How to increase the amount of milk
Breastfeeding is a great way to bond with your baby. However, while this
is natural, it can still be difficult for many mothers. One of the biggest
problems that needs to be solved is the low milk yield and its increase.
Why breastfeed?
When possible, breastfeeding is important because your body is designed
to supply your baby with the right nutrients and antibodies. Not all breast
milk is the same. From birth until you stop breastfeeding, your breast milk
changes to meet your baby's needs.
The health benefits of breastfeeding include reducing the risk of:
- Asthma
- Obesity
- Type 1 diabetes
- Diseases of the lower respiratory tract
- Ear infections
- Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
- Gastrointestinal infections
The health benefits of a breastfeeding mother include a reduced risk of:
- High blood pressure
- Type 2 diabetes
- Breast cancer
- Ovarian cancer
How Do I Know if My Milk Supply is Low?
Most mothers produce enough milk to feed their babies. However,
underlying health and lifestyle conditions can contribute to reduced breast
milk production. Be aware that your baby will have growth spurts where your
milk production may appear to be declining but is actually drinking more milk.
Signs that your baby is not getting enough milk include:
- Growth. Your baby may lose more than 10% of his weight after birth. In addition, they may not gain enough weight over time, indicating that you have less milk than they need.
- Diapers. Not getting enough wet and dirty diapers every day is a sign that your baby isn't eating enough. By three days, your baby should have at least six wet and three dirty diapers a day.
- Hunger. Your baby may still be restless after feeding and show signs of hunger, such as hand sucking. Usually, when children are hungry, they clench their fists. When they suckle and feel full, their hands relax. If your baby is still tense after feeding, he may be hungry.
How to increase milk production?
There are many products available for purchase that claim to increase
milk production. While nutrition plays a role in how much milk you produce, you
don't need to buy any specific foods to increase your milk supply.
- Breastfeed on demand. The more time your
baby spends at the breast, the more milk you produce. Breastfeeding sends signals
to your body to produce more milk.
You will hear that a newborn needs to be breastfed every three hours,
but babies don't follow a schedule. Instead, feed your baby when he is hungry.
Eventually, you will develop a routine.
- Ensure a proper latch. If your baby
doesn't have a deep latch on, he won't be getting enough milk. Over time, your
body will begin to produce less milk because there is less need for it. In some
children, the frenulums of the lips and tongue restrict movement in the mouth.
This reduces their ability to draw milk from your breasts.
Once you eliminate the bad lock, your production can increase.
Breastfeed your baby more often and be patient as your body adjusts to produce
more milk for your baby.
- Maintain a healthy diet. Your body uses what
you eat and drink to make breast milk. Certain foods, such as oatmeal and
coconut milk, are known to increase milk production.
Remember that you always eat for two! Feeling hungrier than usual while
breastfeeding because your body is working overtime to feed the other person.
While snacks and processed foods are okay, try eating fruits, vegetables, and
healthy protein first.
- Pump instead of feeding. If your baby sleeps longer or misses a breastfeeding session for any reason, be sure to express milk. Although pumping is not as effective as breastfeeding, it still lets your body know it needs more milk.
In an attempt to increase supplies, supplement with as little baby bottles and formula as possible. However, if you've tried all of these tips and your child still can't get enough, you still have options. You can continue to breastfeed on demand and supplement with formula after each feed.