Breastfeeding is a beautiful gift a mother can give her baby. In addition to the bonding that occurs during breastfeeding, mothers are providing the healthiest food available for their babies. You may find that occasionally it seems you are producing less breast milk. This can happen if you are stressed, not eating enough food, drinking enough water or getting enough sleep. Too often, mothers are discouraged by a decrease in milk supply and abandon breastfeeding altogether. This is unfortunate, because there are many things a mother can do to counteract breast milk reduction and increase her milk supply.
Frequent Feedings
The amount of milk a mother produces is based largely on supply and demand. By feeding your baby often, you increase the demand and, therefore, the supply. It is also important to feed your baby for as long as possible so that your baby gets the hindmilk, which is rich and fat and available at the end of the feeding. This way, the entire breast is emptied, which increases the signals to your brain that it needs to be refilled. If you are away from your baby for very long, then using a pump to express breastmilk will help maintain supply. Breast milk freezes well. Also, nurse your baby on both breasts during each feeding, even if he does not entirely empty the second breast.
External Factors
Breast milk is the only form of fluid your baby needs, so make sure your baby is not getting other fluids (formula, juice, water). Any other fluids he takes will reduce the amount of breast milk he drinks and, therefore, how much breast milk you make. Try not to use other nipples or pacifiers, as this can confuse your baby and cause him not to suck as efficiently. If you feel your baby is nursing inefficiently for any other reason, like a poor "latch" onto your nipple, seek the advice of a lactation consultant.
Dietary Considerations
There are things you can eat and drink that will increase milk supply. It is important to make sure you are always hydrated. Drinking plenty of water will assure you have the necessary fluid in your system to create adequate breast milk. Make sure the fluid does not contain caffeine, which may be passed onto your baby and make her edgy. A diet high in oats (Cheerios, oatmeal, oat bread) can increase milk supply. Dietary herbs such as fenugreek, anise seed, blessed thistle and caraway can be taken to increase milk production and are considered generally safe. It is important not to take combinations of these herbs unless they are included in a formulation made specifically to boost milk production. Also be sure to watch your baby for any signs of allergies to these herbs. Finally, there are prescription medications called galactagogues that your physician may prescribe if all other remedies leave you with a low milk supply.
Tags: your baby, milk supply, increase milk, increase milk supply, breast milk, breast milk, fluid your
