How to Increase Breast Milk Production

Whether you feel that your baby is not getting enough milk from your breasts or you are nursing multiples, many nursing mothers often wonder how they can increase their milk supply. Fortunately, there are several simple and natural ways to boost your breast milk production quickly.

Things You'll Need

• Breast pump (optional)

Instructions

Boost Your Milk Supply Naturally

1. Breast feed your baby more frequently. Allow your infant to breast feed for as long as she wants. If your baby usually breast-feeds six times each day, encourage her to nurse seven or eight times instead. When you allow your baby to breast-feed more frequently, your body will receive the message to produce more milk.

2. Offer both breasts at every feeding. Be sure to allow your baby to nurse at the first breast for as long as possible, until she slows down or stops sucking and swallowing. Then, offer the second breast.

3. Use the "switch nursing" technique. This technique is best for sleepy babies. Switch breasts two or three times during each feeding when the baby's suckling slows down and she swallows less frequently.

4. Check that your baby is latching on properly. Your baby's lips should be on the areola part of your breast and well beyond the nipple.

5. Limit your baby's suckling to the breast only. Eliminate pacifier use and offer the breast instead. If you are using supplemental food or formula, feed the baby with a spoon or cup instead of a bottle.

6. Use a breast pump in between feedings. When your baby is asleep or has just finished a feeding, use a breast pump for five to 10 minutes on each breast to provide extra stimulation and increase milk supply. Don't be discouraged if you don't produce much milk during pumping, because the stimulation is the goal.

7. Take care of yourself. Be sure to get plenty of rest and relaxation, as well as a proper diet and enough fluids. Limiting your stress, eating well and staying hydrated are keys to a healthy milk supply.

Tips & Warnings

• Contact a local lactation specialist or a La Leche League Leader if you need additional assistance. Lactation specialists can help with everything from proper latching on to feeding patterns.

• Also try herbal teas made from fennel, such as "Mother's Milk" tea, to increase your milk supply.

• Don't preemptively end the feeding yourself. Remember to always allow your baby to end the feeding by falling asleep or detaching from the breast.

References

• "Milk Supply Issues," La Leche League International

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• La Leche League's Center for Breastfeeding Information