New mothers each have a unique experience when it comes to breastfeeding. Some naturally have a good supply right away while others need to wait a few days first before their breast milk comes in or they have a low supply. If you’re one of the latter, here are 5 easy ways to naturally boost your breast milk supply!
Eat a balanced diet and stay hydrated
To be able to take care of your baby and feed her properly, you need to take care of yourself first. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water each day and eat healthy and well-balanced meals. Breastfeeding mothers need an added 500 calories daily. Remember, the content of your breast milk changes based on your diet!
Choose protein-rich and energy-boosting foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, lean meat, oatmeal and yogurt (add flaxseed meal – many moms say this helps boost their supply!).
Don’t miss your vitamins
Aside from eating healthy, the intake of vitamins is important to a breastfeeding mom. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommend Folic Acid, Calcium, Iron and Vitamin D.
Consider taking supplements
Taking natural supplements have helped many mothers increase their milk supply. Herbs that are known to help address this problem are called galactogogues and some examples are Blessed Thistle, Brewer’s Yeast and Fenugreek.
Experts recommend that you try various options or combine these natural capsules to find out what works for your body. More importantly, consult your doctor beforehand.
Try feeding on demand
To help boost milk production, try feeding on demand. This is because the production of milk is a demand-supply system – meaning that the more your child feeds, the more milk is produced. Remember to let her feed fully on each breast because when a breast if fully empty, it signals the brain to produce more milk.
Bake lactation cookies or try lactation teas
Many breastfeeding mothers around the world have found success in lactation cookies. You can purchase them ready made or you can bake your own (so you can modify ingredients to your liking!). Another milk-boosting product that many moms say help are lactation teas.
Again, before trying new things out to increase your breast milk supply, it’s always ideal to consult it with your doctor first.
Try these 5 easy ways to naturally boost your breast milk supply – don’t get discouraged and seek the advice of your doctor. Remember, your baby can feel your frustration!
Angela Kidd is an author and illustrator, a wife and a mother to 3 beautiful kids. In her spare time, she would personally create storybooks and coloring books for her children for fun and they loved it.. And so did she. Angela quit her job and created her own line of educational activity books for children of various ages, with the main goal of making learning fun! You can check out some of Angela’s amazing books
