A nursing mom continuously produces breast milk, but the speed of production varies based on demand. A full breast alerts the body to slow milk production, while an empty breast signals the need to speed it up. Keeping your milk supply high allows you to meet all of your baby's nutritional needs without supplementing with formula. You also have the option of pumping and building up your stockpile of milk when production is high. As with nursing, your pumping habits can help keep your milk supply high.
Step 1
Reduce your commitments and lower your stress levels so your body can function better. Eat a healthy diet, drink plenty of fluids and take care of yourself.
Step 2
Create a relaxing, comfortable environment for nursing and pumping. When you and your baby are relaxed, nursing is easier so you can empty the breast and stimulate more milk production.
Step 3
Nurse your baby frequently --- based on her demand rather than a strict feeding schedule --- to help replenish your breast milk supply. Don't set a time limit for nursing sessions, either --- let your baby take the time she needs to drain the breast. Offer the breast even if she doesn't seem overly hungry if you haven't nursed in the previous hours, the Ask Dr. Sears website recommends.
Step 4
Connect with your baby while you nurse to help stimulate your milk-ejection reflex. Take your baby's clothing off so you can have skin-to-skin contact, which can help him nurse better and boost your milk production.
Step 5
Massage the breast as you nurse or pump to better empty the breast. Use your fingertips to massage from the top toward the nipple.
Step 6
Allow your baby to empty one breast, then switch to the other breast so both sides are emptied. If your baby tends to fall asleep during nursing, switch her to the other breast right when she starts to suck slower and doze off. Switching sides may help her wake up so she can nurse more vigorously to consume more milk.
Step 7
Pump at the end of the nursing session if your infant doesn't eat much or doesn't empty the breasts so they feel soft.
Step 8
Pump your breasts between feeding sessions, particularly if your baby emptied your breasts at his previous feeding. Pump when you are away from your baby and cannot nurse him. When you use the breast pump, empty the breast as much as possible to stimulate more milk production.
Step 9
Call your health provider to speak with a lactation consultant or contact a local breastfeeding group such as La Leche League International for advice. A lactation professional can provide advice specific to your situation that can improve your breastfeeding experience and help you increase your breast milk supply.
Tips and Warnings
- Reposition your baby during a nursing session so she can efficiently latch on and empty your breast. Skip bottles and pacifiers that can lead to nipple confusion. Your baby may nurse less if this occurs.
- Consult your doctor before taking any supplements or changing your diet in an effort to increase your milk supply.
Things You'll Need
- Breast pump
