It's quite normal for a new mom to worry that she is not producing enough milk for her newborn, although she probably is.
Bun Cozy Nursing Hoodie shown.
If this is the case for you, there are a few quick ways to check:
- confirm with your physician that baby is gaining weight
- wets five to eight diapers a day
- looks healthy and alert
- and has yellowy poos that lighten in color about five days after birth
- burps and gives cues that he or she is full
However, if you still feel that you want to increase your breast milk production, the following tips may help.
Pumping
Pumping your breasts daily at the same time, outside of regular feeding hours, will mimic a how a baby going through a growth spurt is fed, which will cause your body to produce more milk. So after baby nurses, pump after for another 15 minutes. In most cases, this may be really hard because you will be holding your baby, so when you do have time, you can pump then.
There's also power pumping to significantly create an increase in breastmilk. Ask your doctor or lactation consultant if this would be right for you.
Power Pump Schedule
Pump for 20 minutes, rest for 10, pump another 10 minutes, rest for 10 and then pump again for 10 minutes. Usually, three to four consecutive days is sufficient but it's not uncommon for some women to do this for a week. At night is a great time to do this in front of the television while your little one is catching some zzz's.
If you are a working mom, here are some tips for pumping at work. Don't forget to wear anekantsquick nursing tops with easy side nursing access to make pumping much easier, especially since you will be doing this several times a day!
Switch Nursing
Some babies will become lazy after nursing for a few minutes and will slow down. When this happens, switch breasts as soon as the baby slows down. Do this until baby has fed twice on each breast and then let them nurse as long as they want. This will ensure that each breast has received enough stimulation. Be sure to use nursing tops to easily switch between breasts and when you are out of the house opt for a cozy nursing hoodie for quick access. Surely your baby will love being in milk drunk bliss! Be sure to empty each breast so your milk refill comes back. Twenty minutes each breasts is usually a good amount of time and you will feel your breasts soften and feel "empty". Remember, milk making is supply and demand.
Eating and Drinking Enough
Breast milk is 88 percent water, so it is crucial to ensure you are drinking plenty of fluids! Aim for drinking eight ounces every time you feed your baby and you should be able to keep yourself well hydrated. Two liters a day is a great number to go by. Keep a water bottle handy at all times. Breastfeeding moms need to eat a well-balanced diet that provides enough calories a day to maintain an adequate supply of milk. So try good lactation smoothies and a healthy diet of nuts, avocados, almond milk, coconut water, soups, and proteins. Consuming less will put you at risk of not producing enough milk. Read more tips here about dieting while nursing.
Things to Avoid
Try not to introduce soothers as this will taking sucking sessions away from breast. Supplementing with formula a few bottles a week will not affect your milk supply, but if you introduce it more then you will produce less milk. Supplementing is fine, but nurse first. Let baby have breastmilk and empty your breasts, and then offer formula as needed.
Don't try and put baby on a schedule. For example, many women think their baby should be feeding every three or four hours. While this may be great for you, it may not be enough for a nursing baby! Try feeding on demand and definitely reach out to your nearest lactation support center for advice and extra care during this time. It seems like a lot, because it is hard work, but young growing babies who are breastfed first love to be fed all the time. It will be worth it mama, keep going!
Conclusion
Remember that your breast milk is produced according to supply and demand, so, in most cases, you can be assured you are producing enough milk. As long as you are breastfeeding or pumping 10 to 12 sessions a day, you are probably doing just fine! You will see, as your baby grows he or she will demand more milk, and your supply will grow with it and get regulated. When baby is sick, your milk will change and also become more to help your baby get better. You body is amazing and it gets easier! You may just find yourself donating your breastmilk!
Keep going mama! You're doing great!
Find more ways on how to make more breast milk here.
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