How to Increase Breast Milk Supply

Babies, the little growth machines they are, have an insatiable appetite that demands a substantial amount of fuel. If you're on the breastfeeding journey, chances are you're keeping a watchful eye on your breast milk production, possibly harboring concerns about insufficient supply. It's a universal parental desire to ensure the optimal health and growth of our little ones, making the question of how to boost milk supply a common one among new moms. The good news is, if you find yourself grappling with production challenges, there's a plethora of strategies to enhance your milk supply. Stick around to discover the ideal milk production, the factors contributing to low supply, and effective methods to give it a healthy boost.

In this article:

·      How much milk should I be producing?

·      What causes low milk supply?

·      How to increase milk supply

·      How long does it take to increase milk supply?

How Much Milk Should I Be Producing?

If you're exclusively breastfeeding and your little one is right on track with healthy weight gain, chances are your milk supply is in good shape. There's generally no need to stress about boosting breast milk production, even if your baby appears particularly hungry or fussy. Maintaining a healthy milk supply often boils down to the straightforward approach of breastfeeding whenever your baby signals hunger, allowing your body to naturally regulate the rest of the process.

Stephanie Nguyen, RN, IBCLC, a board-certified lactation consultant and the founder of Modern Milk, a breastfeeding clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona, sheds light on the hormonal dance that initiates milk production. "Breast milk supply is hormonally driven in the first few days following delivery," she explains. Breastfeeding triggers the release of prolactin, the hormone responsible for orchestrating breast milk production.

However, the simplicity of this hormonal mechanism is soon joined by the intricate dance of supply and demand. Essentially, the more you nurse, the more your body produces to keep pace with your baby's needs. It sounds like a foolproof system, but as any new mom will tell you, things aren't always that clear-cut.

Katie Page, a certified nurse-midwife in Lynchburg, Virginia, notes that many new parents struggle with understanding their newborn's feeding requirements, often assuming they need more than they actually do. This confusion sometimes leads moms to believe they have low milk supply, adding to the stress of the situation. Unlike their bottle-feeding counterparts, breastfeeding moms can't visually gauge how much milk their baby is consuming, contributing to the anxiety. Nevertheless, Nguyen reassures that "90 percent of moms have the ability to make enough milk for their baby."

How Do I Know If My Milk Supply Is Low?

But how do you know if your milk supply is genuinely low? Unfortunately, your little one can't articulate their hunger verbally post-feeding. Still, they provide subtle hints. Watch out for signs such as:

·      Stalled weight gain: While it's normal for babies to lose up to 10 percent of their birth weight initially, they should regain it by the time they reach the 2-week mark. If your baby struggles to pack on the pounds, it might indicate a potential supply issue.

·      Fewer dirty diapers: In the first few days, your baby should wet the same number of diapers as their age in days. After day 5, a well-fed baby typically has at least two to five dirty diapers with yellow poop and four to six wet diapers with clear urine.

·      Decrease in baby activity: Lethargy, decreased waking frequency, and reduced overall activity can be signs that your baby isn't getting enough to eat. Pay attention to their body shape and energy levels.

If you observe these signs, it's crucial to understand the factors that can contribute to a drop in milk supply and explore natural ways to increase it.

What Causes Low Milk Supply?

When you suspect that your baby might not be getting enough milk, panic can easily set in, and we get it – combining panic with those postpartum hormones is no one's idea of a good time. However, before you let the worry take over, take a deep breath and relax. The enigma of low milk supply, though it may seem elusive, is often solvable. Let's delve into the common causes that might be behind this concern:

1. Not feeding enough: In the initial weeks after delivery, babies can be incredibly sleepy, potentially sleeping through feedings. If your little one is gaining weight adequately, letting them sleep is fine. However, if weight gain is a concern, it's time to rouse your sleepyhead. How? According to Barbara Cohen, IBCLC, RLC, LLLL, a board-certified lactation consultant, unswaddle them, remove any warm hats, and free those tiny hands from mittens. These actions should help wake them up enough to meet their daily feeding recommendations. During the first few weeks, breastfeeding should occur approximately eight to 12 times a day, translating to roughly every two or three hours.

2. Supplementing with a bottle: Generally, your body adjusts milk production based on your baby's breastfeeding demands. If you introduce bottles instead of breastfeeding directly, it's crucial to pump while your baby bottle-feeds. Skipping the pumping session may mislead your body into thinking your baby needs less milk, potentially leading to a decrease in supply.

3. An ineffective latch: The issue might not be how often your baby breastfeeds but rather how effectively they're latching onto the breast. A poor latch can hinder the breastfeeding process, as Stephanie Nguyen, RN, IBCLC, explains. A good latch ensures more milk is extracted, promoting increased milk production.

4. Using a pacifier: If your baby uses a pacifier frequently, it can satisfy their sucking needs, potentially masking hunger cues. If you plan to introduce a pacifier, wait until your baby is 3 or 4 weeks old and your milk supply is well established.

5. Drinking alcohol or smoking: Both alcohol and smoking can negatively impact milk supply. Smoking may additionally slow down your let-down reflex, making nursing more challenging. It's advisable to avoid these substances if you're grappling with low milk supply.

6. Born prematurely: Preemie babies, due to their size and strength limitations, may struggle with breastfeeding. Pumping can be an effective strategy to boost milk supply in such cases. Prompt pumping is crucial after premature birth or separation from the baby to establish a robust milk supply.

7. Health issues or medications: While common illnesses like a cold or the flu might temporarily affect milk supply, certain health conditions (e.g., polycystic ovary syndrome or thyroid issues) or prior breast surgeries can have a lasting impact. Certain medications, including combined contraceptive pills or decongestants, can also influence milk supply. Always consult with your doctor before taking any medications that might affect milk production.

8. Advanced maternal age: Women over 35 giving birth for the first time might face challenges in maintaining milk supply. Nancy Clark, BS, IBCLC-RN, recommends early stimulation and consulting with a lactation consultant during pregnancy to maximize milk supply from the beginning.

How to Increase Breast Milk Supply

Experiencing a dip in breast milk supply is a common concern, but fear not, as it's a challenge with various natural solutions. The good news is that many of these remedies are simple to incorporate into your routine. If you're feeling like your milk supply needs a lift, read on for effective ways to increase it.

Pumping to Increase Milk Supply:

Utilizing a pump, preferably a hospital-grade double pump, can be a game-changer. It's recommended to pump for every missed feeding or when your baby receives a supplemental bottle of breast milk or formula. Additionally, expressing any remaining milk after each feed is a beneficial practice. If you're wondering how to increase milk supply through pumping, consider power pumping. This involves pumping for 20 minutes, resting for 10, pumping for 10, and repeating the cycle for an hour each day. This method signals the body to produce more milk.

Foods to Increase Milk Supply:

Certain foods have gained a reputation for aiding milk flow. Incorporating these into your diet can complement other methods of increasing milk supply. Here are some noteworthy options:

·      Oatmeal: Whether it's quick oats, regular oats, or steel-cut oats, oatmeal is hailed for its ability to boost milk supply. In some cultures, oats are blended with water, strained, and the resulting milky water is consumed to enhance supply.

·      Brewer’s Yeast: Although not the tastiest, brewer’s yeast, commonly used in beer and wine production, is known for its effectiveness in increasing milk supply. It's rich in iron, protein, and B vitamins and is often a key ingredient in lactation cookies.

·      Flaxseed: Packed with omega content, flax seeds are among the best natural ways to increase milk supply. Milkin’ Cookies, a lactation treat containing flaxseeds, oatmeal, and brewer’s yeast, is a popular choice.

·      Water: Staying well-hydrated is crucial for maintaining a good milk supply. Drinking an eight-ounce glass of water each time you breastfeed, along with a few more throughout the day, ensures your body has the necessary fluids for ample milk production.

·      Barley, Hops, and Fennel: These ingredients, commonly found in beer, may support your milk supply efforts. Now that you can indulge in an occasional beer post-pregnancy, it's good to know that these elements might contribute to boosting your supply.

Incorporating these natural solutions into your routine can contribute to a healthier and more robust milk supply. Remember, the key is consistency, so make these practices a part of your daily breastfeeding journey.

How Long Does It Take to Increase Milk Supply?

Curious about the timeline for boosting your milk supply? Unfortunately, there's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Barbara Cohen notes, "It's impossible to know how long it'll take to increase milk supply. It depends on why the supply was low to begin with." However, the silver lining is that most methods you try will either show relatively quick results or indicate their ineffectiveness. In other words, you don't have to commit to months of fenugreek consumption in hopeful anticipation—either you'll observe an increase in milk supply shortly, or you won't.

It's crucial to emphasize that the most effective ways to boost milk supply involve relaxation, maintaining a healthy diet, and frequent nursing. If you find yourself still struggling despite these efforts, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor or a lactation consultant. Their expertise can provide answers to your questions and offer solutions to help both you and your baby get back on track. Remember, the key is to stay informed, proactive, and responsive to your unique situation.