Babies who breastfeed need to be fed on a regular basis, and consistent feedings depend on a steady supply of milk. This is particularly true for newborn babies who can eat up to 12 times in a 24-hour period. But some women experience difficulty with breastfeeding and sufficient milk supply, according to Women's Health, a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website. Women dedicated to breastfeeding may experience frustration, but there are ways to increase milk supply.
Consistent Feedings
Women's Health reports that newborn babies eat eight to 12 times in a 24-hour period. The more often and more effectively a baby eats, the more milk the mother will be able to make. Breastfeeding mothers can increase their milk supply by allowing a baby to set her own feeding schedule and feeding her when she is hungry, according to Women's Health. The La Leche League encourages increased breastfeeding when a baby demands additional feedings. As a baby grows, she will need more milk, and offering additional and consistent feedings will increase milk supply.
Use a Breast Pump
Breastfeeding is based on supply and demand, reports the Mayo Clinic and pumping can mimic the demand of breastfeeding when used after a feeding session. The Mayo Clinic encourages pumping to increase supply even if no additional milk is produced. The key to increasing breast milk supply using a pump is to feed the baby at the breast as often as possible and then using a pump.
Discontinue or Limit Pacifier Use
The La Leche League emphasizes that all sucking should take place at the breast in order to promote and increase milk supply. Discontinuing or limiting the use of a pacifier can increase milk supply by encouraging a baby to suck more effectively while nursing, according to La Leche League.
Galactagogues
Galactagogues are medications or herbal remedies that can be used for a short time to increase milk supply to levels sufficient to satisfy a breastfeeding baby. Metoclopramide is the most commonly prescribed galactagogue and has been shown to increase milk supply by 50 cc per feeding, using a dose of 30 mg per day. Fenugreek is a common herbal remedy that the American Academy of Pediatrics includes as a possible galactagogue.
References
- Women's Health: Learning to Breastfeed
- La Leche League: How Can I Increase My Milk Supply?
- The Mayo Clinic: Breastfeeding: 7 Tips for Pumping Success
- "American Academy of Pediatrics:Management of Common Breastfeeding Problems"; Emily Sebesta; 2009
