For those moms asking the question, “Is my baby getting enough breast milk?” I want to provide 5 incredible ways to boost milk production.
Having a concern about whether a child is getting enough, is a common worry for moms. This worry often precipitates the search for ways to increase milk supply. It’s common for moms to question their milk production somewhere along the breastfeeding journey. Unfortunately, there it can be true that the perception of low milk production is more common than the actual problem.
Therefore, before requesting for information about things to boost breast milk supply, it is important to get your facts right. The internet has unlimited solutions for low milk supply. But out of the plethora of content, only a few provide credible evidence to support the proposed methods. This post is intended provide proven ways to boost milk supply.
What is Low Milk Supply and What are the Causes?
When new moms begin breastfeeding they are prone to question their breast milk production. Some even think the supply is low when it’s actually not. This is mainly attributed to the loss of the feeling of breast fullness or when the nipples stop leaking. However, this doesn’t signify low milk supply; it’s a positive sign that your body has adjusted to the baby’s feeding demands.
Your breast milk supply may diminish for different reasons. These factors include:
- Nipple pain caused by the failure to breastfeed often enough.
- Ineffective latch on technique
- Lethargic nurser
- Medication
- Insufficient glandular tissues
- Hormonal problems
- Use of hormonal birth control
Signs Your Baby is Not Getting Enough Milk
Are you suspecting a decline in your milk supply? Here are some signs that can help you ascertain your worries:
- Weight gain:
This is the best way to tell if the baby is getting enough breast milk. If your little one is gaining about an ounce a day for the first three months and half an ounce from 3 to 6 months, all is well.
- Frequent nursing:
If your baby is nursing frequently (after every 2 to three hours) for at least 8 times a day, it’s a good sign.
- Stool:
If the baby has at least 3 stools in a day in the first month and the stool turns yellowy mustard in color after the fifth day, no need to worry.
- Do you hear the baby swallow milk? The supply is ok.
- The baby is healthy and active
- How often does the baby wet the diapers? If it’s approximately 7 or 8 times for cloth diapers and 5 to 6 for the disposables, trash your worries.
Myths About Milk Supply
We need to clear up some myths about breast milk production. Does breast size affect milk production? If this is one of your worries, rest assured that the size of your breast doesn’t affect milk supply. So if your breasts are small, rid yourself of worries. Your breasts have the capacity to produce enough milk for your little one.
5 Incredible Ways to Boost Milk Production
Sometimes, despite your best effort, the milk supply might not be sufficient naturally. For this reason, you have to look for ways to boost the production. The following are incredible ways to increase the production of breast milk.
- Feed! Feed! Feed!
There is no shortcut to bountiful breast milk supply. Breastfeeding your baby is the foundational rule for increasing your milk supply. It’s always wise to feed on schedule. This is because our bodies are created to produce more milk when milk is removed. Therefore, to boost your milk supply you need to breastfeed often enough. Always offer your little one the breast whenever he/she appears to want to feed.
You also must consume a well-balanced diet. Your body will respond correctly only if you fuel it properly. Increase your intake of fresh vegetables and fruits, and incorporate more milk-boosting recipes into your diet plan.
Here are some foods that boost lactation:
- Cookies
- Oatmeal
- Garlic
- Carrots
- Nuts
- Fennel
- Green Papaya
- Ginger
- Sesame seeds
- Improve Your Latch Technique
Incorrect latch is one of the biggest causes of poor milk production. A proper latch technique helps you to stimulate and empty the breast more effectively. When your little one is latched on correctly, he/she is able to suckle more easily. This means the baby is able to stimulate the breast to release milk, and as more milk is released, more will be produced to replace it.
At the right positioning, the baby gets a good mouthful of breast. You will also hear him/her swallowing milk or see the pause on the suck while they swallow. If you have sore nipples, it may signal poor latching technique.
- Hydrate
Drinking sufficient fluids doesn’t directly impact breast milk supply, but it’s vital to replenish lost fluids. On average, moms produce 20 to 40 ounces of milk per day. Thinking about this, I can’t really stress it enough. To maintain a steady supply of breast milk, you must replace the lost body fluids. The best way is to increase your intake of fluids, particularly water. Don’t wait to feel thirsty to take water. When you feel thirsty, it’s a sign you are mildly dehydrated. Make it your habit to drink a glass of water every time you breastfeed.
- Limit Intake of Alcohol and Caffeine
Alcohol and caffeine dehydrate your body and can cause low milk supply. It’s often advisable to limit the consumption of these two if you want to maintain a solid milk supply. Also, the two can get into your baby’s system via breast milk.
- Take Breastfeeding Supplements and Herbs
Some mothers are firm on the belief that certain herbs increase the production of breast milk. Although there is no scientific evidence to support the claims, the herbs have been passed through generations. If you are experiencing low milk supply, you can try some of these herbs to boost the production. Some of these herbs include (affiliate links provided for your convenience):
Conclusion
With the right support and information, many moms can produce enough milk. If you have noticed a decline in your supply consult your breastfeeding specialist and try to establish the real cause. Sometimes increasing the supply of breast milk is not as straightforward as you may think. It’s very important to consult a lactation specialist if the above methods fail to boost the supply. The specialist should be in a position to provide more personalized information depending on your medical history.
About The Author:
Jessica is the mother of one, a Chief, and a lover of the great ideas. You can find her journey through motherhood one her blog Take Care Baby.