How to Increase Your Breast Milk Supply

The experience of breastfeeding or pumping is different for every mom. Most moms will have enough milk for their baby’s appetite, but some moms may struggle with their milk supply. Not producing enough milk for your baby can be very stressful and may even bring on unwarranted feelings of shame or guilt. Those feelings are hard to put aside as a new mom, but remember you’re a great mama no matter how much breast milk you can produce. Also, know that you’re not alone! It’s normal to struggle with with breastfeeding your newborn. Now that you know how awesome you are, let’s talk about what may cause a need to increase your breast milk supply. 

Is Your Baby Getting Enough Breast Milk?

Your baby may not be getting enough milk if you notice you’re producing very little breast milk or if you notice your baby seems hungry after you breastfeed him/her. However, that may not be the issue as there are several other reasons your baby isn’t eating enough. This can be due to latching issues, infrequent feedings or the feedings that aren’t long enough. If you’re unsure if your baby is getting enough to eat, signs include dehydration, poor weight gain and insufficient wet diapers. These can all be cause for concern to look out for. 

Reasons for a Low Breastmilk Supply

There are several medical reasons for having difficulty producing enough breast milk for your baby. These reasons include breast surgeries or trauma to your breasts, excessive blood loss during birth, polycystic ovarian syndrome, thyroid, hormonal disorders, diabetes and mammary hypoplasia. 

Additional reasons for a low breastmilk supply may be due to taking certain medications or herbs.

• Some women use birth control and experience no effects on their milk. However, for some, taking any type of birth control will significantly decrease the amount of milk you produce.
• Cold medicines containing pseudoephedrine may also decrease your breastmilk.
• Bromocriptine or methergine can also decrease your milk supply.
• Herbs that can lower your milk are large amounts of sage, parsley or peppermint.

Ways to Increase Breast Milk Supply

1. Skin-to-Skin Contact

Snuggling skin-to-skin with your baby is a great way to bond, but it’s also a great way to produce more breastmilk. Skin-to-skin contact releases prolactin, which stimulates production of oxytocin. These two hormones play a huge part in making breast milk.

2. Eat Healthy

Breastfeeding takes up to 500 calories a day. You need to eat healthy and stay hydrated to produce enough milk for your baby. Being dehydrated can almost deplete your milk supply. The best form of hydration water. Its fat free, sugar free and calorie free! You can also try infused water or seltzer water if that gets boring. Some other healthy options in moderation are fruit juice, vegetable juice and milk. These all count toward your recommended intake. When breastfeeding it’s recommended to drink more than the normal 8-10 glasses a day.

3. Pump or Breastfeed 8 to 12 times daily:

To produce more milk you need to pump or breastfeed more often. The recommended amount of times per day is 8 to 12. Getting a routine makes your body recognize that your baby is hungry and needs more milk to survive. Your body responds to the demands of the frequent feedings or pumping and should produce more milk.

4. Spare an Hour to Power Pump

Power pumping is a way to trick your body into producing more milk by emptying your breasts quickly. You will need a full hour a day to power pump for at least four days straight. Morning is the best time to do this, because your milk supply is at its fullest in the morning hours. A good pattern to follow is 20 minutes pumping, 10 minutes resting, 10 minutes pumping, 10 minutes resting and 10 minutes pumping. This sounds like a lot, but it can truly help. If you have a double breast electric pump and a hands free bra, this could be an easy way to increase your breastmilk supply.  You can also try power pumping manually, but instead of resting, simply switch sides. An example would be 10 minutes left, 10 minutes right…up to an hour. You can take resting periods if/when your hands get tired.

5. Herbs for Boosting Your Milk Supply:

According to American Pregnancy  herbs to increase your breast milk supply are called galactagogues. These herbs include fenugreek, blessed thistle, alfalfa, goat’s rue. Fenugreek is the most common herb to increase milk supply quickly. However, you should avoid fenugreek if you are allergic to peanuts or soybeans. Below are some great options that incorporate some or all of these herbs.

Legendary Milk Upspring Drink Mix 

The Honest Company Postnatal Lactation Plus

Legendairy Milk Liquid Gold

Traditional Medicinals Mother’s Milk

Earth Mama Organic Milkmaid Tea

6. Use a Breast Milk Collector

Save every drop of breast milk with a breast milk collector. When you  pump or feed from only one breast you’ll notice that your other breast will leak, which often is wasted milk. When oxytocin pushes milk down your milk ducts it happens on both sides. These breast milk savers can also be used or worn during the day when you may leak. This is a way to save your breast milk instead of letting it be wasted in nursing pads. It doesn’t seem like a lot, but it is, as it happens several times a day, this milk can be enough for one or two feedings.

I used this particular one, by Milkelle which worked well for me. Set of 2 that snaps apart for easy cleaning, BPA free & food grade silicone.

7. See your Doctor/OBGYN

If you still aren’t able to produce as much milk as your baby needs, you need to contact your doctor to discuss your options. You may need to get a prescription to help you produce more milk. 

There are so many benefits to breast milk, but if your baby is hungry, formula is the next best thing so your newborn can continue to grow healthy. 

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