Do you think that your baby isn’t eating enough? Or do you have a low milk supply? This can be troubling and stressful for a mom and even her baby. Today, we will look at the ways that you can naturally increase your milk supply.
Signs You May Have Low Milk Supply
Before you can increase your supply, it is good to know that you have a low supply in the first place. Very few women have a low supply, but it is still good to know the signs! If your baby isn’t gaining weight as expected, if they are producing few wet and dirty diapers, and if they are dehydrated, then they aren’t getting enough breast milk. If you want to know more about the signs, read the previous blog here.
Top Natural Ways to Boost Milk Supply
If you have a low milk supply, try these tips to naturally boost your supply before trying something else!
Feed on demand
One of the ways to boost your milk supply is to feed more on demand. Pay attention to your baby’s hunger cues and feed them when they are hungry, not on a schedule. If you have a newborn, you may have to wake them up every 2-3 hours to feed them. Sometimes, they will keep sleeping because they are so tired from working so hard!
Feeding on demand also tells your body how much milk your baby needs and to produce more. Your baby’s saliva is what your body needs to tell it to produce more milk!
Ensure a proper latch
Another way to boost your milk supply is to ensure that your baby has a good latch. If the baby has a good latch then the milk will transfer better. If the baby doesn’t have a good latch, then they will just be sucking and none too little milk to actually transfer. This will tell your body that your baby doesn’t need more milk and it will produce less than what your baby needs.
Skin-to-skin contact
To boost your milk supply, you should have skin-to-skin contact with your baby. The skin-to-skin contact produces hormones that your body needs to produce more milk. These hormones work to stimulate milk-producing cells, which help to release more milk into your breasts. Being close to your baby’s stomach and feeling their warmth helps to stimulate hormones that activate lactation. Additionally, it can help reduce stress in you and your baby, and when you are less stressed you will likely produce more milk!
Breast compressions
Another way to boost your milk supply is to do breast compression. This will help to encourage your milk flow and help to get your baby more milk. To do a breast compression, you start by nursing your baby like you normally would. Once the baby is latched on, hold your breast with your other hand. Your hand should be wrapped around so that your thumb is on one side and your fingers are on the other side. Gently squeeze your breast, you shouldn’t squeeze it too hard to where it hurts, but it should be enough to where it is pushing milk out for your baby.
Switch nursing
Switch nursing can be helpful in increasing your milk supply. Simply offer both breasts during each feeding session, switching breasts about every five minutes so that your body gets the memo that your baby needs more milk!
Lifestyle Factors That Affect Supply
Some other factors that you should consider in boosting your milk supply are about your lifestyle. Things like reducing stress and getting enough rest will help to get your hormone levels up to where it should be to produce milk. You should also ensure that you are getting enough nutrition and are staying hydrated to have the nutrients your body needs to make milk.
Foods & Hydration That Support Milk Supply
There are a number of natural foods that can support breast milk production as well such as oats, leafy greens, flaxseeds, and garlic. It is crucial to have a good diet and to stay hydrated while breastfeeding!
When to Seek Help
If you are struggling with your milk supply, give these tips a try! If a low milk supply still persists, or you want more personalized guidance, contact a lactation consultant. I would be delighted to encourage you and help you on your journey!
Book and appointment here!
If you are experiencing a low milk supply, it can be stressful to go through, but you’re not alone!
Look for the next post on foods that help and hinder breast milk production.