Apr 09 2009
Increase Milk Production
Tips for Increasing Breast Milk Production
Many new mothers worry that they are not producing enough milk for their infants. More than likely, everything is just fine. But if you feel you aren’t, call your pediatrician or OB/GYN for further help. If you would like to increase your breast milk production, we have a few tips that should help you along.
If you are pumping, use a hospital grade dual electric pump. These can be rented through your hospital and a minimal fee. Dual breast pumps have been shown to increase the prolactin level – a hormone that helps to produce your milk. To increase breast milk supply, pump for ten minutes after your baby has finished nursing. Do this for about three days or until you see an increase in breast milk.
Increase the frequency of pumping or nursing to every two to three hours. This will tell your body that your baby requires more breast milk, thereby causing it to produce more milk.
Nicotine is known to decrease breast milk supply. Try to quit smoking, but if you are unable to, smoke after your baby has nursed.
While you are nursing, avoid eating eggplant, green tomatoes, cauliflower or large amounts of pureed tomatoes until your baby is of a good, solid weight. These foods contain nicotine and may reduce your breast milk supply.
Avoid caffeinated drinks while nursing. Caffeine is a diuretic and may decrease your supply. It might also increase your babies movements, causing it to burn more energy and require more breast milk.
Eat something before breastfeeding. You should also be sure to drink at least 6 8-oz glasses of water a day.
Consider spending time with your baby “skin to skin.” Keep the lights low and snuggle your baby close to you, skin to skin. This can stimulate your milk producing hormones. Offer your baby the breast while snuggling.
Just as your mother taught you, sleep when your baby sleeps. If you are exhausted, your milk production will decrease. Try to get help from family members, and let household chores go for a few weeks.
If you are on medication, ask your physician if it might be decreasing your milk supply.
There are teas made from herbs that are known to increase milk supply. Talk to your OB/GYN before drinking these teas. While some may be beneficial, others may contain herbs that are harmful to you or your baby.
