Mommy Tips

If you think your breastmilk (BM) supply is slowing down, or you would just want to store more milk, then try out these tips:

1. Be Positive and Relax

Try not to worry about your milk production, just relax and believe that you will produce enough milk for your baby. Remember that milk is produced by the hormones that your brain controls. So, if you worry that you will not produce milk, chances are you won’t.

2. Drain Your Breasts Often

Doctors advise that the breasts should be drained every 2 hrs to increase BM supply. In this way, the hormone that inhibits BM production is always at the low level. You can drain your breast either through direct-feeding or if you are away from your baby, through pumping. Try to massage your breast before and during pumping sessions to ensure that all milk ducts have been emptied. You do this by making small circular motion from the outer portion of the breast going in, just like in breast exams. You can take note of these duration in between milk expression for a rough guide:

2-3 hrs – Increase BM

4-5 hrs – Maintain BM Level

6 hrs onwards – Decrease BM Production

3. Take in Lots of Warm Fluids

Instead of taking those mouth-watering fruit shakes, take warm water all throughout the day. You may also take soups and warm juices to always keep you hydrated.

4. Galactagogues

Galactagogue refers to the food supplements which can help increase BM production. The most effective that I have used are Fenugreek and Malunggay capsules. These are available at Healthy Options and at the big drug stores.

Hope these help

Tags : breastfeeding, how to increase milk, increase breastmilk, increase milk supply