24 ways to increase breast milk production

Not all mothers have enough breast milk after giving birth. Many have little because of stress, poor nutrition or the small amount of liquid that the mother drinks. How to increase the amount of breast milk?

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The main reasons for insufficient milk supply in mothers

A quarter of young mothers complain of insufficient milk in their breasts. These problems need to be corrected at an early stage so that problems with breast swelling do not develop into mastitis or inflammation of the mammary glands.

The main reasons for the lack of breast milk are improper nutrition, improper pumping, and improper fluid intake during the day. The most important thing for a mother who has given birth to a baby is to pump enough milk in the first few days. This is a very simple secret: the more milk a mother pumps, the more milk comes.

After the mother has given birth, hormones that stimulate milk production are actively produced in her body. In particular, the hormone prolactin. The weight of the mammary glands also increases, each of them begins to weigh approximately 700 grams each. This means that each of them now contains up to 200 ml of breast milk.

Mothers should know that they retain the ability to breastfeed for an average of five to 24 months. At the same time, milk in the mammary glands is formed from 600 to 1 kg 300 grams during the day. Most milk is produced in the first or second week after birth. Then the amount of milk in the mother's breast becomes stable, and this allows the baby to receive it in sufficient quantities.

Here are 24 easy ways to increase your breast milk supply.

1. Feed your baby frequently. Frequent breastfeeding is the key to increasing your milk supply. Normally, a baby is fed every 3 hours, starting at 06:00 AM and ending at 00:00 AM.
2. Give your baby both breasts during feeding.
3. If you are against a strict breastfeeding schedule, use a free schedule. Watch when your baby is hungry, and then start breastfeeding.
4. Use breast massage, especially if feeding is still painful for you.
5. Breastfeed your baby even at night. Night feeding is a good way to increase milk supply.
6. Use a breast pump for feeding.
7. If your diet is low in calories, your baby will not be full, and you will need much more milk to feed him. Pay attention to your diet: it should include cereals, vegetables, fruits, cottage cheese, sour cream and milk. If it is difficult to calculate the diet, consult a gastroenterologist who will help you with this.
8. Make sure your baby is latching on correctly. He should be able to take the nipple all the way to the areola. If you have difficulty determining whether your baby is latching on correctly, consult your doctor.
9. Feed your baby not only while sitting, but also while lying in bed. This will help you relax and allow your baby to nurse for longer periods of time.
10. Avoid sleeping on your stomach at night. This can compress your breasts and prevent milk production.
11. Avoid pacifiers and soothers as long as possible.
12. Avoid taking birth control pills while you are breastfeeding as it reduces breast milk production.
13. Do not smoke.
14. Drink plenty of water, especially just before feeding.
15. Limit the amount of caffeine you drink.
16. Try to relax when you feed and take your time.
17. Eat a healthy diet with plenty of protein.
18. If your baby needs additional feedings, consider using a supplemental feeding system or a bottle feeder to help your baby get enough to eat.
19. Spend the weekend in bed with your baby and feed him as much as possible.
20. Try drinking tea with milk - it is an excellent way to increase milk supply.
21. Do not diet while breastfeeding.
22. Eat a bowl of oatmeal every morning. Some mothers believe that oatmeal helps increase milk supply.
23. Talk to your doctor about prescription medications, such as Cerucal, to increase your milk supply.
24. Avoid decongestants and antihistamines as they may decrease milk supply.

Remember that any amount of breast milk your baby drinks is very good for his health and immunity.