Mothers, especially new moms, worry about the production of their breast milk, and whether they have a low supply.

It is important to know that the behaviour of your baby, the frequency of nursing, and the amount of pumping can give clues to assess your breast milk quantity.

If you need to increase your breast milk then you have to read the following:

Nurse Efficiently

You have to know that if your breast milk is not emptied effectively, then your supply will decrease.

If you notice that your baby is not nursing efficiently, then we recommend emptying milk from your breast using pumps, to maintain milk supply.

Nurse Frequently

Try to nurse often and for as long as your baby needs.

If your baby is having weight gain issues, you have to aim to nurse every 1.5-2 hours at least during the day, and every 3 hours at night.

Offer Both Sides

That means letting your baby finish the first side, then offer the second one.

You have to switch sides 3 or more times in each feeding; we recommend changing sides, as soon as you feel your baby is falling asleep

Don’t Use Pacifiers

Try to avoid using pacifiers and bottles when you can. Breastfeeding is recommended to pacifiers and bottles.

Avoid Formulas

Avoid baby formula if your infant is less than six months old, and limit solids if your baby is older. Doing so will increase your breast milk if you take into account the above recommendations.

Rest and sleep

One of the most important ways to increase your milk is by resting and sleeping because your body needs some rest to increase milk production.

Don’t forget to drink water and liquids too such as fresh juice.

Pumping

Pumping between nursing sessions might be very helpful for the milk supply, especially when your baby is not nursing efficiently.

Pumping aims to remove more milk so your body can produce more.

There are some foods that can help you improve your breast milk production, here are some:

  1. Fenugreek seeds
  2. Spinach: eat it in moderation because too much of it can cause diarrhoea to your baby.
  3. Beet leaves
  4. Garlic
  5. Carrots
  6. Salmon
  7. Basil leaves
  8. Sweet potato
  9. Almonds.

On the other hand try to avoid some food like potato, unripe mango, unripe banana, thyme, cabbage because it can generate gas and affect your milk production.

If you are experiencing some problems with your milk supply, contact one of our Okadoctors.