Produce breast milk for your newbown - I'm loving it

PRODUCE BREAST MILK FOR YOUR NEWBORN - I'M LOVING IT....

I love breastfeeding. There's a kind of feeling that I can't describe where it comes naturally once you give birth. It’s not only the optimal food for baby but it’s wonderful for mama. I've previously written about some supplements for pregnancy , and also shared supplements during confinement

But what happens when you can’t produce enough milk for baby?

I'll surely get panic and get stressed , but that’s the last thing we want to do. Stress can deplete milk supply more than anything else. Relax and focus that everything will be OK - positive thinking. Focus on what we can do to help increase our supply, which many women have been able to do successfully without resorting to drugs or formula. We also sometimes get thoughts from friends and families who have gone through it. 

Here are 10 tips that will help you produce  breast milk supply naturally - from my reading online and books.

1. Nurse, nurse, nurse…

There is nothing that can increase your supply like your baby’s suckling. Breast milk production is all about supply and demand, and it’s a tightly regulated system. Don’t worry if your breasts don’t feel full or think baby isn't getting much milk, the sucking reflex will help stimulate more milk over the long run. So, anytime you can, bring your baby to the breast and let him nurse, nurse, nurse.

2. Nurse skin-to-skin

When you do nurse, go skin-to-skin. Take off your shirt and bra and keep baby in just a diaper. Wrap a blanket around the two of you and nurse away. This practice is not only incredibly bonding for mama and baby, it also helps release more of the hormones that produce milk as well as the milk ejector hormones. Continue this practice during nap time, bedtime, and throughout night.

3. Put no time limit to nursing sessions

If you are struggling with supply, it’s best not to time feedings or limit how much time baby is on each breast. Try to give baby both breasts during each feeding for more overall production. 

4. Don’t use pacifiers, bottles or food

These not only satisfy the oral stimulation but can reduce hunger, making the baby less likely to nurse. Talk to your doctor but it’s best to only limit solid food if your baby is less than 6 months and he/she is at a healthy weight.

5. Get enough sleep and stay relaxed

Not easy with a newborn but try as best you can. Studies show that mothers produce more milk and have a better milk letdown when they are calm and relax. Nap when your baby naps. If you can get a babysitter, neighbor or family member to help out. Have friends or hubby cook you homemade meals in bulk for easy access to nutritious food. Listen to soothing music, think of flowing streams and trust that you can and will successfully nurse your baby - positive thingking

6. Watch your diet

Drink a lot of liquids as it really does makes a difference. Drink at least 12 – 8 oz. glasses a day or drink to thirst. For nutrition, many moms have boosted supply by eating galactagogues like oatmeal, barley, millet and quinoa as well as spices like fennel, ginger and turmeric. Brewer’s yeast, flaxseed, almonds, and sesame seeds can boost your supply.  Be sure you are eating enough to keep up with the demands of nursing. For exclusive breastfeeding, you are going to need at least 500 calories more a day.

7. Pump in-between nursings

Pumping can be a great short-term way to keep your breast stimulated and produce more milk. I know from experience that consistent pumping really works! You can do right after a feeding until all of your milk drains from both breasts and then continue for 5 additional minutes. If there is no milk from the beginning, just keep pumping as the stimulation will still help. Aim for 10 minutes for each breast. As an FYI, milk production tends to be highest between the hours of 2-5 a.m. 

8. Take some helpful supplements - I recommend Shaklee milk booster set.All these are the same supplements required during confines and you need to add Alfalfa as alfalfa are natural milk boosters and ESP is another milk booster.  As a very last resort, you can talk to your doctor about prescription medication to boost supply.

9. Make sure latch is right

If your baby can’t efficiently drain the breast, you may have problems with supply since the breast isn’t stimulated enough. It can be a simple as correcting a bad latch or addressing any anatomical issues that are preventing a good latch from a baby being lip tied, tongue tied or mama having inverted nipples. Or you can get consultation from a lactation consultant. 

10. Switch breasts or double feed

For a sleepy baby that falls asleep before they reach the second breast, stop her a few minutes into nursing and switch her to the other side. By doing so, you have a good shot at keeping her awake to feed more. Keep switching back and forth when you notice her starting to dose off until breats are drained. You can double feed which is to nurse, take a break by burping baby, and then place her back on for another feed at both breasts. By taking the burping break, you are releasing gas bubbles in stomach that allow more room for milk.

Hopefully, these tips will give your milk supply a boost and you’ll be back in the swing of things in no time.