8 Quick Ways To Increase Your Breast Milk Supply

Breast milk is the best food for your baby. It contains sufficient nutrients important for the child's growth until about 4 to 6 months of age. Breastfeeding can remarkably lower your baby's risk from many types of infections and allergies. It may also shield your child from health issues like eczema, asthma, weight problems, diabetes and high blood pressure.
Breastfeeding does not only benefit the baby, but women who choose to breastfeed can lower their chance for developing breast cancer and diabetes later on in life.

Breastfeeding can be truly difficult for the first two weeks, while you and your child are still establishing a routine. However, many women worry that their milk supply will not be enough for their baby. Here are some helpful tips to increase your milk supply:

1. Breastfeed and pump frequently. It will increase your milk supply within 48 hours. If your baby doesn't feed that much, pump both breasts for 10 to 15 minutes each soon after every feeding. An increase in milk supply is anticipated soon after 2 to 4 days of extra pumping.

2. Take time to relax. Although motherhood can be at times stressful, you need to go out of your way to relax. Look for an area in your house relaxing enough so you can pump. Stress can hinder your natural ability to produce milk. Try massaging your breasts and applying warm compresses prior to feeding.

3. If possible, try to limit formula feedings. It will lessen your child's need for breast milk. Remember, if you breastfeed or pump more frequently, the more your body makes breast milk.

4. Pump both breasts at the same time. It will enable your body to generate the hormone prolactin, which is accountable for milk production.

5. Increase your fluid intake. Drink more water, juice and milk to stay hydrated. Proper hydration promotes milk production. Limit drinks that contain caffeine like coffee and soda. Too much intake of caffeine can cause irritability to your baby. Besides that, it can also interfere with your baby's sleep.

6. Quit cigarette smoking. It is not only detrimental for your wellbeing, but it can decrease your milk supply. Nicotine can also alter the taste of milk, and it can influence your infant's sleep pattern.

7. Evaluate your birth control options. Birth control pills containing estrogen can intervene with your production of milk. Discuss with your doctor as to what options are available for you.

8. Live healthy. Consume plenty of fruits and vegetables. Right nutrition is important in not only having a good milk supply, but also in making certainyou are producing a great quality of milk for your infant. Try to exercise when you can to obtain optimum health.

Breastfeeding is truly recommended because of its numerous health benefits. Though commercial formula may be easily purchased, it can certainly not take the place of breast milk. In order to have adequate milk supply, a woman must also take good care of herself. A woman after all nourishes her infant not only in the womb, but also after delivery through breastfeeding.


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