Is there any way to help your body produce more breastmilk?

Question

Besides plenty of water!!!!!!1

Answer 1

Check out:

Kellymom.com

How does milk production work?
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/milkproduction.html

Is your milk supply really low?
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/low-supply.html#supply

Increasing Low Milk Supply
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/low-supply.html

I'm not pumping enough milk. What can I do?
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/pumping_decrease.html

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/index.html
"Extras" for increasing supply
Oatmeal for increasing milk supply
What is a galactagogue? Do I need one?
...Herbal remedies for increasing milk supply
Prescription drugs used for increasing milk supply

Answer 2

It's important to note that the feel of the breast, the behavior of your baby, the frequency of nursing, the sensation of let-down, or the amount you pump are not valid ways to determine if you have enough milk for your baby.

It really helps when people post these kind of questions if they would PLEASE post more details about what is going on. Such as:
- How old is your baby?
- What makes you feel your supply is low? A lot of times moms think they have a supply problem when it is actually something else.
- Are you exclusively nursing?
- How often/long do you nurse?
- How is your baby's weight gain? Lowest weight, birth weight and any weights taken since?
- Is your baby pooping and peeing plenty?


The more you nurse and pump, the more milk you'll make. Breastfeeding is all about supply and demand.

Know that pumping is NOT a good indictor of supply. A baby who is latched on properly will get more than even the best pump.

Early on it should feel like you're nursing all the time. They need to nurse every 2 hours in the early weeks. And they go through a lot of growth spurts close together early on as well.

Supply and demand is the number one thing to keep in mind. The more you nurse/pump, the more milk you'll make.

Some moms find that they have an increase in production when they eat oatmeal every day for breakfast.

There are herbal supplements that you can take to boost supply. The most common and most effective is fenugreek. Be sure to read the link as there are a handfull of people who should not take this herb. The typical dosage is 3-4 capsules three times per day. You'll probably start to smell like maple syrup if you are taking enough.

Blessed thistle and alfalfa can be added to the fenugreek if it doesn't work on it's own.

There is also Mother's Milk Tea that you can buy at the health food store which can help supply.

Answer 3

I am nursing and when I need to produce more and can't nurse more often, especially when I am pumping I eat lots of soup, drink juice and water, but also after she eats the last time at night I have a beer...its ok to drink right after they eat if you are going to go two hours or more without feeding.

But nursing more helps a lot..try feeding the baby every 1.5 hours to two hours during the day instead of 2.5-3. You can also pump each time before you feed the baby...you will not run out if you do this, the baby will just get more of the hind milk.

There are also herberal teas called mothers milk...it tastes kinda like black licorce though.

Answer 4

Pump immediately after a feed to fool your body into thinking that your baby is still hungry and needing more. You may only get a little to begin with, but it will increase with time. Also pump after the last night feed to keep things going for longer. Pump both breasts, even if you've only fed from one, and keep the pumped milk to begin with, incase you don't quite pick up production quick enough for the next feed (always breastfeed first though, before resorting to the pumped stuff).

If you're comfortable with herbal remedies, check your local wholefoods or herbalist too, there's a tea called "Mother's Milk" that is meant to help increase your supply. Also, continue your pre-natal vitamins, most are designed to help while you are lactating as well.

Don't throw the pumped milk out, you can freeze it for later, or your local La Leche league may accept it as a donation for people who, for one reason or another (like being on an anti-biotic) can't breastfeed for a while. It sounds a bit wierd I know, but it's a very precious thing!

Answer 5

Unfortunately some women just can't produce enough milk. I know that is what happened to me with my first one. I am so hoping to have more milk this time. I really would like to breastfeed this one. But I will do my best, I will pump like I did before. I could sit and try to pump for 30 mins and only get 2 oz if I was lucky. I guess you could call a lactation consultant and see if there is anything to do. I wish I could have helped. Good luck.

Answer 6

Use a good breastpump, preferable electric and double, pump after you nurse each time for 5-10 minutes. Within 2-3 days you should notice an increase in your milk production. Medela Pump-In-Style was what I used. They are pricey but worth every penny!

Answer 7

the more you feed the more your body will produce. if you need to then try pumping so milk out about an hour after feeding the baby. your body will get the idea and produce more milk.

Answer 8

Our doctor told us that besides proper nutrition, the more you pump, the more your body will produce.

Pump milk in between feedings and store it in the fridge. You can freeze it to.

Answer 9

I hear drinking root beer does it...and in the country I live right now...mother drink lots of chocolate milk and they report abundance of milk for the baby latter on!!!
I think the second option is the tastiest...

Answer 10

purchase a breast pump. the body will make only what is needed. if you express then the body thinks hey, i need to make more milk.