How can I increase my milk supply?
Real Mom Problem
“I'm not producing enough milk. Every time I breastfeed, my baby screams right after as if he hadn't eaten at all. I'm a first time mom and I just don't know what to do. I've been supplementing with formula, but I still want to give him breast milk.”
Keibe02
Quick Tips
- 1. Try supplements or foods known to increase supply, such as fenugreek, oatmeal or Mother's Milk Tea
- 2. Nurse as often as possible, at baby's first sign of hunger
- 3. Try a nursing holiday by staying in bed with your baby all day
- 4. Nurse on one side and pump on the other to build supply
Real Mom Solutions
Nurse More Frequently
-
C8BaxterNurse nurse nurse! I'd say nursing more frequently is the most important thing to do.
-
Blue_SpiralNurse on demand. Offer the breast at the SLIGHTEST sign of fussiness from baby. Offer the breast for every single instance of neediness from baby.
-
Misery_StitchesTry a nursing holiday. Stay an entire weekend in bed and just nurse constantly.
Try Supplements
-
cabrandy03Try fenugreek, an herbal supplement. You can also try Mother's Milk Tea, or steal cut oatmeal. Otherwise just nurse baby lots--that's the easiest way to up your supply!
-
ambemmonsMother's Milk is an herbal tea. It helps to make your milk "healthier" and some swear it helps boost their supply. It has a bitter taste to it but it's not terrible. I sweeten it with honey.
Try Pumping or Other Methods
-
wulfeyes05I usually feed on one side and then pump on the other and store it so I don't lose any milk. It helps keep my supply up.
-
angela.bouchardDo as much skin to skin time as possible.
