Breastfeeding can be an incredible bond between a mother and a child. However, there are times when a mother’s milk supply will decrease. Often this is due to a change on the mother’s part (such as going back to work) and sometimes it can decrease on its own.
What can you do to increase your supply?
Drink plenty of water. A body that doesn’t receive fluid, cannot produce fluid. Aim for at least 5-8 glasses of water a day, or a gallon for the ambitious mom.
Eat a healthy diet. Try old fashioned oatmeal, leafy greens, and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Your baby will be eating the nutrients you put into your body, so be sure you are eating foods loaded with vitamins. Also, be sure you as eating plenty of calories (at least 1800 per day).
Relax. Stress plays a huge factor on a woman’s body, especially a nursing mom. A switch in hormones can and will affect milk supply. Use the time you spend nursing as your relaxation time, or try other techniques such as yoga.
Massage the breasts. By doing so will trigger your body that your baby is feeding more even if he/she isn’t. Take a hot shower or bath or put a hot wash cloth on your chest.
Pump. Pump after a feeding or an hour or so afterwards. Try pumping for ten minutes, then rest for ten, then pump again for ten until you have reached a half hour.
Think happy thoughts! It is amazing how your body will react to your moods. If you are pumping, try thinking of your baby. Incredibly, this can have an effect on your supply!
If your baby seems to prefer one breast or nipple over the other, make sure you start your baby on the side he/she does not prefer first. He/she may favor the flow of one side over the other. Some babies simply prefer to eat on their left or right side only. Try cradling them on one side then switch to a football hold on the other. Also try pumping more often on the side he/she does not favor.
Nursing can be very rewarding for both you and your child. Focus on feeding your baby on demand as opposed to sticking them to a strict eating schedule. It will assist in producing a natural flow of milk.
(Photo credit: Flikr)
Thu, Aug 6, 2009
Breast Health