Questions About Milk Supply? You’re Not Alone
There are many reasons why there may be a need to increase milk supply. Separation from your baby for a number of days may decrease milk production. People who have undergone surgery or suffered a serious illness may need to re-establish a good supply of milk. And lastly, some people have a smaller amount of ductal tissue in their breasts/ chests and need to support efficient milk production in order to nurse their babies exclusively. Lack of support is the most common reason for failed breastfeeding. Only 2% of people are medically incapable of producing enough milk for their baby. The most common reasons being breast surgery (BFAR=breastfeeding after a reduction) or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). However, many still struggle to build and maintain an adequate supply. Some reasons (besides the ones listed above) are:
Separation of baby following birth
Latching problems
Tongue or lip tie
Not feeding long enough
Not feeding frequently enough
Supplementing with formula
Introducing artificial nipples
Premature infant and/or NICU stay
Physical Methods to try first
Skin to skin in bed with baby
Nursing on demand
Warm compresses and massage before nursing
Breast compressions while nursing
Pumping following a nursing session
Hospital grade pumps are made to increase supply, personal pumps are meant only to get milk out. Pumps can be rented at hospitals, Babies R Us, or from some lactation consultants.
Pump through 2 let downs (15-20 minutes)
Use breast compressions
Calories
Nursing requires an extra 700 calories /day which is more than while pregnant. Eat proteins, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, rest when your baby rests and lots of drink water (3/4 your body weight in ounces daily). This does not include coffee, soda, or juice.
Demand
To increase supply there must be a good demand. If your baby is nursing less than every two hours, you need to artificially create the demand by pumping your breastmilk. Emptying the breast completely encourages a quick refill of your milk ducts. There are a number of “schedules” recommended for pumping, try each method for at least one day before trying another.
Option 1: Nurse your baby on one breast and pump the other empty every 2 hours.
Option 2: Pump each breast just AFTER nursing on both sides.
Option 3: Empty your breasts EVERY hour during the day and every two hours during the night. If your baby is having a long sleep, you need to pump during this time.
Option 4: Power pump for 2 min on, then 5 min off. Repeat 3 times in a row. Perform this a total of 6-10x day.
Feed & Supply
You should pump 2-2.5oz by 2 weeks post partum. Feed your baby 1-2x body weight total per day. For example, if your baby weighs 6lbs, feed them 12oz a day. Feed them at least every 2-3 hours day and night until supply is established.
Lactation promoting foods
apricots, asparagus, green beans, carrots, sweet potatoes, peas, pecans, leafy greens, parsley, watercress, dandelion leaves.Foods to avoid (small amounts for seasoning is ok) citrus, citric acid, soft drinks, vitamin c supplement, vitamin B6 (more than 200mg/day), sage, tomatoes, thyme, aspartame, soy, alcohol, coffee, foods you are sensitive too or don’t digest well.
Lactation herbs / Galactagogues
The The term "galactagogue" means any substance that is known to increase milk production or milk ejections. Works best if used in combination with physical methods described above.
Motherlove More Milk Special Blend: 2 ml, 3 times a day.
Contains: Fenugreek, Blessed Thistle, Nettle, Fennel and Goat’s Rue (Goat’s Rue increases breast tissue and is particularly good
This is the most cost effective way to take all of these herbs
Alfalfa tincture: Take 2 ml, 3 times a day.
Mulanggay AKA Moringa: “Galacta” brand. Follow label instructions.
Blessed Thistle leaves tincture (Cnicus benedictus) 3 dropperfulls 2-4 x day.
Borage leaves tea (Borago officinalis) Drink 1 cup at each nursing. It also acts as a milk laxative, soothes jangled nerves, ensures good milk supply. • Fennel & Barley tea Soak ½ cup barley in 3 cups cold water overnight or boil for 25 minutes. Add 5 tsp Fennell seeds. Strain. This combination increases milk supply, eases after-pains, and aids in digestion for you and baby.
Hops flower tincture (Humulus lupulus) take 2-3 dropperfulls at night to increase milk flow and induce sleep. IPA beers contain are brewed with hops and can also be taken in moderation.
Medications & Supplements
Sunflower lecithin “Legendairymilk” brand www.legendairymilk.com/products/organic-sunflower-lecithin
Moringa 1000mg / day https://www.amazon.com/Organic-Moringa-180-Capsules-Supplement/dp/B017BJWH9O
Motilium / Domperidone https://www.inhousepharmacy.vu/p-17-motilium.aspx *takes 2-3 weeks https://www.canadianbreastfeedingfoundation.org/induced/buydomcanada.shtml
Dr. Newman recommends 20-30 mg, 3 times per day
Many have success with 10 mg, 3 times per day
Works best for those who had a nearly full or full supply in the beginning, as it produces prolactin
Not legal in the United States, due to cardiac side effects. These were seen with immunocompromised persons who took it by IV as an antiemetic
Nourishing tea blend to ensure an ongoing good supply:
These herbs are mineral rich and nourishing which protect you from mineral loss during the stress of nursing and infant care. Rotate, using each one for a week, to derive the unique benefits that each offers: raspberry leaf, nettles, alfalfa, red clover.