Breastfeeding Moms: Increase Your Milk Supply!

One of the common reasons that many women stop breastfeeding is that they are not producing enough milk. They feel that their child is not getting enough to eat, so they begin to supplement with formula. The formula feedings become more regular and your milk supply diminishes even more. This is why it is important to try and increase your milk supply as soon as possible. The following are some simple ways that you can help keep your breast milk supply abundant.

Nurse or Pump Frequently

The more often that you nurse or use your pump, the more your milk supply will increase. If you skip feedings or formula feed often, then your milk will deplete. Nursing will produce more milk, but pumping can help keep it going as well. Emptying your breasts will also help your supply. To do this, let your baby nurse until he falls asleep or pulls away.

Diet

Your diet is another determinant in your milk supply. The amount of fluids that you intake is especially important. Drink plenty of water. Breastfeeding takes a lot out of you and you will need to ensure that you stay healthy during this period. A diet high in both protein and calcium can also assist in milk production. It is important to avoid both caffeine and alcohol. Not only are these two things bad for you and the baby, but it can also adversely affect how much milk that you are producing.

Avoid Nipple Confusion

Another common cause of low milk supply is when the baby is experiencing nipple confusion. Nipple confusion can be caused from a number of things. Bottle feeding can cause your baby not to suck properly when you return him to the breast. The overuse of pacifiers can also cause this problem. If they are sucking too long on pacifiers, the baby may not suck long enough when at your breast. Nipple shields can be a great tool to use if you are having trouble getting your baby latched on to your breast. However, you should not rely on them for a long amount of time. If your nipple is not getting stimulated enough because of the shield, you will not have an ample milk supply.

Herbal Supplement

Another option that you have to increase milk production is to take an herbal supplement. A popular brand, More Milk Plus, has been proven quite effective for many breastfeeding mothers. This supplement is a combination of the herbs: fenugreek seed, blessed thistle leaf, nettle leaf and fennel seed. The product takes between one and three days to work. Many women take More Milk Plus simply long enough to boost their milk supply while others continue using it throughout the duration of the breastfeeding. The only side effects reported from this product is funny smelling urine, occasional gas and loose stools.

Most doctors recommend that you breastfeed for at least the first year of life. If you have a low milk supply, this makes it near impossible to do. This is why it is important to do everything that you can in order to increase milk production.