How to Increase Milk Supply When Pumping
Pumping is never a good measure of how much milk a mother is producing for her baby. Women make more milk when they are actually breastfeeding their babies. Unfortunately, this option isn't always possible. So pumping becomes necessary, but that doesn't mean it's easy. So women need to use special strategies to increase their milk supply and maximize the benefits for their baby.
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Instructions
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Pump or breastfeed more frequently. As with regular breastfeeding, the more often you pump, the more milk you will produce.
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Use a double electric pump. A double pump has been shown to extract more milk than a single pump.
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3
Relax. Stress can affect your milk output. As you pump, don't focus on what you need to accomplish or the amount of milk you're producing. Instead, relax and look at a photo of your baby.
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Take fenugreek. This herb comes in capsules that are available at your local health food store. You can take two to four capsules one to three times a day. It may cause contractions, so do not take it if you are pregnant. The herbs alfalfa and blessed thistle may also increase your milk supply.
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Avoid decongestants. These decrease your supply by preventing proper hydration.
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Eat oatmeal. Oatmeal is reputed to increase milk supply.
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Tips & Warnings
Make sure to stay hydrated and to get enough rest so that your body is able to produce milk successfully.
Don't forget to keep everything sterile and clean to avoid infection.
