How can I increase my breastmilk production?

Answer 1

First of all, why do you think you don't have enough? Most women who worry that they aren't producing enough milk actually have plenty--and soemtimes it is having *too much* milk causes the problems they are concerned about.

How old is your baby? Most of the information below is applicable if your baby was nursing well for several weeks or months and you are worried that something has changed. If you have a very young baby (less than 2 months old) and have never been confident that nursing is going well, then you need to talk to and probably see an expert. Call your local La Leche League Leader (see sources section below) for more help.

If your baby is fussy at the breast and/or isn't gaining well, this could be a sign of too much milk, especially if baby has green bowel movements and/or sputters a couple of minutes into a feeding.

If you suddenly feel like your breasts are empty, are no longer leaking, and/or can't pump much milk (even if you could pump lots earlier), you probably have plenty of milk. These are usually signs that your body has adjusted to the needs of your baby and is no longer overproducing. (When your baby was born, your breasts had no way to know you hadn't given birth to twins or even triplets!)

Almost every woman can produce plenty of milk. The only exceptions usually are women who have had breast or chest surgery (even as a child) or women with a hormonal imbalance (typically PCOS, use of hormonal birth control, pregnancy, or thyroid imbalance). With surgery, some of the damage may be corrected during pregnancy, so even if you can't fully nurse this baby, you may be able to nurse your next if you have another. In the case of hormonal problem, if the hormones are corrected, you will probably be able to nurse.

If neither of the above applies, then nursing frequently is usually all you need to increase milk production. Most women need to nurse at least 10-12 times in 24 hours in order to increase their supply. At each nursing, offer the first breast for as long as baby is interested (encourage her/him to nurse even longer if possible), then offer the second for as long as possible as well. It may help if you repeat this one more time--in other words, left, right, left, right (or right, left, right, left) at every feeding.

Do *not* force liquids. Research has shown that it does not help you produce more milk, and one study actually showed that it decreases milk production. Drink to thirst only. Eating well will be good for you, but it will *not* improve your milk supply, quality, or anything else. Do not use an herbal blend ("mother's milk tea" or something similar). There are potential side effects from each of the herbs. If you want a galactagogue, use fenugreek (the *only* herb with any scientific evidence of effectiveness) instead. Avoid herbs that can cause a decrease in milk supply--fennel, sage, and mint in particular. Do not pump if you can nurse. Pumping is never as effective as nursing a baby. Before you pick up a pump, pick up the baby (and there's no point in pumping *after* nursing, either; if you get *any* milk from a pump after nursing, you are making plenty of milk!!).

Answer 2

Best speak with your doctor about this one..

I was given a shot so I wouldn't produce milk.. I had a beer long after the birth of our son.. and was in so much pain.. My breasts filled with milk.. and kept filling.

There is also an herb that will help you produce milk. I apologize here, as I don't recall it's name.
Try herbs to increase your milk supply. There are no scientific studies that show that certain herbs will make you produce more milk, but some mothers and lactation consultants believe that certain herbs can stimulate your body to make more milk. (See "Galactogogues" for more information.) Remember, though, that an herbal tea or other concoction can not substitute for more frequent nursing as a way to tell your body to make more milk.
http://www.askdrsears.com/html/2/T022800.asp

You may want to contact:
http://www.lalecheleague.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=5371

Answer 3

1. Make sure you are eating plenty of healthy food and drinking plenty of water.
2. Don't sleep on your back. I was a tummy sleeper and I started sleeping on my back and side and my production stepped up
3. Nurse often. let the baby bring your supply in.
Go to the library and check out the book "What to expect the first year. " It has lots of infoand tips. Good Luck!!

Answer 4

Drink lots of water. I feel the difference right away when I forget to drink water during the day. Also, there are herbal teas available to help promote milk production.

Answer 5

There is a natural supplement called Fenugreek. You can get it at GNC or any place that sells vitamins. This is not a substitute for drinking lots of water and pumping but it will help!

Answer 6

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Answer 7

The more you feed(or pump) the more you will make. IF you empty your breast at least twice a day, it tells your body to make more, that it's not keeping up. Just keep on feeding or pumping(even if they get sore, but that can be avoided by proper latching tecniques)

Answer 8

My lact consultant suggested fenugreek supplements (3 pills 3 times a day) You can buy it at vitamin / drugstores. Look it up on the net.

Answer 9

Make sure each breast is emptied completely. After nursing you can use a breast pump to empty the breast. This stimulates your body to increase more milk to keep up with demand.

Answer 10

Nurse or pump more often....even if it is slow to start...it will be more productive after a few days.