Breast milk supply is essential for the babies, Breast milk is rich in lactose (carbohydrates), protein, vitamins, minerals and certain macro-nutrients that are essential to the growing baby to make sure the newborn’s physical development and to avoid certain infections; it is also important to remember that it should be the only source of the baby’s nourishment in the span of 6 months to one year after being born.
If you are troubled that your baby is not getting enough milk from your own milk supply; there are many ways to increase the milk supply and production of your breasts. Here are some essential tips that can be helpful to lactating mothers who are worried about their milk supply.
1. You must understand how breastfeeding works
Breast milk is produced when your baby suckle your breast; hormones that are involved in the milk production are forced to released and the suction of the baby’s breasts creates a muscle reflex in the milk ducts which triggers your body to produce more milk; in short the more the mother breastfed her child; the more milk their bodies make.
The human body is a dynamic and complex machinery and is capable of thinking on its own without your conscious decision and one of its amazing examples is your milk-producing breasts; the more the baby gets the supply of milk from her mother’s breasts; the more the milk ducts command to produce in order to compensate its demand.
2. Eat a diet that is proven to increase lactation
Diet plays an important role in the babies nutritional value, healthy foods will generally increase the supply of your milk production and make sure that the nutrients you get from your diet will also be transferred to the milk supply the baby needs, some foods, herbs, teas and supplements that needs to be incorporated in your diet is:
- Lactation cookies – comprised of whole oats, brewer’s yeast, flaxseed meal, and wheat germ, which have been linked to increased milk production in humans.
- Dark Leafy vegetables.
- Antioxidant fruits.
- Sesame seeds.
- Garlic.
- Ginger.
- Fenugreek.
- Spirulina.
- Turmeric.
- Moringa Olivera.
- Fish Oil (Omega-3 Fatty Acids).
3. Learn to control your stress levels
Taking care of a child and parenting in general can be a stressful situation the parents especially the mother has to cope and overcome with, depression, anxiety and stress can be experienced by new mothers and such can create a tremendous impact on the breast milk production, there is a mind-body connection that most people should be able to understand, lowering your stress levels is essential for optimal milk production, try meditating, deep-breathing, postnatal yoga and other known techniques to decrease stress, always remember that it will be worthwhile for you and to the baby, if stress levels and anxiety still persists, consult the doctor for further psychological help.
4. Add a “pumping” session to your routine
Boost your supply by breastfeeding the baby and then pumping the leftover milk. Adding a pump session right after the nursing will stimulate your body to produce more milk supply, this technique works and has been proven scientifically.
Making sure that your child gets enough supply of nutrients can be bothersome for a mother. But as long as the baby is gaining weight, has 3 or more stools every day, is physically well, contented and happy, rest assured that your baby is getting enough of your milk supply, if you are still worried, you can consult a lactation specialist to help create a plan on increasing your milk production and to avoid running out milk.
Read Also:
- How To Soothe Itchy Breasts During Pregnancy
- Your Go-To Guide For a Healthy Breastfeeding Diet
- Why Babies Are Making Noises While Breastfeeding
