If you are getting worried about having enough milk to breastfeed your baby. Then be reassured that there are many ways to increase milk supply.
Do You Have Low Milk Supply?
Breastfeeding is not always easy. There is no doubt that moms milk is the best for baby but it does come with challenges and you may be worried about your milk supply running low. Once you have established that your milk is low there are things you can do to help as there are many ways to increase milk supply.
It’s not always easy to tell if you have a low supply of breast milk but there are a few things which will put you at more risk.
- Using nipple shields
- The baby not having a good latch
- Drinking alcohol
- Bad positioning
- Any medication you may be taking
- Taking contraceptives
- Trying to stick to a feeding schedule instead of feeding on demand
- Previous surgery on the breasts
It is pretty rare to have a low milk supply and you may only know for sure if your breast milk is running low by visiting a lactation consultant.
However there are signs to look out for that may show your baby is not getting enough milk.
- Your baby is not gaining weight as it should be. After an initial loss in the first few days after birth your baby should be gaining around 20g per day. Seek medical advice if your baby has not gained some of that loss back after 5 or 6 days.
- Your baby shows signs of dehydration. Dark urine, dry mouth, and lethargy are all signs your baby is not getting enough fluids. See your healthcare professional if you notice any of these symptoms in your baby.
- Your baby is not producing enough wet and dirty nappies. The amount of stuff coming out can indicate the amount going in. A lack of pee and poop suggests that your baby is not getting enough milk. If you are concerned about your baby’s output be sure to seek medical advice.
If your breasts feel soft after feeding, your baby appears to be content after a feed, you can see your baby swallowing, and they release from your breast themselves you can be confident that they are getting enough milk.
However if you still have some concerns there are things that can be done to improve your low breast milk supply and ensure your baby is getting enough milk. Here are 9 ways to increase milk supply.
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Ways To Increase Milk Supply
Make Sure Your Technique Is Good
When your baby takes milk from the breast you produce more breast milk. If your baby is not taking the milk as well as it could be then you won’t produce more milk and your supply could run low.
To prevent this happening you need to make sure that you are using a good position for effective breastfeeding and that your baby has a good latch. If either of these things are not quite right your baby may not be able to feed effectively.
If you find that your baby does has latching problems or you need to try out the best position always express your milk between feeds. This will keep up the supply of milk.
To learn the best techniques for breastfeeding effectively, I would strongly recommend taking a breastfeeding class This will give you a solid foundation in breastfeeding techniques and will leave you feeling much more confident when having to deal with any problems that may arise.
Nurse Your Baby As Often As Possible
It is important to breastfeed on demand. If your baby is not too demanding then encourage them to feed more.
Try to nurse your baby between 8 and 12 times during the day and every 3 to 4 hours at night.
Frequently Switch Sides
To ensure your milk is being drained offer both breasts to your baby. Try to switch sides at least 3 times during each feed.
If your baby appears to fall asleep or lose interest then switch to the other breast. This can help to keep your baby feeding as long as possible.
Look After Yourself
In order for baby to get the best from moms milk and to keep up a good supply you need to take care of yourself.
Make sure you get plenty of rest. Sleep when your baby sleeps. If you are having problems with feeding it may be a good idea to take a few days break and just concentrate on breastfeeding.
I know it’s difficult when you are worried about your baby getting enough milk but try to stay as relaxed as possible. Avoid stress from outside influences and just concentrate on you and your baby. Relaxation exercises may help.
It’s also important to eat a well balanced diet and to drink plenty of fluids.
Consider Taking A Supplement
There are many natural herb and plant based supplements that may help to increase breast milk supply. Always check with your doctor or lactation consultant before taking any supplements.
Supplements for milk production
Try Pumping
You can encourage your breasts to produce more milk by using a breast pump. The best way to do this is to use double breast pump.
Pumping both breasts at the same time will drain your breasts much more efficiently which will improve your milk supply.
Try pumping about an hour after you have nursed your baby. Don’t be discouraged if you only express a small amount. This should increase over time.
Breast Massage
Massaging both breasts will help to clear your milk ducts. Once the milk ducts are clear your breast milk will be able to flow and your breasts will empty. Emptying your breasts will increase your milk production.
Massage gently, try not to press too hard. The massage should not hurt you. Do this daily for best results.
Avoid Alcohol
If you drink alcohol while you are breastfeeding as well as it getting into baby’s system through your breast milk it can also reduce the amount of milk baby takes.
During the 4 hours after you have had 1 alcoholic drink your baby will take around 20 percent less milk
The alcohol in your breast milk could also cause your baby to become drowsy and go to sleep. This means that baby may fall asleep during a feed and not take sufficient milk.
If you want to have an alcoholic drink you need to pump your milk before you begin drinking. You can then bottle feed your breast milk to your baby.
Skin To Skin Contact
You could try to increase the amount of skin to skin contact you have with your baby. Try before, during, and after each feed.
Skin to skin contact will increase the hormones in your body that help to get breast milk flowing.
As you can see there are plenty of ways to increase milk supply. Just relax, take care of yourself, concentrate on technique and your breast milk supply should start to increase in no time.
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