Are You Producing Enough Breast Milk?

Some mothers may feel like they are not producing enough breast milk for their newborn baby. This is a common thing for most new mothers. Most of the time the mother produces more than enough breast milk for her growing child. If the mother has had damage to her breast ducts or glands either through breast reduction or enhancement she may have some difficulty in producing breast milk, but most of the time a simple change in feeding pattern or feeding technique will solve the problem.

The first thing you can do to see if you are producing enough breast milk for your baby is talk to your Doctor. She or he will help guide you on ways to increase your lactation and let you know if you are producing enough. Another way you can tell if you are producing enough breast milk is to weigh your baby weekly. Most baby’s will grow in weight by about 6 ounces a week during the first 2 to 6 months of life. If your baby is growing this much each week that is a good sign that you are producing enough breast milk.

Ways to Increase Your Breast Milk

If you feel like are not producing enough breast milk there are some simple things that you can do. One of the major reasons why mothers do not produce as much breast milk is because they are not feeding their infant properly. One of the most common problems is that the mother is not feeding their infant often or long enough. Newborns can take 25 to 45 min for each breastfeeding session. A baby can also feed 12 times a day. This can take up a lot of a mothers day and can be difficult to breastfeed that often and that long. A good way to help this issue is using a breast pump so that dad can be able to help out when mother is tired. Breastfeeding often and using a breast pump can be one of the best ways to produce more breast milk. The more breast milk you use the more your body will try and make.

Using Proper Technique

Another important breastfeeding tip to consider is whether or not your baby is latching on correctly. If your baby is not latching on correctly this can cause the baby to not have as strong of a suck and can cause your breast to not let down milk as effectively. This can also cause longer breastfeeding times. Talk with your lactation specialist if you are having difficulty with this. One of the most important things is to make sure your baby is latching on far enough. Some babies will latch on the front of the nipple which can cause soreness cracking and bleeding. Not latching on far enough makes it hard for the baby to suck hard and get as milk to let down quickly.

Herbal Remedies

For some women herbal remedies and supplements might be considered as you can read from legendairymilk.sg. Most of the popular herbal remedies have been around for a very long time and have not shown to have any side effects. Herbs such as Fenugreek, Milk Thistle, Raspberry Leaf, Nettle, Blessed Thistle, Goats Rue, and Alfalfa have all been stated to help increase breast milk for lactating mothers. Most of the popular herbal remedies work by increasing prolactin levels. Talk with your doctor before using any herbs if you are taking other medications.

Getting Enough Nutrition

Nutrition can also play an important role in how much breast milk your body is able to produce. If your body is dehydrated or not getting enough nutrition, your body will have difficulty producing as much breast milk as it could. Make sure to drink plenty of water and to eat enough calories for you and your baby. While breastfeeding your body can use and extra 700 calories a day.

Foods to Help Increase Breast Milk

Certain foods have also been stated to help increase breast milk, although most experts don’t agree with this. Foods such as the sweet potato, asparagus, and oats have all been used to help increase breast milk. Eating these foods can’t hurt and each of them are nutritious and healthy for your body.

Prescription Medications

If your body is really having difficulty producing enough breast milk talk with your doctor and he or she can help guide you to certain prescription medications that have been made to help increase your breast milk supply.