Increasing Breast Milk Supply

Consumption of breast milk is extremely important for a child's mental, as well as physical growth. WHO recommends that an infant be compulsorily breastfed for the first six months with solid foods being introduced thereafter. The benefits of breast milk are numerous. It reduces the risks of developing a number of illnesses, some of which may affect one during his adulthood. Some of the ailments, against which breast milk provides stronger immunity are ear infections, childhood leukemia and diabetes, asthma, eczema and psychological disorders. Besides these, breast milk also ensures a better intellectual development of a child. Other than the baby, breast feeding benefits the mother by helping the uterus return to the pre-pregnancy size. It reduces post-partum bleeding and decreases the risk of developing breast cancer later in life. Its numerous benefits drive many nursing mothers to look for ways to increase breast milk supply, in case they find that their body is not producing enough of it for their baby.

Ways to Increase Breast Milk Supply

Your Baby Comes to Help: Its 'demand and supply' - the simple law of economics here as well. The key is to let your baby decide when and how often he needs to feed. The more milk the baby needs, the more of it your body will provide. Ensure that your baby is nursing efficiently. Do not time the feedings. Let the baby come off the breast himself. After he is through with the first breast, offer him the second one. Make it a point to offer both the breasts, as this will ensure that the baby receives complete nutrition.

Rest and Relax: Studies have shown that high stress levels amongst nursing mothers is a major cause for diminishing breast milk supply. Take an off from your job and avoid unnecessary chores at home. Rest and relax till you are nursing your baby. Ensure that while you are breastfeeding you are in a calm place. The very act of relaxing will ensure a continuous letdown. Also, there would be nothing to distract the baby and he would stop only after he is full.

Massage the Breasts: While a baby feeds, he would be kneading the breast himself, ensuring proper letdown. However, a good way to increase breast milk supply is to massage the breasts periodically throughout the day. The body would read this as a sign that the baby needs more milk and the breasts will increase supply of milk accordingly.

Increase in Fluid Intake: A good fluid intake ensures proper production of breast milk. Fluids to augment breast milk supply does not mean consuming only milk. Sufficient intake of water and juice is also essential. In fact, it is recommended that nursing mothers consume as much as one gallon of water everyday.

Watch your Diet: The importance of a healthy diet never ceases to exist, be it to simply remain healthy or to ensure proper breast milk production. Just because you are through with your pregnancy, it doesn't mean that you can revert to the quick fix foods that you were used to, during the pre-pregnancy days. Breastfeeding diet should be replete with all the nutrients like vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Cut down the intake of caffeine and soda. Smoking and drinking is a strict no no, as much for nursing mothers, as it is for pregnant women.

Use a Breast Pump: Some babies just show no inclination to breastfeed. Even with a lot of coaxing they may refuse to return to the nipple. Reacting to the demand and supply rule, breast milk production by the body may diminish. Use a breast pump to prevent it from stopping or to increase breast milk supply. Massage or stroke the breasts before and also while pumping them. This would facilitate flow of milk out of the breasts. Use only as much suction as is required. Breast pumping should not hurt. For re-establishing milk supply, use a breast pump 8-12 times a day.

Herbs to the Rescue: Fenugreek, fennel seeds and milk thistle are excellent herbal remedies for increasing breast milk supply. Fenugreek is available in the form of capsules. It is an expectorant that does not have any side effects, other than lending a slight maple syrup like scent to the milk. Herbal teas with brand names like Mother's Milk promote lactation. However, it is best to consult your physician before using any of the herbal remedies.

Breast milk is a complete source of nutrition for a baby. Hence, ensure that he has it sufficiently. For those who are experiencing a decrease in milk production, don't lose heart. It may take time but the ways discussed in this article are effective in increasing breast milk supply. However, remember that there is nothing better than the natural bonding between a mother and her baby, that a mother's system reacts to. The more that you allow your baby to breastfeed naturally, the better supply of breast milk you will have. Enjoy your motherhood!