How to boost your milk supply?
One of the first worries that a new mom feels is whether she is making enough milk to feed her child. In this blog we have listed some ways to help you boost your milk supply.
Unlike bottle-feeding, breastfeeding is concealed. That is, you don’t get to see how much milk is present in your breast and how much the baby is able to suck. The ‘blind’ or ‘hidden’ nature of breastfeeding can cause mothers to worry about their milk supply and if their baby is getting enough sustenance.
Several ways can help you determine whether your child is getting the required amount of food from your breasts. Here are some common telltale signs that your little bundle of joy is satiated.
- Your baby’s pooping and peeing regularly: If you have to change diapers frequently, you are producing enough milk to nourish your child.
- The pee is colorless: Colorless pee means that your child is well-fed and hydrated, so you don’t have to worry about producing insufficient milk.
- Happy after feeding: A hungry baby is a grumpy baby, so if your baby is content after feeding sessions, that means you have enough milk in your milk-producing factories.
- Sucking and gulping during feedings: If your child is actively sucking and swallowing during feeding sessions, it’s a sign that they are getting enough food.
- Your baby is gaining weight: One of the most obvious signs of adequate milk production in your breasts is your child’s weight. If they are gaining weight consistently, then you don’t have to worry about your milk supply. On average, a child should gain four to seven ounces of weight per week. Although some newborns lose weight after birth, it should not be more than 7% of their birth weight. If your child loses more than that, you might need to look at ways to increase your milk supply.
Why are you not producing enough milk?
Breast milk production is influenced by the demand and supply cycle. The more the demand, the more will be the supply. Generally, when your baby takes away less milk, your milk-producing factories go into a low production mode. Some of the common culprits of bringing down your baby’s demand for milk are
- Formula: If you are also giving your child bottle-milk, they will not need a lot of breastmilk.
- Pacifiers: Sucking on pacifiers can cause some babies to lose the drive to suck during feedings.
- Infrequent or short feedings: Hasty feedings will not drain your breasts properly and lead to low milk production.
How can you boost your milk supply?
If you have reason to believe that you are not producing enough milk, here’s how you can boost your supply.
Nurse on demand
Feed your baby when they ask for it.
Use both of your breasts while baby feeding
Make sure to alternate between your breasts while feeding your child.
Drain your breasts completely
Don’t rush feeding sessions. Make sure your baby fully drains your breasts.
Power pump
Consider power pumping at least 2-3 times in a week. It will empty your breasts and stimulate milk production.
Eat lactation cookies
Look up recipes and make lactation cookies. They use a lot of milk-stimulating ingredients that will boost your milk supply.
Eat and drink more
To feed your baby sufficiently, make sure you are eating and drinking well.
Get plenty of sleep
A lack of sleep can put stress on your body and lead to low milk supply. Therefore, get enough sleep every day.
Massage your breasts while milk pumping
Kneading your breasts while pumping can significantly boost your milk supply.
Consult with a lactation expert
Asking an expert for guidance can help you fix any underlying issues in your feeding ways (such as your position, your baby’s latch), which will naturally increase your milk supply.
To Wrap Up
Instead of getting stressed about not producing enough milk for your child, you can try the tips we have listed above to help.
Try different solutions and decide which works best for you and continue doing that until your milk supply reaches the optimum level.
Don’t Miss Out!
Read our blog to know more about how to care for your newborn baby – 101
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