How to Increase Your Milk Supply

Having successfully breastfed two babies of my own until they weaned themselves (one is still nursing); I have friends, family and sometimes even strangers ask me how a nursing mother can increase her milk supply?  It isn't always just ONE thing so I have accumulated a list that I hope helps you, and that you can share with all your nursing friends.

First, remember that breastfeeding is a natural occurrence, and with a little help and encouragement you can be well on your way to a satisfying experience for both you and baby.  It is important that you do NOT allow your baby to 'nipple' feed, but rather to 'breast feed'.  By breast feed I mean that the baby must open his/her mouth wide and latch on to what seems like a huge mouthful for such a small person!  If done correctly this will not be painful for Momma.  It is important to note that breastfeeding is not a 'sucking' action from baby, but more of a 'kneeding/pulling' action; something that a pump does not exactly replicate.

A breastfeeding mother's body naturally creates milk according to her baby's personal demand.  The more baby nurses or the longer baby nurses the more milk your body will produce in the following days.  Baby's sucking is the trigger that tells your body to make more!  If your baby needs more, but you are pumping then you need to pump more often and longer, allowing your body to have multiple 'let downs' of milk in each pump session, and signaling to your body to produce more milk in the following days. 

Dehydration and poor nutrition can negatively effect your milk supply.  You must continue to take your full dose of prenatal vitamins for as long as you nurse or pump.  You must also increase your daily caloric intake by 500 good and nutritional calories per day (500 more than you needed during pregnancy).  Drink a glass of water EVERY time you nurse or pump in addition to your regular 8-10 cups per day.  All of this will not only increase your milk supply, but will also make for a healthy and happy Momma and baby!

Stress is huge in not allowing your body to produce milk or have a let down.  Momma, take time for yourself.  Take a bath or a nap.  Read a few pages in a book or pray, but work away those stresses BEFORE you sit down to nurse or pump and it will be a much more enjoyable experience.  I would always use the restroom, grab a snack and a glass of water to set next to me and get comfy to nurse or pump.

Alcohol reduces your milk supply, so refrain completely, or at least a few hours before nursing.

If you are supplementing with formula, but desire to supplement less and nurse more then you need to allow baby to nurse BEFORE you give him/her the bottle.  This will tell your body to make more milk the next day.  Also, if you are pumping you need to pump at every feeding (even the supplement feedings) to tell your body to produce more milk in the following days.

Fennel essential oil has been know to increase milk supply.  Simply take it in a spoonful of honey or under the tongue before nursing, and rub over chest.  Note: stay away from peppermint essential oil, it has been know to decrease milk supply; although I have not had that issue!

Mostly, enjoy your baby!  Snuggle, cuddle, kiss and hold.  A happy Momma make good milk.

**If you need to sign up with or order essential oils from Young Living feel free to use my number 1069772.  Note: comments are not meant to diagnose or treat issues and are not approved by the FDA.**