Nursing mothers often worry about whether their babies are getting enough milk. In most cases, your body makes just the right amount of milk for your baby, because the amount of milk you produce is based on how much your baby eats: It's a simple system of supply and demand. If you aren't making enough milk -- that is, if your baby fails to gain weight -- it is possible to encourage your body to make more.
Increase Feedings
Nurse your baby often. The more you nurse, the more milk your body will make. Generally, when you are trying to increase your milk supply, you should offer your breast every two hours, and nurse for as long as your baby wants to eat, notes AskDrSears.com. If your baby is sleeping through the night, set the alarm and get up every two hours to feed her.
Pump Milk
Pump your breasts between feedings. Although the breast pump isn't going to bring down milk the same way your baby will, it still removes milk that your body will have to replace. This increases your milk supply, but should be done in conjunction with breast-feeding your baby. Not only will you increase your milk supply, you will also get a supply of milk that other people can use to feed your baby. If your milk doesn't come down, apply warm compresses to help stimulate your breasts. It can also help to think of your baby.
Avoid Pacifiers and Bottles
Using bottles or pacifiers means that you are passing up valuable time when your baby could be suckling to encourage your breasts to produce milk. Don't worry about over-feeding your little one. If he doesn't want milk and you offer the breast, he may suck gently until he falls asleep, but it isn't likely that he will eat too much.
Relax and Enjoy Your Baby
Relax when you feed your baby. If you are stressed out and tense, you won't make as much milk as when you are relaxed. Sit or lounge on a comfortable chair or bed when you feed the baby. Grab something to drink, and just enjoy some snuggle time with your little one.
Seek Help
If you haven't been able to increase your milk supply despite your best efforts, talk to a lactation consultant. The consultant may be able to suggest herbal supplements or other techniques to help you increase your milk supply. Additionally, she can help you with any other challenges that may be contributing to your breastfeeding difficulties.
