Is there anything that increases milk production?

Answer 1

The first question is always:
1) Do you really have low supply?
Many moms mistakenly believe they have low breastmilk supply for a variety of reasons. The common ones are not being engorged anymore or not feeling letdown anymore and expecting a breastfed baby to act like a formula fed baby. Often times they are further convinced of this by not only their friends and family but by their child's doctor. Sadly most doctors and pediatricians are completely ignorant when it comes to breastfeeding and whats more have no time for it. They recommend formula supplementation because it is easier than dealing with the problem. They also use the wrong growth charts, and fail to refer moms to lactation consultants.
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/low-supply.html#supply
http://www.todaysparent.com/article.jsp?content=1266685
http://breastfeed.com/resources/articles/expectation.htm

2) If your milk supply is low, is there a cause? Is the baby latching properly? Are you feeding often enough? If you are pumping part time is the pump working, properly fitted, etc? Are you taking any medications that impact supply? Do you have a hidden medical problem?
http://www.breastfeed-essentials.com/hindrances.html
http://messageboards.ivillage.com/n/mb/message.asp?webtag=iv-ppbreastfeed&msg=65980.2&ctx=0

If you do have low supply and it isn't caused by poor breastfeeding management, medication, or a medical problem then the next thing to do is to have a nursing holiday. Spend two days in bed with your baby doing nothing but skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding. This works in many ways, more stimulation, hormones, less stress, mom rests, etc.

If that doesn't work then there are herbs that can help as well as prescription medications.
http://www.kellymom.com/herbal/milksupply/herbal_galactagogue.html

Answer 2

Bfing is all about supply and demand, so the more milk your body releases, the more it makes. Nursing gets the most milk out, as no one does it better than baby! However, pumping is pretty good too.

I have a very low supply due to a lack of guidance and information about bfing but my supply is slowly getting back up there. I have to pump every 2-3 hours for 15 minutes on each side, pumping every 1-2 hours on weekends and nursing when I can. I also take Fenugreek, an herbal supplement, 3 times a day, 3 capsules at a time. Mother's milk tea is also helpful, as it contains fenugreek and Blessed Thistle, another good herb form to increase milk supply. Increase your fluid intake and eat an extra 300-500 calories a day. The nipple stimulation through nursing or pumping is VERY IMPORTANT. I can vouch for it. A week and a half ago, all I could get out of my breasts were maybe 2 drops. Now I can get more drops and a few squirts from my right breast. If your supply isn't even nearly as low as mine, then you should have no problem getting it back up.

There is also a prescription available, if you ask your doctor about it, but it has some nasty side effects and I would recommend it as a last resort.

Stress can quench your supply as well, so try to remain calm and relaxed while pumping/nursing. Best of luck to you!

Answer 3

There is a lot that can increase breastmilk production. First, if you are nursing nurse more often. If you are pumping, try increasing the number of sessions you have. The more you stimulate your breasts the more milk they will produce.

Also make sure you are getting plenty of water (Diet Coke doesn't count!) and that you aren't stressed.

You can take some herbs in capsule form (much better and easier than those teas.) Fenugreek and Blessed Thistle are awesome. I took 3 capsules of each twice a day. You know you are taking enough fenugreek when your sweat and urine start smelling lightly of maple syrup. Both herbs are available at health food stores or online at drugstore.com.

Good luck, hope this helps.

Answer 4

you need to objective ingesting entire milk(like various it). do no longer purchase the organic and organic or despite, however the single with the milk production hormones in it. It does artwork on human beings too and the greater fat content will help enhance your milk. Fenugreek drugs additionally artwork nicely, however the downside is which you will start to smell like maple syrup once you sweat. Drink a lot of water-objective for sixteen oz..an hour. try permitting infant to sleep against your bare breasts every time a possibility. This certainly triggers them to offer greater milk and allow down much less complicated. you additionally can try pumping between feedings and a few nurse midwives reccomend attempting like a malt beer because of the fact the hops can even have an result on increasing milk furnish. i do no longer reccomend it by using possibility of alcohol transmitting to the child. you need to additionally ensure you're ingesting adequate energy to take care of your furnish. you opt for 500 greater suitable than you probably did once you have been pregnant. the main criminal of loss of furnish nonetheless is a susceptible latch so I reccommend you notice a lactation representative to the touch base. the finest thank you to appreciate in the experience that your latch is incorrect is that in case you pay attention a clicking noise out of your infant while he's nursing. that's the main specific sign you're no longer latched wisely.

Answer 5

Drink more and eat more so you have what you need to make more but then you need to tell your body that more is needed....so overnurse or pump for a few days and your production should match. With planning I could nurse18 oz. a sitting for bottles at night. Add 5-7 minutes to the end of the feeding or pumping that you want to be more. If you want more everytime do it everytime but remember that every ounce of milk takes that many more EXTRA ounces of fluid for you.

Answer 6

Frequent breastfeeding and pumping.There are several prescription drugs available to help increase milk including domperadone and maxeran (metocolpromide). As well there r herds fenugreek and blessed thistle usually you have to take these in capsules to get a result. I also heard of fennel, goat's rue, garlic and oatmeal. If I were you I would talk to a lactation specialist for tips. Also try going to Dr.Jack Newmans website. He's a Canadian paediatrician who has lots of answer to breastfeeding questions.

Answer 7

The best way is to feed the baby more often, and pump. My lactation consultant told me to pump almost six times a day! I had a hospital grade pump. I also used a tea called Mother's Milk. My L.C. said it would make no difference but I did see a difference. Pump and pump some more.

Answer 8

Go online and purchase Mothers Milk Tea. Drink 3-5 cups (or as much as you like) a day and that will help produce more milk.

Answer 9

Nurse as often as possible... pump every 2 hours if you're not nursing.
Warm showers, let the water run over your breasts
Eat oatmeal and drink plenty of milk and water. Stay away from caffine and other sugary uneccesary drinks.
Stay away from any cold medicines, or other medications, they can dry up your milk.

Good luck!

Answer 10

i don't know how old your baby is, but your body will produce as much milk as you need. if you have a newborn and don't think you are producing, there are simple things you can do. breast feed your baby every two hours regardless if you need to supplement. and beleive it or not drinking a beer will help. i am not telling you to get drunk, but drinking a beer will increase your milk supply.