Hi mama! If you’re looking to boost your milk supply and feel like you’ve had a dip in your supply, I have 5 helpful tips for you!
I’m currently exclusively breastfeeding my 8 month old and have learned a few things along the way that have helped me establish my milk supply!
If you suspect that you have a low milk supply and your baby is losing weight, reach out to your doctor, pediatrician, or lactation consultant.
Proper Latch
Having a good latch with your baby is something we all have to learn as new parents. Once your baby is latched correctly, your baby will be able to have a full feeding. Hold your baby close and make sure the baby’s head, neck, and spine are aligned. Baby should have a big open mouth to ensure a good deep latch.
Sophia was born at 5 pounds 6 ounces and had a shallow latch at first. I ended up with cracked, bleeding nipples… You better believe I went to a breastfeeding class with my newborn to fix that latch! It took us a few weeks to get the hang of it, but talking with several lactation consultants was super helpful!
My hospital provided breastfeeding classes and I ended up going a few times with Sophia! Seek a lactation consultant if you need help with your baby’s latch, you won’t regret it!
Nurse Often
Breastfeeding works by supply and demand, so the more you breastfeed the more milk you will produce. I’m grateful that I’m able to stay home with my girls, and have the ability to feed on demand. Which has helped me produce the amount of milk Amelia needs.
Amelia still nurses every 3 to 4 hours along with eating solids twice a day. That way she can get all her calories during the day and sleep during the night without feeding. If you’re a working mama, then try adding in one more pumping session in your work day to boost your milk supply.
Stay Hydrated
This one is pretty obvious but also one that is super important. Drink lots of water! Your body needs lots of liquid to create milk for your baby. Drink a big glass of water when you first wake up and fill up a water bottle to bring with you throughout the day.
One of my favorite drinks that I love for boosting my milk supply is Body Armour. It’s a sports drink that is full of electrolytes, coconut water, and vitamins. You can find them at your local grocery store or click here if you want to check it out! I also started drinking Liquid IV and love that too, comes in a lot of yummy flavors!
Increase Calories
Your body is working hard to produce milk for your baby, so make sure you’re eating a healthy balanced diet. Fuel that body with lots of protein, carbs, and fats. Oatmeal, potatoes, and rice are foods that have helped me with my milk supply.
Keep granola bars or snacks in your diaper bag so that you have something to munch on when you’re on the go. Eating a snack in the car while running errands has been helpful for me.
Pumping
Since Amelia has been sleeping through the night, I pump before I go to bed. I either store that milk in the freezer or keep it in the fridge to give to Amelia the next day. Since incorporating pumping once a day, my supply has increased.
If your baby is still nursing throughout the night, no need to pump before bed. Try pumping after a nursing session during the day. This will tell your body that you need to create more milk. My most used pumps are the Medela and Willow pump, both are my personal favorites.
A tip that has been helpful for me is to massage your breasts while pumping. This helps to remove milk out of the breasts completely. Although this won’t increase your supply it will fully drain the milk which will tell your body to make more milk.
Don’t forget to take care of yourself and to have some time for yourself. Sleep and relax when you can. I know how hard it can be to find the time to rest your body. It will get easier!
You can also try skin to skin with your sweet baby. Or get in a warm bath and breastfeed so both you and baby are relaxed.
Breastfeeding is hard work and there’s a lot of pressure we put on ourselves to breastfeed. If you need to supplement with formula, that’s okay too. Do what is best for you and for baby! I hope these tips are helpful for you. Stick with it — you got this mama!
Thanks for stopping by! Come say hi on Instagram! @_cathyjune
