What Can I Do to Increase My Milk Production?

Hey W.,

There is this great tea called mother's milk. You can buy it at new leaf market and it works wonders! I had the same problem and it worked really well for me. MY baby is now 3 months and I still drink it every once in a while to increase my milk.

Oh and I find when I'm not hydrated I don't make as much as when I've had plenty to drink

Hope this helps
-E.

Hello W.,

I am 30 and Married. I am a mother of 3 and i breastfeed all 3 of them. Their ages are 7,5, and 2 years old. So i know all about breastfeeding. I know that alot of mothers have given you lots of good advice here, but i know that you need some results right now. When i was breastfeeding my 3rd child I started to have problems with my milk supply. I went to the Doctor and she said that i should go to the mall and go to GNC and pick up a bottle of Fenugreek. I did it and it worked for me.
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Fenugreek

This is what it looks like.

http://www.gnc.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2138492&am...

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If you want to read up on it here is some information on Fenugreek and Breastfeeding.

http://www.breastfeedingonline.com/fenugreek.shtml

God Bless and take care. Enjoy your little one and you are doing a great job MOMMY. Keep up the Good Work. :)

From one mother to another.

Please, please please don't worry so much. Worry is the worst thing for breast milk production. Slow down and make your baby and nursing your first priority for a couple of days ( no excuses that you can't do this!!) Rest, nurse on demand, drink lots of water and herbal teas (google herbs that promote lactation there are lots of safe ones) , feed your body lots of fruits, veggies, proteins, good fats like avocado and olive oil. And your body and baby will do the rest. As your body adjusts to the new baby the first month or so, you will feel less fullness
and it appears to feel like your body is making less milk. If you nurse on demand and baby is satisfied after eating. Relax and feel that wonderful sense of joy that comes from that powerful mother baby bond. And hook up with some LeLeche league support. This is invaluable support!!! I breast fed all 5 of my kids (now ages 7-24) which totaled to about 12 years of breast feeding. The only one I had trouble nursing was with my first son. My head was my own worse enemy. TRUST your body.
hugs and best wishes,
D.

I am the mother of 4, (now 16, 14, 12 and 10) and breastfed them all. I also used to direct the WIC breastfeeding program.

I think you have received a great deal of wonderful encouragement and tips from the posts so far.

Perhaps I missed something as I quickly skimmed the replies, but one thing I would add is this.

Remember to watch the baby and trust nature and your instincts. Does the baby seem satisfied? Is he/she continuing to have 6-8 wet diapers a day? What is the consistency of his/her stools? If the stools are mustardy yellow and of a seedy consistency, that is a great indication the baby is getting plenty to eat. I used to stack up 8 diapers each morning by the changing table. If by that night I had 0, 1, or 2 left, I knew the baby had enough output. It was an easy, visual way to keep track of wet diapers without worrying and counting all day!

Also, you don't mention a pacifier one way or another. Babies, especially at such a young age, have a need to suck- for hunger, comfort, and development. Excessive use of a pacifier will reduce the amount of time the baby spends at the breast and therefore your milk supply.

God bless you and hang in there!

Have you tried the raspberry herbal teas? If you go to any health food store and ask someone who works there, you will be able to find them. I think that they are called Mother's Milk teas. They really do work. Ask them if there is anything else that might help too. I've used lots of their ideas over the years that have worked.

Also, your baby might be going through a growth spurt and that tends to make you feel like you are out of milk. Your body readjusts to the increased needs within 24 hours. Drink lots of water too!

Hi W.,
My friend had the same problem with her baby son.
She sought the help of an accupuncturist. After one session, she had more milk and the milk production continued.
I know that breastfeeding is supposed to be regulated by supply and demand. If you are pumping along with feedings, you would think that would work.
Make sure you are drinking enough fluids (no caffein) and of course, eating right and getting rest. I know all of the adjustments are hard with a new baby. You might want to contact the hospital where you delivered and ask to speak to a breastfeeding specialist. They are very supportive and are a wealth of knowledge.
Best of luck to you and keep us posted,
T.

This happened to me when my daughter was 8 weeks. I found the more I tried to pump the worse it got and pretty soon after that I completely dried up. The only advice I know to give is to stop pumping and contact your lactation consultant that you met after you delievered in the hospital. Sometimes lactation consultants are even willing to come to your home and walk you through some of the difficult times. I hope you don't loose you milk but PLEASE know that if you do you are still a wonderful mother and not being able to breast feed DOES NOT change that fact!

Stay stong and I wish you luck!!!

Your breast feel full in the early days after having a baby because they haven't yet become accustomed to the amount of milk your baby needs. When your body gets used to your baby's quantity needs, this "fullness" goes away. It is totally normal. This happened with all 5 of my babies and each time, I still had plenty of milk for him/her. Continue to nurse everytime your baby wants to and your body will get the message. Right now in the beginning is the most crucial time to KEEP NURSING!! Breastmilk is on a supply/demand system. The more you use, the more you make. It really is as simple as that! Good Luck!

It should happen naturally as your baby needs more, your body will produce more. There are teas out there too that you can use but generally its a supply-demand type of a thing

Breast milk production can be increased with a natural way and that is healthy nursing tea by secrets of tea. It's my experience that I am now producing more milk than before and my baby is getting his tummy full exclusively from my breast milk.

Have you tried pumping "in between" feedings, not right after. Say two hours after to "trick" your body into thinking your baby is hungry. And drink LOTS of water!

Just like the others said, it's crucial that you consume enough water and eat properly. Dieting will cause a reduction in milk production. Are you taking any medications? There are several that will reduce production as well. Birth Control pills are one of them.

Finally, as you nurse, your body gets accustomed to the milk production and actually provides as your baby needs. Your breasts will no long "feel" full like they did when you first started nursing, but your baby will be still getting all he/she needs. Be sure you don't base your production on the way your breasts feel. Is she acting hungry? Is she gaining weight? Does she seem satisfied? If she doesn't notice the change, chances are your body is doing just fine.

Sacred Heart hospital has a nursing mothers group that meets every Friday. The lactation consultants and nurses can help with any issues you may be having. You can call Sacred Heart hospital to contact one. I can honestly tell you that they are very happy to help you at this stage.

Good luck, and like the other gal said, you are still a wonderful mother and your daughter will be fine even if you can no longer nurse for any reason.

Have you tried calling the hospital that you delivered at and asking to speak with their lactation specialist? That's what I'd do first. All I can say is, pump more frequently...that usually kicks it in...but the specialist may have more info. Good luck & God bless.

You have received some good advice so far, the only thing I could say that no one else has is about the actual amount of water you drink. The best breastfeeding advice I got was when I felt like my supply was going down was to drink an 8 oz. glass EVERY time you nurse, drink it while you are nursing, and keep a water bottle handy between feedings too. If you don't have the glass gone by the time your baby has finished, make sure you finish the glass within about 5 mins. Yes you will feel like you are trying to become a camel, but it won't take long for your production to increase.
Every time you bring your baby to the breast it stimulates the milk producing hormones, so keep doing that.
Every milk-makin mama goes through dry-spells, don't worry too much, you are doing the best thing for your baby!

CALL YOUR DOC. SOME FOODS MAY SLOW OR STOP MILK PRODUCTION.
i WAS TOLD THE MORE YOU USE THE MORE YOU PRODUCE. bOTH OF MINE WERE PREMIES AND COULDN'T NURSE, MOUTH MUSCLES TOO WEAK.

That's awesome! Your body is working as it should :-)

You said she doesn't drink much early morning.. your body has adjust the amount it makes for that feeding. That's the way it works. Your body will make as little or as much as the baby has shown it needs at any given minute or hour of the day. So if baby wants half ounce at 10 am..that's what your body will give. If she wants 2oz at 3pm.. again, your body will give it. If she suddenly needs more, the baby will suckle enough to generate more.. it's all supply and demand.

Ahhhh Nature is beautiful.
You may also contact La Leche League
http://www.lllflorida.com/groups/central/index.html

PS Pumping is no indicator of milk supply. If you want more info on this, I've got tons.

Have you tried pumping and storing for later when she is ready for a bottle. I used to feed my baby and then pump and that would help. The more milk that comes out tells your body more milk is needed. Supply and demand! In the long run if you still have trouble, at homeopathy stores there are teas and natural pills you can take that do help increase your supply. I turned to these at the end and they helped. Good luck! No stressing!!!!!

I have five children that i have breast fed, and with the last two it was for a very long time, you build up your supply by nursing the baby, the more you feed them the more milk you will have. The baby goes threw growing spurts, at those times it feels like all you are doing is nursing the baby, but that is how the supply increaes. Drink plenty of water, i always made a glass of water everytime i would sit down to feed the baby. Don't worry about all the stuff you have to do, there will be time later for that. My last two babies never even touched a bottle, they are so healthy today, one is 9 the other 4. you can e-mail me anytime if you want ____@____.com
Good Luck and have patience.

By 5 weeks your breasts adjust to the amount of milk needed at each feeding. You shouldn't have any fullness unless you miss a feeding. Pumping is different from your baby feeding at the breast. Unless you were pumping at the same time every day for the past three or four days, you not pump much milk.

Just make sure you are drinking plenty of water and eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. When your baby feeds, make sure she is emptying an entire breast and then offer the other breast. Don't stress about it. Trust your body. It is very capable of nourishing your baby.

I have experienced the same thing with both my girls. First, make sure you are drinking enough fluid and that you are well hydrated. Also, make sure you are eating enough calories during the day. If you have an electric pump use it about every 2 hours, or after each feeding, to stimulate milk production...keep pumping even if no milk is coming out. Some doctors will also let you take Reglan to help milk supply. I have also heard that drinking a beer a day helps as well...something to do with the hops and stimulating production. Try to stay as relaxed as possible and it will get better. Your baby is probably coming up on the 6 week growth spurt and taking more milk at each feeding and it takes your body a couple of days to catch up. Good Luck!

Check this website out:

http://www.breastfeed-essentials.com/supply.html

It has a lot of good ideas. Also make sure that you drink a lot of water, especially right before and in between feedings.

Good luck!

Hi W. -

I too was having some supply issues (now 9 weeks postpartum) and the lactation consultant had several suggestions, including continuing to pump for 10-15 min just for stimulation even when nothing is coming out, stay well hydrated/limit caffeine intake, and she recommended a couple herbal supplements: fenugreek (tea or capsules) and blessed thistle (capsules). I have been taking fenugreek (6/day) and that helped tremendously (but they make you smell sort of like maple syrup!). I found out part of the supply problem is due to my thyroid hormone levels being out of whack, so you may want to follow up with your OB at your next check up and get your thyroid checked since postpartum thyroiditis is an issue for many women and can affect milk supply. The lactation consultant also told me that the milk let-down feeling will not be as intense as it is in the first few weeks, but that the milk will still be there. Hope this helps!

I have heard that Mother's milk tea is a great way to increase milk production.
Make sure you are drinking plenty of water and getting enough to eat.
Also, if it continues you might want to seek a lactation center. Florida Hospital South has an excellent lactation center. They will be able to tell you other ways to increase your production.
Good luck!
L.

A few things:

As some others have sadi, it is very normal for your breast to feel less full after a few weeks. Continue to nurse on demand, typically every 2-3 hours. Don't try to schedule feedings.

It is also very common to pump very little after a feeding. The baby is more efficient at emptying the breast than a pump. Also, in a typical nursing session, a baby gets 2-4 ozs of milk...not as much as perhaps a formula fed baby may get.

The "benchmark" you should be looking at is wet/poopy diapers--is baby having 6-8 wet and at least 2 "quarter-sized" poopy diapers aday? Then she is getting enough.

Babies also have a growth spurt at 5-6 weeks. Make sure you are nursing on demand to build up your milk supply.

I also concur with the recommendation to call a La Leche League Leader in your Area (you can find a listing at www.lllusa.org) or a lactation consultant.

Lots of sleep, lots of fluids, including a small amount of beer (yeast)!

Hi, W.. My advice to you is to keep at it. Don't substitute formula for ANY of the feedings. I had the same thing happen to me when my daughter was a baby. I was so tempted to give her a bottle of formula because I was convinced that she wasn't getting enough milk because my breasts just didn't feel full. I tried pumping but rarely got anything out. I assumed that since I wasn't getting anything out while pumping my daughter wasn't getting anything out while nursing. She got plenty though and was consistently in the 95% percentile for weight.
There's also a tea I read about when I was in your shoes and researching this called "Mama's milk" it is supposed to help with milk production.
I hope this helps. Don't get discouraged and good luck!
C.

lots of water !!!!!

I nursed both of my babies for 12 months. Of course the first one was the toughest with no experience, but I had some awesome lactation consultants that were on call from the hospital 24/7, so I called when I needed help or would go to the hospital during business hrs if I needed them to observe the feeding. Do you have any lactation consultants to talk to? Anyway, I learned that the more frequent I fed, the more my supply was built up. Every 2-3 hrs & if the baby sleeps through a feeding, pump, so your body still knows to produce & also you will start a supply for yourself to run some errands alone:o) You can store frozen breastmilk in those gerber milk bags for 6 mths, then defrost & use the same day. I also got Fenugreek, a natural herb, @ GNC & is safe for your baby, this increased my supply noticably. I will tell you it makes you have a maple syrup smell when you perspire, though. But you get used to it & I ended up not needing it passed the 4th month. I also, took naps when I could & drank lots of water. Staying hydrated is very important & eat a well balanced diet for your energy. I remember I was always exhausted & would fall asleep while I nursed in my comfy chair. I hope I've helped you, W.. Let me know if there's anything else you need..

Don't panic. Stress will only add to any perceived problems with milk production. It is normal not to feel as "full" once your body has gotten used to the needs of your baby. The best ways to tell if your baby is getting enough milk is by checking how many noticeably wet diapers she is having in a 24 hour period (should be 6-8) and also if she is acting satisfied. You cannot judge your milk production on what you pump because babies are a lot more efficient at getting all the milk out than a pump is. If you are still concerned, you can check out motherlove.com. They have several herbal products you can take to increase milk production. I have been taking more milk plus for 2 years now throughout my first and second boys' nursing experiences. Once you get used to the strong taste, it's not so bad. :-)

Hi whitny, My name is Tess and i had a very similar problem.
I used a medication called domperidone. i ordered it online from oversease. its used in europe more than we use it here. it significantly increased my milk supply, without it i would not have been able to breast feed for nine months. my sister in law is a nursery nurse and she gives me lots of good suggestions, domperidon is something she has also used.make sure to shop around online before purchase.
good luck, Tess

I know for me it was the more you feed her the more milk you'll develop. I nursed mine for a really long time and even if it feels like you don't have any milk, it'll start to come. I hope this helps.

Have you tried feeding her more often? It will take at least 3 days for your milk to increase. That is what the doctors told me. Good luck!

You have gotten some wonderful advice-relax! Babies know what to do, trust them. I had to pump for 6 weeks for my preemie and another 6 weeks once I got him home and he was learning to breastfeed. You can do this! You probably at this point need more rest, more water, more to eat. In the beginning you probably had more help and now you are doing it all on your own. Don't be concerned if you aren't seeing much when you pump, especially after a feeding. Babies are far better at emptying a breast than a pump! It does take some training to your body to be able to have your milk let down for the pump. I had to learn to think of my baby and actually flowing water and little flood gates opening! Sounds funny but it worked! Pumping after will help increase your supply but you have to have the proper nutrition on board in your body and enough water. If your baby is satisfied, having wet diapers, gaining weight then you are doing the right things and it's working! Keep up the good work mom!!!

I have not read through any responses so this may be a duplicate.

Fenugreek - contact a local lactation consult to verify mg but I took 1200 mg a day.

Also, eating Oatmeal of any kind (in the form of cookies or bars or cereal, etc.) really helps.

It is all supply and demand. It is really hard to keep pumping but try pumping inbetween - it may take a bit but your production should increase because of the demand.

Also, another really big one is drink tons and tons of water. As much as you can stand!

Good luck.

C.
www.homegrownbabystore.com

Get as much rest as you can. Ask for help, don't be afraid to get a friend or neighbor over to fold your laundry or something. Adequate rest helps milk production. I heard these foods help: oats, pecans, apricots, and carrots, asparugus, peas, all leafy greens, beet greens, parsley, watercress. Susan Weed's Wise Woman's Herbal for the Childbearing Year says to use these herbs: Teas of nourishing mineral rich herbs like comfrey, red raspberry leaf, nettles, alfalfa or red clover. Tea from borage leaves. Barley water and/or fennel water (find her book for instructions). Try hops flowers also, like in beer. One that's high in hops but not too bitter is Hazed and Infused, I forget the brewery. but it is also sold as a tincture. Good luck.

Hi. I had similar issues and it was recommended that I make sure I get rest and eat well. Drink lots of water. Keep pumping after you breastfeed or in between your "regular" feeding times. They say the more you use the more you'll produce but you don't want to wear yourself out in the process. Also, there is this supplement or herb (I can't remember which it is) called Fenegan (?) You'll have to ask at the health food store. It seemed to help me produce more milk. Also, call the lactation specialist at your hospital. They were very helpful to me for months of my children's breastfeeding. Good Luck. (and yes, it does increase again)

Drink organic carrot juice- safe safe safe and it works...

Hi. Don't worry. You will produce more milk as she needs it. Make sure that you are drinking plenty of water too. As her demand grows, so will your milk production. I too thought the same thing. It also helps if you mostly breast feed. I substituted with a bottle. But the more the baby nurses, the more you will produce.

When you say you are barely pumping anything, are you getting an ounce per breast? At five weeks thats all that baby needs. You can try to pump a little after each feed(even if nothing comes out) to simulate baby taking more, this will tell your body to produce more milk naturally. Also there is Mother's Milk Tea(if you like tea) or Fenugreek capsules both herbal and really work! I was also told by a lactation consultant that visual stimulation works. So when I feel stressed, which they say can lead to low production I visualize waterfalls of milk plunging into a milk river! And most importantly drink LOTS of water! :)

Drink a lot of water and liquids. Eat healthy meals and feed on demand. Your body will make as much milk as she needs. You don't need to increase your supply, just give her the amount she needs and your body know exactly how to do that! She tells your body how much to eat by the amount of times she eats and the length of time she eats. She will increase your milk supply as she goes through growth spurts.

Hope this helps.

All my best,

M.

See a lactation consultant...but Fenugreek works wonderfully. Buy it at a GNC store and take 2-3pills 3xdaily. This is much more than what is written on the label, but is the dosage recommened to me by my lactatition and pediatric doctor. You also must pump or nurse every 2-3 hours to completly drain the breast, won't work if you don't. Most women notice an increase in 48hrs. From experience with a similiar situation, you know that you are taking even supplement when you smell a faint maple syrup when you pee.

Babies are also much better at draining the milk than pumping, so don't stress too much about the quantity when you pump. Pumping also takes some time to learn how to effectivly do. You may need to pump every 4-5 hours through the night as well, until your milk is truly established. Remember a young baby will nurse every 2-3 hours. Stress also effects you milk, so try to relax. That you are still trying is wonderful.

Hope this helps! hang in there!

First of all, is your baby still nursing well and able to go a few hours between feedings. If the answer is yes, don't worry. Your milk production is based on a supply and demand. As you the weeks go on, your body will adjust and produce what is needed at the appropriate times. You said she doesn't take as much in the morning, so your breast have accomodated for that. If you nurse more on a certain day the next day you should see increased production at that time. When you first start nursing you get that very full feeling but it does change as time goes by. As long as your baby is going a few hours between feedings and is gaining weight I wouldn't worry so much. If she starts wanting to feed more often, nurse her extra for a day and see if the production is there the next, after that I would check with your doctor.
V.

Make sure you are drinking enough water first of all. Then every time you baby nurses express more milk manually. Make sure you are getting plenty of rest too. Your body will begin to make more. It is a supply and demand kind of thing. The more milk removed the more milk made. If she isnt eating at regular intervals, make sure every two hours or so you drain at least one breast manually. Good luck. You might try to get in touch with the La Leche League in your area. They really helped me with nursing when I first had children.