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7 Things That Really Work To Increase Your Breastmilk Supply

Are you wondering what to do in order to increase breastmilk supply? Here are 7 basic steps for you to do to ensure adequate supply of breastmilk.

Breastmilk is the best milk for babies. It contains just the right amount of nutrients. It is also gentle on your baby's developing stomach, intestines, and other body systems. However, many moms have this concern that they might not be able to provide enough milk for their baby due to low breastmilk supply. That's made some of them turn to formula milk.

1/7 Get enough rest

This sounds like mission impossible but it is vital that you take care of yourself as you breastfeed your baby. The best way to accomplish this is to get enough rest because tiredness affects breastmilk supply. When your baby sleeps, you should sleep too. Ignore non-crucial chores and prioritise sleep. Being well rested will allow you to focus on your breastfeeding journey.

2/7 Nurse often

The first few weeks after giving birth is a crucial time to establish milk supply. During this time, frequent, thorough emptying of the breasts sets and controls the level of milk production. It is encouraged to breastfeed your baby every two hours. Your baby’s sucking stimulates hormones to produce breastmilk. The more your baby demands milk, the more your supply will increase to keep up.

3/7 Express milk in between feedings

As not all babies require hourly feedings, or some moms experience difficulties with latching, the use of breastpump is highly recommended. Breastpumps work by mimicking the sucking motion that infants do when feeding, which typically results in an improved supply of breastmilk. Do pump between 8-10 times a day including through the night.

Get an effective breastpump for this purpose. Store your expressed excess milk in the fridge or freezer and it can be bottle fed to your baby when you are at work or out of the house.

4/7 Massage your breasts gently as you nurse

Another way to stimulate breastmilk production is by massaging your breast gently when you are both breastfeeding and also when not feeding. Massaging your breast while nursing can help hindmilk let down more efficiently. In the first 3-6 weeks, babies will often fall asleep at the breast when the flow of milk is slow, even if they haven’t gotten enough to eat. Breast compression helps to continue the flow of milk once the baby starts falling asleep at the breast, so the baby gets more hindmilk.

5/7 Eat a balanced diet with extra calories a day

All breastfeeding mothers should make sure she eats the right amount of food. The right diet should include foods rich in carbohydrates, protein, fats, vitamins and minerals. If you are hungry, get a fruit instead of junk or fast food.

You should also eat more than what you usually eat because breastfeeding requires an extra 500 calories daily. A breastfeeding mother should not yet think of going through a weight loss program or getting on a restricted diet for it may affect breastmilk production and leave her feeling drained of energy.

6/7 Drink plenty of fluids

Fluids does not necessarily mean water. It can be juice, milk or soup.  Drinking lots of fluids will help you replace the fluids lost in breastfeeding. Breastfeeding moms should be drinking at least 2 liters of fluids daily. Some mothers may need to drink more water each day when breastfeeding is well established.

7/7 Avoid or lessen exposure to stress factors

Research indicates that extreme stress can decrease breastmilk production. So keep away from stressors or to at least lower your exposure to them. If it is the household chores that cause you stress, then hire a maid whether part-time or full-time. Have a baby sitter come once in a while. Find some time to relax. Assign tasks to your husband or to another family member.

 


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