If you’re trying to increase milk supply while breastfeeding, you’re in luck! Here are 5 things you can try to start seeing an increase in your breast milk output.
1. Nurse On Demand
Whether you are exclusively nursing or using a combination of nursing and pumping, one of the easiest tips to increase milk supply is to nurse whenever your baby seems hungry or fussy.
Your body will produce as much milk as is needed to meet your baby’s needs. So, with that logic, the more often you nurse, the more milk you will see!
However, this isn’t something that will happen overnight. If you want to increase milk supply, remember that it will take time before you start to see the results you are looking for.
2. Add in Pumping Sessions
Another way to increase milk supply is by introducing additional pumping sessions into your schedule. You can either add in an extra session between nursing sessions or simply add it to your normal pumping schedule.
Once again, this follows the same logic as nursing on demand. The more frequently you pump, the higher the milk output you will see!
Another popular option for increasing your breast milk supply is to power pump. Exclusive Pumping explains that “power pumping” is similar to cluster feeding with a nursing baby. Basically, you will duplicate this experience by pumping for 20 minutes straight, taking a 10-minute break, then pumping for another 10 minutes. Just make sure you are giving yourself those “break” periods in between!
3. Utilize Your Time at Night
Did you know that you actually produce more breast milk at night? The La Leche League explains that your body produces different levels of hormones during the day and night. At night, your body will have an increase in prolactin, which is the hormone associated with milk production. This means if you want to increase milk supply, you should breastfeed at night!
So, how can you utilize this time? If your baby doesn’t wake very often at night, adding an additional pumping session can make a huge difference!
4. Stay Hydrated
One of the simplest ways to increase milk supply is by staying hydrated. Your body needs enough water to not only keep yourself hydrated but also provide for your baby!
Some moms also find that Gatorade or Body Armor drinks can help increase their supply because it helps them stay hydrated.
In addition, there are also many other foods and drinks that many moms like to use in order to increase their supply. Although none of these are proven, foods like oatmeal and drinks like certain nursing teas have had good results for some moms!
5. Use Medications or Herbs
Lastly, you can try herbs and medications to increase milk supply. There are tons of options out there, but some popular ones are Fenugreek, Blessed Thistle, and Moringa.
However, just remember that while some medications and herbs may help increase your supply, they aren’t meant to be used to replace nursing or pumping. Instead, you can try combining these with additional breastfeeding sessions to see results!
Finally, make sure to check with your doctor about dosages and to make sure that there wouldn’t be any problems with other medications you are taking. It’s always better to be on the safe side before introducing any supplements into your diet while breastfeeding!
It Takes Time to Increase Milk Supply
Overall, no matter which of these tips you try, remember that it will take time before you start to see an increase in your supply. The best thing you can do is stay consistent and not give up! Increasing your breast milk supply is a process that many moms go through, but being patient, sticking to a schedule, and being consistent will bring you the results you are looking for.
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