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Natural Ways to Increase Milk Supply

When it comes to breastfeeding, it can be both challenging and trying at the same time. Every new mom worries they aren’t doing something right and this can cause stress and worry in an already new environment for both mom and baby. If you are struggling with not having enough milk supply, this can be extremely stressful. Don’t give up! Here are some natural ways to increase your milk supply.

Natural Ways to Increase Milk Supply

Drink lots of water. If you are having trouble with supply, consider the first most obvious reason may be that you are not hydrated enough. Breastfeeding moms usually need between 10-12 glasses of water a day compared to the standard 8.

Feed your baby more. This can be hard if you are already low, but feeding on demand can help increase your supply because it sends a message to your body that the baby is in need of more. Even if all your infant is able to do is suckle for a while, the simulation on your nipples will eventually signal that breast milk supply needs to be increased.

Make sure to rest as much as you can. This is super hard to do with a new baby that is not sleeping through the night, but it is vital to staying healthy and giving your body the means to make more milk. Rest when your baby does.

Try pumping if your baby doesn’t demand very much. You can borrow a pump from WIC if money is tight. However, pumping milk can help your body increase its supply just as if your baby was doing the feeding.

Make sure to use both breasts equally. Your baby may prefer one breast to the other, but to increase overall milk supply, you may need to try to use both equally. Try switching each feeding until both breasts are producing well.

Massage your nipples and do breast massage. You can increase supply by massaging your breasts gently during feedings and by massaging your nipples between feeding time.

Eat properly. Make sure to get enough good fats in your diet such as those found in avocados and also increase your intake of oats as they have been shown to increase milk production. You can also try adding fenugreek seeds to your diet as they have been used for centuries by mothers to increase milk supply.

Consider drinking a beer once in a while. This may sound crazy, but many doctors will recommend drinking a beer once in a while to help aid in milk production. Make sure you check with your doctor before doing so, but it may be worth a shot.

Keep your stress levels as low as possible. Don’t worry that you won’t be able to keep up with your baby’s demands. Worrying about it can lead to stress that may even slow down supply.

Try to sleep with your baby nearby. Most infants do much of their feedings at night. If you don’t want to co-sleep, consider at least keeping your baby in a bassinette near you so you can feed at night with ease. Doing this middle of the night feeding can often help boost your supply during the day.