8 Tips to Increase Breast Milk Supply Naturally

As a breastfeeding mother, you often worry about not producing enough amount of breast milk to satisfy your infant. Isn't it? Well, luckily, there are a number of safe, natural ways you can boost your breast milk supply. Here are a few of them:

Nurse Your Baby Frequently:

Breastfeeding is a demand and supply process where the production of breast milk depends completely on how much milk your baby is taking in each feeding session. Essentially, the more your little one nurses, the more milk your body will produce. So try to nurse your baby a minimum of 8 times in 24 hours.

Nurse from Both Sides:

Make sure to nurse your little one from both breasts during each feeding session. This will not only make your each breast empty but also will stimulate both of your breasts to produce more milk. Switch your baby to the other breast as soon as he begins to lose interest in sucking.

Eat a Healthy, Nutritious Diet:

Eating a healthy and balanced diet also helps you produce the sufficient amount of breast milk for your little baby. While you are lactating, aim for consuming a minimum of 1,800 calories per day to maintain your milk supply. Don't try to diet, unless your lactation consultant recommends you.

Stay Hydrated:

Drinking plenty of water is the key to keeping a good milk supply maintained. So make a habit of drinking a glass of water every time you breastfeed. Alternatively, you may consider other sources for hydration like coconut water and fruit infused water recipes, which are great in taste as well as full of nutritious vitamins and minerals.

Avoid the Use of Pacifiers and Nipple Shields:

Limit the use of pacifiers, nipple shields and bottles while you’re struggling to produce enough breast milk. Using these breastfeeding accessories not only makes your little one less likely to nurse but also reduces the amount of stimulation your breasts need. So better to avoid them!

Increase Milk Supply by Pumping:

Pumping can also be a great way to stimulate your breasts and increase your overall milk supply. The best thing about pumping is that it allows you to store your breast milk for later. So pump your breasts after and in-between a nursing session, for at least 10 minutes, to boost your milk production.

Get Enough Sleep and Stay Relaxed:

Studies show that mothers who are calm and relax produce more milk than mothers who aren’t. Loads of stress inhibits the creation of Prolactin and Oxytocin – hormones that are responsible for milk production. Hence, take enough sleep and do whatever you can do to stay relax before and during pumping or breastfeeding.

Get Help from An Expert:

Despite your best efforts, chances are you might not see any improvement in milk production. If that is the case, you’re suggested to consult a lactation expert as soon as you can. Don’t struggle in silence as your baby needs breast milk more than anything else in the first few months of his life.