How to Increase Milk Supply When Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding mothers are often concerned about their breast milk supply and just how much their baby is actually eating. It's not uncommon for a woman to notice a change in the amount of milk she's pumping, her baby's eating habits, or the "fullness" in her breasts. These changes often cause moms to unnecessarily become concerned about a decrease in milk supply. While it's nearly impossible to know exactly how much breastmilk a breast feeding baby is eating, if the baby is steadily gaining weight, he's getting enough. Despite this, lactation specialists are often asked how to increase breast milk supply. Read on for tips on increasing milk supply when breastfeeding.

Instructions

1. 

   Use a breast pump to express milk immediately after breast feeding your baby. You may only get a few drops of breast milk when you pump, but the few extra minutes of suction will help to stimulate your breasts to keep producing milk. Remember, if there's a demand the supply will increase.

2. Don't skip or stretch the time between breastfeeding sessions. If you're away from your baby use a breast pump to express the milk. If you're working try to pump at the same time your baby is eating. This will keep both of you on the same schedule. It will also ensure that your breast milk doesn't start to dry up or decrease. For more on how to continue breastfeeding, after returning to work, see the link in the Resources Section below.

3. 

   Drinking one beer at night can help to breastfeeding mothers increase their milk supply. The hops in the beer stimulates the production of breast milk. Just be sure to only drink one and drink it after your baby's last feeding of the day.

4. 

   Oats have also been touted as helping to increase breast milk supply. If you're nursing, try eating at least one bowl of oatmeal a day and see if your milk supply increases.

5. Breastfeeding mothers can also try Mother's Milk Tea to help increase breast milk supply. The tea has a combination of herbs in it that are thought to help with lactation.

6. Many breastfeeding mothers swear by the herb, Fenugreek. The plant's leaves and seeds are popular in the Middle East, especially India. Mothers who take it to increase lactation take it in capsule form and only under the guidance of a lactation specialist.

7. 

   Switch birth control pills and other medications that are known to decrease milk supply in breastfeeding mothers.

8. 

   Delaying your baby's start on solid food will keep your breastmilk supply up. If you notice a decrease in breast milk when your baby starts easting solids try breastfeeding before offering other food. This way, your baby won't get filled up on solid foods first, and not want to nurse (thus lowering the demand for breast milk.)

Resources

• Breastfeeding at Work