Are there any foods or beverages that can help produce more breast milk?

Question

I have a 5 month old, and I am starting to think I am not producing enough milk for her at this point. If I pump, I can only get a half an oz or so, can any of you out there give me some advice?

Answer 1

Drink a beer. Seriously.. the yeast in it. Myself and all my sisters have done this and it works amazingly well... it's like *insta-milk* in your breasts after you drink it. (you don't need much.. like a bottle of beer or can) and it's harmless to your baby. You arent drinking enough and it doesnt pass through into your milk supply. I've had 2 different doctors reccomend this. If you arent comfortable with drinking beer-- then try a health food store- and you can make some Yeast Flake shakes-- although they are disgusting... again the yeast will help your milk supply to go up very quickly.

Answer 2

You already have some good advice (however, you also have some bad advice too). Around 5 mths babies might start needing to eat more frequently, so as long as you are nursing her a bit more than before the 'problem' should take care of itself. As far as drinking more water, my LLL book says you need to stay hydrated of course while nursing but by drinking MORE than you would anyways to curb your thirst wont increase your production. Yes, a beer might help. Fenugreek is suppose to be a wonder drug for nursing mothers, I've heard that it really does work (of course, not for everyone). The key is nursing frequently and to fully drain each side before offering the other. Here's a snip of an article about it:
Fenugreek and breastfeeding - Fenugreek seeds contain hormone precursors that increase milk supply. Scientists do not know for sure how this happens. Some believe it is possible because breasts are modified sweat glands, and fenugreek stimulates sweat production. It has been found that fenugreek can increase a nursing mother's milk supply within 24 to 72 hours after first taking the herb. Once an adequate level of milk production is reached, most women can discontinue the fenugreek and maintain the milk supply with adequate breast stimulation. Many women today take fenugreek in a pill form (ground seeds placed in capsules). The pills can be found at most vitamin and nutrition stores and at many supermarkets and natural foods stores.

As far as not getting much when pumping, completely natural I think at this stage in the game. You are making just what your daughter is drinking and not extra... At least, I found the same happened with me. When she was a newborn I could sit down and fill up a bottle for her. Now if I were to sit down I'm be lucky to get out a quarter what I could before. And since her bottles would be 3 times as full now, there isnt any point to pump! She's 11mths so she can handle going without milk for awhile now if I'm not around, so not really an issue.

Back from my tangent. Why is it you dont think you are producing enough? Is she crying after nursing from both sides? I remember about this age nursing my girl more and more frequently... If you are nursing at least 10 times a day and she still is acting like she needs more, than you can consider whether to start solids or not. I'm one of the first to say, wait until 6 mths!, but I know not all babies are the same and some can be ready before. The second link below shows the signs of your baby being ready for solids, in case you dont already have the list handy. Main signal is they never seem to get full!

Well, good luck, and I hope these suggestions help.

P.S. Tsk tsk, HIH, that is very wrong to say something like that ('just go to the store and buy some milk'). It is definitely not a suggestion anyone should listen to.

Answer 3

Fennel seed tea and oatmeal are natural ways to increase your breastmilk. I'm sure that you are still producing enough milk. Remember that pumps aren't nearly as efficent as the babys sucking. Your baby can get much much more than a pump can. Your baby will also trigger between 5 and 6 letdowns per feeding. The best way to increase your milk is by stimulation. Just feed your baby when she wants it. Even if it's every 1/2 hour or so. This will tell your body to make more. You can stimulate your nipples inbetween feeding too. This tricks your body into thinking that your baby is feeding therefor produces the milk to letdown. A better way to determine if your baby is getting enough is if she is not hungry and if she is peeing. My baby is 8 1/2 months old and I can only pump an ounce if I'm lucky. She is still pretty much exclusively breastfed as she has no desire for solid foods yet. I know that she's getting enough though. I'm sure you are making enough. It's normal to feel empty inbetween feedings too, the babies can get it out though. Be sure that you're drinking lots of water. If you're really sure there is a problem there's a perscription drug called Domperidone that will increase your milk and it's safe for baby. Hope this helps and God Bless

Answer 4

Found out the hard way that drinking a full glass (about 2 cups) of PEPSI... well, i don't know what the heck it is, but within about 36 hours my boobs were HUGE AND FULLLLLLL!!!! I don't normally drink pop. so that worked for me.

I've heard too that a beer will do it, (same idea with the carbonation?)

hmmmm... I ended up nursing my little one more frequently too... Instead of single side feeds, i would feed off both EACH TIME... or if you do that already, I would feed off one per feed.

Drinking more water can help too. Your little one is likely growing (again!!), and with nursing, it's a supply and demand thing. the more baby demands, the more you supply. (I had a few moments of frustration bc my milk was seriously getting low... she was sleeping thru the night, and wasn't feeding from about 7-8 weeks on. i still DID NOT wake her up to feed her. If she was hungry, she would wake. not other way around)

If it really becomes an issue, and you find that home remedies, or whatever doesn't work for you, see or speak with lactation consultant or someone from la leche league (don't know if available everywhere). they may suggest something else, otherwise, Dr. may also prescribe a medication to increase supply too.

IF you feel baby is gaining well, and seems content though, I would tend not to worry so much. Baby will take what baby needs!!

Good Luck and all the best!!!
:o)

Answer 5

The very best indicator of how much your baby is getting, is the "what goes in, must come out" rule. As long as your healthy, full-term baby is wetting 5-6 diapers a day and poops are nice and yellow, things are GREAT. 5 months old is a very common "growth spurt" age, just nurse her on demand and your body will catch up. DON'T start solids, DON'T supplement, those will interfere with your body producing more milk. Also, DON'T rely on your pump to gauge your supply, it can be discouraging, as you have found out, and not all accurate of an actual supply level.

Contact your local La Leche League, attend a few free meetings and meet some other breastfeeding Moms who can offer you better support than most of the airheads here ( not that all the above is incorrect, just most of it ).

I wish you the best, keep on nursing!!

Oh yeah, the fenugreek is helpful for most women, worth a try anyhow.

Answer 6

pumping isnt indicitive of how much milk you are producing. Pumping doesnt give the same supply stimulation as actual breast feeding does, so while you may be only able to pump 1 oz, your baby is most likely eating WAY more than that. As long as your baby has several wet and dirty diapers each day and isnt screaming when you stop nursing, or while you are nursing than he or she is getting enough.. But there are some foods that help. Anykind of oatmeal daily and lots of water.

Answer 7

A bit of beer always seemed to help me. Also make sure your drinking enough water, and getting enough food.
After the baby feeds try to pump out any milk thats left over. Try to pump as much as you can at any time, because the more milk that comes out of your breats the more milk your breasts will produce. Supply and demand.

Answer 8

Oatmeal, preferably the old-fashioned kind.
Fenugreek, a safe herbal...most natural food stores will have it.
I've done the those.

I've also heard a shot or two of dark beer (not the whole bottle and a real beer made with hops...imports are good...), but it's better if you use non-alcoholic (apparently, alcohol will slow production sometimes).

Keep pumping after you nurse...or pump between feedings...it will trick the body into thonking you need more milk. And your baby is more efficient than a pump, so she's getting more than you get from a pump.

Answer 9

You've already gotten a lot of good advice, but no one has suggested rest! I've had a few occasions when I just haven't felt as full as usual at the regular times and my daughter wants to nurse more often. It always seems to be at a time when I've been really busy. Like the last few days I've been running around getting ready for my older kids' Halloween party. Poor little one's been wanting to nurse a lot more. So, tomorrow I'm going to take it easy. Probably Tuesday as well. If you rest as much as possible for a few days, drink lots of water, some milk or yogurt, and really just focus on your baby girl, you might be surprised at the increase in milk production. A little R&R always works for me. But if she seems satisfied after nursing, you have nothing to worry about. It's a great excuse to be pampered for a few days, though, and what new mom doesn't deserve that?! Good luck!

Answer 10

- Drink PLENTY of water. If you think you've had enough, have another glass!
- Fenugreek is an herbal supplement you can buy at Rite-Aid or similar stores. Taken a few times a day, it helps boost supply.
- A bowl of oatmeal once or twice a day will also boost supply.
- Mother's milk tea - I'm not altogether familiar with it, but some people swear by it.
- A glass of beer is rumored to work as well.