How to Increase Lactation

It is a wonderful decision to breastfeed your baby, because of the short and long term benefits for both mom and baby. However, there are times when it might be a bit of a challenge to produce breast milk on demand in order to meet a newborn's need. It is not unlikely to have challenges lactating in a way that meets a newborn's need. However, there are very simple and easy methods in which one can stimulate milk production.

Approximately 3 to 5 days after giving birth is when a mother's milk is expected come in. If the milk production is low, the best option at this point is to increase one's water consumption prior to breastfeeding. Therefore, one should drink at least a glass of water before nursing.

If you find that increasing water consumption does not aid in stimulating milk production, then applying a warm towel is a great way to increase milk flow. First sterilize two small towels in hot water; let it cool some what, and then apply them to both to the breast. Remove both towels after 3 to 5 minutes and then breast feed. This should increase the flow of milk dramatically.

In addition, it is very important to eat a balanced meal when breastfeeding. This is essential in stimulating milk production. Moreover, the baby is also getting a balanced meal and you are maintaining your health and strength for all the work that the body or better yet, the healing the body must do.

More so, a walk after eating will also increase milk production, because you are increasing the digestive process and burning energy which increases the secretion of gastric juices.

Additionally, if all else does not give the results that you need; there is one method that is sure to stimulate milk production - fenugreek seeds and fennel tea are great for stimulating milk production almost immediately. One can purchase 1 pound of fenugreek seeds at any health food stores. In making it, pour a tablespoon of fenugreek seeds into a small pot, and then add 2 cups of water into the pot. Then turn stove to medium-high heat and boil.

After 15 to 20 minutes remove the pot from the stove and set it aside to brew. Let it brew for about a half hour or until the tea turns dark brown to black before drinking. One can add sugar or honey to taste, however that's optional.

Likewise, fennel tea can also be purchased at any health food store. Follow the instructions on the box or you can boil it the way you do any other teas. However, always make sure that you allow the tea bag to brew in the hot water before removing tea bag from cup. Then sweeten to taste.

All of the above are sure fire ways to increase lactation. Bonne chance!

TIPS AND WARNINGS:

1. Drink a cup of fenugreek tea at the start of the day and a second cup in the middle of the day.

2. Do not drink fenugreek tea before bed; because the breast lactates a great deal at nights, because of all the work the body does during sleep.

3. Do not drink more than 2 cups of fenugreek tea daily on account that there may be an over production of breast milk.

4. Monitor how much tea drank weekly, because this is only a temporary aid.

5. There can be discomfort if one drinks an excess amount of fennugreek tea.