Is your breast milk supply low? How to increase milk supply? If you’re a first-time mum, your breastfeeding success is often dependent on the first four to six weeks of breastfeeding. It’s at this time where you establish a routine and manage a healthy supply of breastmilk.
Breast Milk supply might be one of your worries. Don’t fret! It is a common fear, and Eonian Care always has your back. If you think that your breast milk supply isn’t enough, there are natural ways to increase it with a few easy to follow steps.
Check your baby's latch
Always make sure that your baby latches on your breast correctly. Proper latching increases your breastmilk supply and also helps you avoid certain discomforts during feeding. If the baby is latched improperly, they might not consume the milk effectively. Effective breastfeeding stimulates your body to produce milk, thus increasing a much-needed supply.
Breastfeed regularly
It is important to note that breastfeeding should be done every two to three hours in the first few weeks after your bub is born. This routine helps establish a demand for breast milk in your body, resulting in the body producing its demanded supply.
When you increase your breastfeeding sessions’ frequency and time duration, breast milk should also increase naturally.
Try an Alternative Nursing System
Using feeding bottles is also an effective way to create a habit of sucking for your little one. Using this alternative feeding system, you may get your child to suck at your breasts longer than they are used to. Always opt to use a BPA-free, leak-proof, and portable bottle such as the Eonian Care Baby Bottles & Feeding Solutions Value Set for your little one. Bottles from Eonian Care are designed with your child’s comfort in mind.
Avoid skipping feedings and giving too much formula
The body supplies what the body demands. That’s why it is encouraged to breastmilk regularly and to avoid skipping breastfeeding. You should only use formula milk in case of emergency or if it is motivated by your consultant. Excessed breastmilk should always be the top food choice for your little one.
Feed from Both Breasts
Build a stronger supply by breastfeeding from both sides. Make sure to alternate your breasts during feeding, even if some babies prefer a side in most cases. This is to ensure that both breasts have equal stimulation. Feeding on both breasts will also help you avoid uncomfortable and uneven breasts.
Keep your Little One Awake
Most bubs sleep a lot during their first week. Even if your baby is sleepy, your little one needs to breastfeed every three hours. You might also want to ensure that they are awake and actively sucking during breastfeeding.
There are gentle ways to keep your precious one awake. It may be rubbing their feet, changing their diaper, or removing comfortable wrapping to prevent your baby from feeling warm and cozy.
Skin-to-Skin Contact
Skin-to-skin contact has been known to provide many benefits for you and your little one. One example of an effective skin connection is the Kangaroo Care where a child is only wearing a diaper and is placed above the mum’s bare chest covered with a blanket. Studies show that this effectively lowers the baby’s stress levels, improves breathing, and regulates body temperatures.
Although skin-to-skin contact does not directly improve the milk supply, it does encourage the baby to breastfeed longer, thus helping increase the body’s demand for breastmilk.
Invest in a Good Breast Pump to Boost Your Breast Milk Supply
It is imperative to remove extra breast milk regularly, and the fastest way to do it is with a breast pump. This removal is an effective tool in emptying breast milk and signals the body to make more milk. You can do a breast pumping session in-between or after breastfeeding sessions.
Eonian Care offers one of the best breast pumps in the market. The Eonian Care Smart Double Electric Breast Pump comes with easy adjustment of pumping modes and suction strength for your comfort. It’s quiet, stylish, efficient, and safe, making it an ideal choice for all breastfeeding mums.
Healthy Habits and Lifestyle
Establishing healthy habits and lifestyle is the most crucial factor in increasing your milk supply. There might be certain substances and practices that affect your breastmilk supply. This might be taking birth control pills, certain medications, smoking, combined with fatigue and stress. Evaluate your daily routines and habits and see what activities are harmful to you.
You will need a good amount of energy to breastfeed. That’s why it is vital to feed the body with well-balanced and milk-boosting foods such as dark green vegetables, oatmeal, and almonds. 90% of breastmilk is water. So don’t forget to drink up to eight glasses of water per day to keep you hydrated.
And most importantly, rest. Don’t let stress get to you. Always find time to sleep, and if some things are worrying you, reach out to friends and lactation experts for help.
