that you switch which baby gets which breast. that way your breasts will not get lopsided. there is almost always a stronger feeder so just keep it up. you are doing what is best for your little ones.

[ashad]

on 10/10/2008 I read in a forum that Angelina was taking a natural product ( called something like Sacred tea for nursing mothers or something like that) to increase her breast milk supply, since she had twins. Has any one hear about this product? is this true? I'm a mother having difficulties with my milk supply and doing some search I found that out. Is this true? Is there any "natural" product to increase breast milk supply? if any one knows please contact me as I'm desperated!

A concerned Mom of twins