How to increase milk supply

How to increase milk supply. Most of the time, even if you are unaware of it, your body produces just what your baby needs, despite the concerns of many mothers who worry about poor milk production. There are several techniques to determine whether your infant is receiving enough milk. There are methods you can use how to increase milk supply if you aren’t producing enough. Additionally, the WIC breastfeeding staff is always willing to assist.

About milk supply: how to tell whether babies are getting enough breastmilk

If given the proper information, encouragement, and care, the majority of mothers are able to breastfeed and produce adequate milk for their infants. However, many mothers continue to fret that they don’t produce enough breastmilk.

The easiest approach to determine your milk production and whether your infant is receiving enough milk is to observe their growth and diapers.

Indicators that infants are consuming enough milk

Your baby:

• after the first few days of life, has at least 6 wet cloth diapers or 5 very wet disposables in 24 hours, with clear or pale pee (in the first days, babies might have only 2-3 wet nappies)
• if they are younger than 6 to 8 weeks old, gets soft poops 3 to 4 times a day (an older baby is likely to do fewer poos)
• has toned muscles and good skin
• after and between feeding, is awake and generally content
• is expanding in length and head circumference, and gaining some weight.

Signs of inadequate milk intake in infants

In the first week of life, it’s typical for babies to lose a little bit of weight. The following signs that your baby may not be receiving enough milk are:

• are not putting on weight
• less than six moist cloth diapers or five very wet disposables in a 24-hour period
• not more than one soft poop in a 24-hour period.

How to increase milk supply

Offer extra breastfeeds

Your breasts receive a signal to produce more milk each time your baby drinks some of your milk. Therefore, nursing a couple more times per day will boost your supply. Because young babies have small stomachs and become hungry quickly, frequent feeding is acceptable.

To breastfeed more frequently, try these methods:

• To begin with, aim for breastfeeding at least 8–12 times each day.
• Provide more “snack” breastfeedings. If you are currently nursing your baby every three to four hours, you might be able to squeeze in some snacks in between feeds.
• If your baby doesn’t fall asleep after a feed, give them a “top-up” feed. You’ll have more milk after 20 to 30 minutes, even if your infant has exhausted your breasts. If your infant doesn’t fall asleep after these top-ups, try them again numerous times.
• Feed more frequently in the evenings or provide an additional nighttime feeding. More frequent feedings at night may result in an increase in milk production since prolactin levels are higher at that time of day.
• If your baby sleeps for a long time or is typically exhausted and won’t nurse frequently, wake him or her to feed. You can even attempt feeding your baby if you notice them moving around or having their eyelids flicker because a baby in the lighter sleep stage may feed while they are asleep.
• If your infant is sleeping, express after each feeding. Your breasts will be drained as a result, which will boost supply. For later usage, you can keep your extracted breastmilk in the refrigerator or freezer.

Have plenty of skin-to-skin contact

Because skin-to-skin contact with your infant promotes prolactin and oxytocin, it can enhance your milk production. Your body produces and releases breastmilk with the aid of these two hormones.

By taking off your top and bra and only holding your infant on your chest while they are in a diaper, you can have skin-to-skin contact while breastfeeding. If it’s cold, cover up with a blanket to stay warm.

Relax and make yourself comfortable

Your milk flow will be better while breastfeeding if you are more at ease:

• Ensure that your bed or chair is comfortable.
• Avoid being distracted. Put a “do not disturb” sign on your door, or switch off your phone.
• Make sure you have a drink of water on hand.

Rest and look after yourself

You’re more likely to produce milk if you’re well-rested, healthy, and well.

• Eat healthily and keep moving.
• Avoid using alcohol, other drugs, and smoking.
• Schedule naps or attempt to get some shut-eye when your child is sleeping.
• Remain hydrated. Being breastfed can dehydrate you.
• Accept the aid that family and friends provide.

Massage and compress your breasts

This will facilitate milk flow and drainage if you do it while nursing or expressing. Additionally, you’ll produce more milk if you empty your breasts more frequently and effectively.

Talk with your GP about medicine

Sometimes doctors will recommend drugs that may assist to raise prolactin levels and boost milk production. Ask your doctor for advice.