things that you can do if you’re experiencing low milk suppl
There are a couple of things that you can do if you’re experiencing low milk supply. However, before self-diagnosing, it pays to consult your doctor or lactation expert first. At times, you may be mistaking your baby’s fussiness or multiple feeds for constant hunger.
If the baby isn’t getting enough milk, your doctor will do a few checks to determine whether you’re producing enough milk. He/she will also check if the baby is latching correctly and may recommend any necessary adjustments.
Try to relax
Anxiety may be due to lack of enough sleep, enough care, and support from your spouse or family member. Also, the fear of not being able to produce enough milk for the current feeding session alone can make you anxious, which is the number one killer of successful breastfeeding.
Anxiety affects milk production by increasing the levels of cortisol (aka the stress hormone). This hormone inhibits the performance of oxytocin, which is responsible for milk let-down.
Doing yoga is an excellent way of relaxing when breastfeeding. Another technique is to take a deep breath, hold it for a couple of seconds, and exhale slowly through the nose. Importantly, remember that being a new mom is difficult for everyone. So, don’t shy off from asking for any help whenever you need it.
Have prolonged skin-to-skin-contact
You probably know that skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth is essential for the well-being of mom and the baby. But do you know that it also helps with breastfeeding?
Having prolonged skin to skin contact helps in releasing the hormones responsible for lowering stress level in both the mom and the baby. This contact also develops the baby’s instincts and suckling reflexes that aid in making a deep and comfortable latch when feeding.
Hands-on Pumping- what is it, and how does it increase milk supply?
Hands-on Pumping is the art of massaging your breasts before and during Pumping. This technique has been proven to be very effective in emptying the breast and getting the high-calorie hindmilk that is creamier and thicker than foremilk.
This is how you do hands-on Pumping to increase milk supply.
Step 1: Start by shaking your breasts gently to stimulate and awaken them.
Step2: Massage both breasts in circular motions and with your fingers flat against the breast starting from the outer margin moving towards the nipple.
Step3: Starting Pumping using a high-quality double breast pump and an expressing bra, so your hands are free. As the pump removes the milk, compress both breasts momentarily, using your thumb and finger, then release it. Continue this until milk supply subsides.
Step 4: Message both breasts again.
Step 5: Finish by expressing one breast while massaging and compressing the same breast using both hands to get the hindmilk. Switch to the other breast and do the same.
Additional Tips on How to Increase Milk Production in Breastfeeding Mothers
Use a breast milk collector- this is a great way to collect a few extra ounces of milk from the opposite breast when the baby is breastfeeding.
Use lactation cookies- these are foods rich in galactagogues, which boosts lactation. They include flaxseed meal, whole oats, brewer’s yeast, and wheat germ.
Nurse frequently and whenever the baby seems hungry. This will help the body to increase milk production to keep up with the increased demand.
Make sure that the baby feeds from both sides at least twice during each feeding session.
Stick to breast milk only for at least the first 6 months. Remember that milk supply relies on demand.
Baby isn’t getting enough milk- what to look out for
The fear of not low milk supply is often accompanied by the thoughts of the baby not getting enough breast milk. As a general rule, if the baby is feeding 8-12 times every 24 hours, and he/she seems happy after each session, the chances are that they are getting enough. Gradual weight gain is another vital sign of a child who is feeding well.
On the other hand, some signs show your baby might not be getting enough breast milk;
Baby showing signs of low energy or excessive sleep
A poor latch
Failure to regain birth weight within 10-14 days after birth
Dark-colored urine and few soiled nappies
A painful latch