While breastfeeding is a rewarding experience, it can also be challenging. However, many new moms struggle with low milk supply, which can be frustrating and stressful. If wondering how to increase breast milk supply naturally, you’re not the only one. These tips are practical and research-backed and tailored to American moms so you can feel confident working towards nourishing your little one.

All About Milk Supply: What You Need To Know

Breast milk production works on supply-and-demand. The greater your baby grows to suckle, or even you pump, the additional indicators your system obtains in order to generate dairy. Your milk supply can be affected by things like stress, improper latch, hormonal changes, or not feeding often enough.

That said, if you’re having ongoing issues, be sure to talk to your doctor or lactation consultant before trying any natural way to increase milk supply. They can eliminate medical problems and offer individualized advice.

How Can I Increase My Milk Supply Naturally

Here’s some natural ways to increase your milk production:

Stay Hydrated

One thing to definitely have on hand, however, is hydration. Since breast milk is approximately 90% water, your body requires sufficient fluids to make it. Try to add 8-10 glass of water in your daily routine. Add hydrating foods such as herbal teas (for example, fennel tea or fenugreek tea), milk or coconut water.

Eat More Nutrient-Dense Foods

Your feed is a major contributor to milk output. Include these foods that help with lactation:

Oatmeal: An old-school galactagogue (milk-making food ) full of iron, which is important for helping make milk.

Spinach & Kale: Spinach and kale along with fenugreek leaves are nutritionally dense.

Nuts and seeds: Almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds are all great sources of healthy fats, and omega-3s.

Whole Grains: Options like brown rice, quinoa, and barley offer sustained energy, along with important nutrients.

Protein-Rich Foods: Lean meats, eggs, lentils, and tofu also help promote general health and milk production.

Breastfeed Frequently

Nursing frequently is one of the best ways to increase milk supply. Keep putting your baby to the breast every 2–3 hours (even if just to soothe). The demand is created by frequent nursing, which sends the signal to your body that your milk needs to increase.

Try Skin-to-Skin Contact

Touching skin to skin with your baby can help kickstart milk production and help your baby latch better. Use skin-to-skin time to promote this feeling by holding your baby against your bare chest.

Pump Between Feedings

Pumping between nursing sessions can help build supply. Pumping tells your body to make more milk — especially if your baby is not completely emptying your breasts.

Rest and Manage Stress

Milk production is adversely affected by lack of sleep and stress. Get as much rest as you can whenever you can and try stress-management techniques like deep breathing, yoga or meditation. Get friends and family onboard to help you take breaks.

Product Recommendations: Lactation Supplements

In America, milk supply-boosting natural lactation supplements like fenugreek, blessed thistle, and moringa are all the gosh-darn rage. Always check with your healthcare professional before beginning any supplement to ensure safeytand effectiveness

Optimize Your Baby’s Latch

A bad latch can interfere with milk transfer and decrease milk production. Collaborate with a lactation consultant to get your baby latched correctly. Indicators of a good latch include pain-free nursing and audible swallowing.

This entry was posted in Breastfeeding Help and tagged breastfeeding information, breastfeeding tips on

Don’t Use Suckers and other Artificial Nipples Too Kill your Moon Stage: Introduces other Nipples in the First Few Weeks Can Cause Nipple Confusion and Not Nurse.

Switch Breasts: At each feeding session, alternate between breasts which helps with stimulating milk production in both.

Limit Caffeine and Alcohol: Consuming high amounts of caffeine and alcohol can have a negative effect on milk supply, your baby’s health.

Track Weight Gain: Make sure baby is growing steadily and has enough wet diapers to tell that he’s drinking enough milk.

Low Milk Supply: Common Myths About It

It’s common to fret about your milk supply, but many fears are based on fallacies. First, let’s bust a few common myths:

Myth: “My breasts are soft, so I’m not making enough milk.”

True: Soft breasts means that your milk supply has regulated to your baby’s demand.

Myth: “I’m not leaking milk, so my supply must be low.

FACT: Leaking has no bearing on milk supply. Some mother leak nothing and still have tons of milk.

Myth: “My baby is nursing all the time, they must not be getting enough milk.

Reality: Fussy, frequent nursing is typically normal, especially during growth spurts. That doesn’t necessarily mean that you have low supply.

When to Get Professional Help

If you’ve exhausted all of these natural methods and are still dealing with low milk supply, you need to get help. A lactation consultant can offer one-on-one support and help address any underlying challenges. However, medical issues such as hormonal imbalances, thyroid disorders, or insufficient glandular tissue may need expert treatment.

Conclusion

But if you go about it the right way, you can increase your breast milk supply naturally. You can support your body’s ability to nourish your baby by staying well-hydrated, choosing nutrient-dense foods, breastfeeding on demand and managing stress. Just remember, every mother’s breastfeeding path is her own. Take the time to applaud your achievements and don’t be afraid to ask someone for support if you are facing challenges. Your commitment towards your baby’s health is amazing.