Any secrets to increasing your milk supply?

Carrie - posted on 02/22/2009

With the shield size, your nips should get pulled into the channel of the shield without touching the sides, no rubbing or discomfort should take place.  If so, they're too small.  Not sure about purchasing a smaller size though, I'm sure you can I just haven't heard of it.

The #1 thing that helped with my output was relaxation.  Meditating and visualization while pumping, closing your eyes, deep breaths, picturing rivers of milk flowing from your breasts.  Sounds stupid, but it always increased my output about an ounce a session.

Meigan - posted on 02/22/2009

I agree, the pump does make a big difference. The Avent hand pump worked good, but wasn't cutting it as far as using it at work. Then I attempted the Ameda and it didn't seem to work at all. I now have a Medela and it seems to work ok. One thing that I'm still not too sure about is how to know for sure the sheild size is correct. Everything I find is on it being too small, but how do you know if it's too big?

Meigan - posted on 02/22/2009

How old was your baby when you tried the hand pump? I started out using the Avent hand pump and it was working great. But having to use it at work was a problem since I could only step away for 30 mins at a time and waiting for the let-down reflex took half of the time. I tried it again since, but had no luck.. It is a good pump, it could be worth attempting again.

Angela - posted on 02/22/2009

i think my problem revolved around the pump. everytime i pumped, i wasn't getting much. but when ella nurses, she seems to be getting all she needs. someone told me to check out local medical supply stores to find good pumps to rent. i had planned on going back to work, but i ended up staying at home. my daughter is almost 9 months old, and i don't want to stop nursing, the bond is too great! i gave up on nursing my boys after a couple weeks, i regret it. i too have tried the water thing, i don't think it does much, unless you're dehydrated. another thing someone told me, sleep. if you get enough sleep, it's supposed to help. of course, what new mom or any mom, for that matter, gets enough sleep?! good luck! just remember, do what's best for YOU and your little girl.

LaTonya - posted on 02/22/2009

I was having the same issue and I also tried fenugreek, oatmeal, mother's milk and renting a hospital grade pump to use at home.  None of this worked for me.  I was just about to give up when a friend told me to try the Avent hand pump ($44.99 at babiesrus).  It worked great.  I'm now able to store milk in the freezer and I NEVER thought that would happen.  But also remember that the best advice is to nurse as much as possible.  I hope this helps.  

Tricia - posted on 02/22/2009

Breastfeed all the time.  My milk supply was down at after some health issues with my little guy at 4 weeks old.  So it set up a comfortable chair, latched him on, and basically didn't move for 2 days.  Feed her as soon as you get home from work.  If she's hungry after finishing both breasts, move her back to the first breast.  Then back to the second.  Then back to the first.  Keep going until bedtime.  Stimulating your breasts is the best way to get them making more milk.  It might make for a few looooong days, but you can get your milk supply back up!  Go for it!

Carrie - posted on 02/22/2009

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/pumpi...

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/index...

and lastly, a link on how to stop supplimenting when you're at home.  I think this is probably your biggest supply buster and if you can stop using the bottle when you're together it will help a lot http://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/decrea...

Dorothy - posted on 02/22/2009

I am in the same boat as you but my LO is 4 months. My plan is to finally break down and ask my ob/gyn to prescribe reglan to help with my milk supply. I've been giving my daughter 2 bottles of formula a day which to me, that is not OK. I want her to have what's best for her and have been trying everything I possibly can to make sure she only gets breast milk. I'll let you know if it works!