How can I increase my milk supply?

Melanie - posted on 10/02/2009

I've read that fenugreek works. I just started taking it, but already I'm producing more! You can buy it online or at GNC.

Kat - posted on 10/02/2009

Hiya,your milk supply wont dry up as long as you ae feeding your baby,i have a poor diet and my 9 month old daughter is puttng on her weight fine if your worried like i was i kept taking her to weighed every week and that reasured me that she was putting on weight,Drinking lots of fluid like water and milk help alot x

Amber - posted on 10/02/2009

How long after eating those lactation cookies before you notice an increase in milk?

Rachael - posted on 09/29/2009

Oh yeah! You may also hear that referred to as an SNS - supplemental nursing system

Tammy - posted on 09/29/2009

Quoting Rachael:

Oatmeal, frequent nursing, fenugreek, power pumping, mother's milk tablets. The biggest thing is nurse, nurse, nurse. Oh yeah, and nurse some more!

If you do have to supplement with formula due to low milk supply, try a supply line too. That way your nipples are still getting stimulated and baby is getting fed. A supply line a small tube that runs from the bottle and gets inserted into the side of your babys mouth when he is on the breast. Frequent nursing, supply line, fenugreek and pumping helped me.

Rachael - posted on 09/29/2009

Oatmeal, frequent nursing, fenugreek, power pumping, mother's milk tablets. The biggest thing is nurse, nurse, nurse. Oh yeah, and nurse some more!

Amber - posted on 09/29/2009

Thanks, I am going to the store today to get the Brewers yeast and flax seed meal for the cookies. I have seen the recipe before, looks good.

Tracy - posted on 09/28/2009

Also OLD-FASHIONED oatmeal! Cookies work too. You can also bake lactation cookies. If you google it you should find a recipe to make them, or you can buy a dry mix at etsy.com. Check out my lens on Squidoo.com for more helpful hints.

www.squidoo.com/breastfeedingandeping

Amber - posted on 09/28/2009

Thanks everyone, I will try the mother milk plus drops, I already do a lot of what you guys suggested, like drinking plenty of water and the Fenugreek pills. I just don't want my supply to run dry since I'm doing so good nursing this time around.

Gennifer - posted on 09/27/2009

You can go get Fenugreek and take 3 3 times a day so thats 9 a day, some will tell you teas but for me my stomach couldnt handle it. Also check out by google the different products google Motherslove.

Connie - posted on 09/27/2009

i was recommended alfalfa in capsules, B vitamins, and nutritional yeast as well

Rebecca - posted on 09/27/2009

Nurse as often as you can, try not to pump your milk yet as you are only producing such a small amount of milk you want your baby to be getting it all. Its not recomended to pump and store until baby is at least 3-4 weeks old. You can however take Fenugreek and Blessed Thistle capsules, they are a natural way to increase your supply. As well you can ask you Dr for Domperidone if you are really concerned with your supply being low!

Sarah - posted on 09/27/2009

Post a reply!They say to just keep feeding, the more you feed the more you make. Drink plenty of water but dont push yourself thinking you have to frink heeps. Rest when you can, its important while you get you milk settled.

Amy - posted on 09/27/2009

I used Mother's Milk Plus drops. You can buy them at Whole Foods Market. They taste bitter, so don't add it to water, add it to a flavored drink. They worked great! Also, if you are really having a problem contact your local Le Leche League. Good Luck!

Kathy - posted on 09/27/2009

My Dr. told me a nice natural way to increase milk supply is to eat almonds and drink plenty of water... I found this information below quite helpfull as well... I'm currently breastfeeding my 2nd child who was 7 months old yesterday and managed to breastfeed my 1st to 15months of age. Hope you find this helpfull.



1. Reduce your stress level. Probably the most overlooked factor of any change in the body is the lack of quality relaxation and a stress-free environment. Delegate tasks, put projects to the side until the breast milk supply is back under control. When nursing your baby, do so in a quiet room with no distractions. This is your opportunity to put your feet up for a few minutes and relax. The simple act of relaxing will encourage letdown; and at the same time there is nothing to distract the baby and make him stop nursing before he's actually full.





2. Drink plenty of water. A body that doesn't receive enough fluid intake is going to have a problem producing fluid! Drink at least a gallon of water a day. A good habit is to do this while baby is nursing; so that you do not forget.





3. Massage your breasts often. Babies will naturally knead the breast, triggering letdown. Take the time to massage your breasts while in the shower or bath, periodically throughout the day - such as when you're in the bathroom, and especially while baby is nursing. Even though the letdown may not produce a leaking breast or a spray of milk, it will still occur. This will signal to the breast that the baby is nursing more often, even if in reality he isn't. The breast will increase supply accordingly.





4. Watch your diet. A diet that consists of quick-fix food and loads of caffeine isn't good for mother or baby. As well as needing plenty of fluids, your body also needs lots of nutrients to provide a nutritious meal for your baby. For a quick snack, grab some fruit instead of a candy bar or fast food. For a nutritious, yet time-saving meal, throw something into a crock pot in the morning. At dinnertime the meal will be cooked and ready, without you having to spend time watching over it. Vitamin-rich vegetables, protein-filled meats, and hundreds of different casseroles can be prepared in a crock pot with little or no effort, saving you plenty of time.





Kathy

Tina - posted on 09/27/2009

Quoting Dani:

Contact Pam at www.herblore.com. She was fantastic and is an herbalist when I was nursing with my first! She has nursing tea that increases your milk production in about 24 hours. Feel free to tell her Dani McGrath referred you! :)

Good luck!
Dani

I ordered some to see how it works. This could be great if it works. I am trying to pump and store for when I go back to work.

Tina - posted on 09/27/2009

With a newborn that new it will be difficult, but when the baby sleeps for more than an hour you could try pumping when he is in the middle of the nap. It can be hard though. If he wakes up sooner than you think your breasts may not have made enough milk for him yet. Also, if he is allowed to stay latched on longer than when you think he is done, it will encourage the breasts to make more naturally as well.

Dani - posted on 09/27/2009

Contact Pam at www.herblore.com. She was fantastic and is an herbalist when I was nursing with my first! She has nursing tea that increases your milk production in about 24 hours. Feel free to tell her Dani McGrath referred you! :)



Good luck!

Dani