A mother's body usually does a good job of producing enough milk to nourish her baby, but occasionally this process is disrupted and a mother develops a low milk supply. Most of the time, you can increase your milk supply by breastfeeding more frequently and encouraging your baby to nurse more effectively. Your breasts will usually begin to produce more milk when your baby begins taking more from them.
Step 1
Eliminate pacifier and bottle use to encourage your baby to satisfy his urge to suck at the breast.
Step 2
Check to make sure your baby is latching on correctly. Her lips should be on the areola, not the nipple. Her cheeks should not be drawn in or dimpled, and you should not be able to hear smacking sounds. If you need help with proper positioning, talk to your doctor or a lactation consultant.
Step 3
Allow your baby to finish feeding on one breast before switching to the other. When his sucking slows or stops, switch to the other breast, recommends the La Leche League.
Step 4
Let your baby breastfeed as frequently as she wants, and let her stay at the breast until she ends the feeding by falling asleep or detaching from the breast.
Step 5
Help your baby stay awake to finish the feeding if he is sleepy. You can gently encourage him to stay awake by touching him, changing positions, switching breasts or undressing him, according to BabyCenter.
Step 6
Pump the remaining milk from your breasts after a feeding to boost milk production, recommends the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Tips and Warnings
- See your doctor if you feel you are not making enough milk. Many times, women make enough milk even when they think they do not. If you truly do have a low milk supply, your doctor can give you more information about your situation and refer you to a lactation consultant if necessary.
- Most breastfed babies get plenty of milk, but if you notice your baby is losing weight or not gaining weight as he should, see a doctor immediately. (Reference 2)
