Eating well is crucial during pregnancy, but it’s just as important when you’re breastfeeding. Your body needs a lot of calories and nutrients to create breastmilk. Sometimes, moms might not produce enough milk for their baby and could use a bit of help to boost their supply. On the other hand, some moms only think their supply is low when it’s actually just fine. Let’s look at how to increase milk supply and how to know if you really need to.
Many moms worry about low breastmilk production, but if your baby is gaining weight and has enough wet and dirty diapers with breastmilk alone, your supply is likely okay. According to guidelines, a breastfeeding baby should meet specific milestones in the first few days.
Every mom worries about her milk supply at some point, especially in the first few months after giving birth. Thankfully, there are often other factors at play, and most moms have no reason to be concerned. There are a few things that might make moms suspicious of their supply but are perfectly normal.
Using a breast pump can be helpful but might also cause unnecessary worry about supply. If you’re uncertain whether what you’re experiencing is normal, it’s best to seek help. Your family doctor or an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) can provide guidance.
Breastmilk supply can be low for various reasons. If these underlying causes aren’t addressed, increasing supply might not be achievable or may just provide temporary relief. Consider if any of these factors might be affecting your supply.
An IBCLC can help identify why your supply might be low and create a plan to improve it. If cost is a concern, a La Leche League group can be a valuable resource. Once the underlying issues are tackled, and the milk supply is still low, there are many natural ways to enhance it.
In addition to the tips mentioned, focusing on the mom’s diet can significantly aid in producing the right amount of milk. While the body can make sufficient milk with as few as 1500 calories a day, the milk’s quality improves if the mom gets the right nutrients. Studies suggest that a mom’s diet affects the quality of her milk. For instance, breastmilk contains healthier fats if the mother consumes healthy fats. Here are some dietary tips for breastfeeding moms:
Foods that boost milk supply are known as galactagogues. While scientific research on their effectiveness is mixed, many women report that galactagogues help increase their milk supply. Common galactagogues include:
Incorporate galactagogues into your favorite meals, make lactation-friendly recipes like lactation cookies, or enjoy them as a tea. Some prepared lactation tea blends combine these beneficial herbs.
Often, moms think they have a supply problem when they don’t. Consulting a knowledgeable advisor can help determine if a genuine issue exists. If there is a supply issue, try using the tips above to enhance the natural supply and demand cycle.
Finally, if you need to consider supplementing breastmilk upon a consultant or doctor’s advice, there are high-quality formula options available. If I ever needed to supplement, here’s what I’d consider.
This article was medically reviewed by Madiha Saeed, MD, a board-certified family physician. Remember, this is general advice, and it’s important to talk with your doctor for personal recommendations.
Have you ever dealt with low milk supply? What worked for you?
