How Can I Increase My Milk?

all i have to say is "FENUGREEK" it's an herb that is a miracle worker for increasing breast milk. take three capsules three times a day for three days, and you'l have PLENTY. you can even ask a lactation consultant about it, but it' sworked wonders for me.

I have had the same problem. I pumped more (1x extra at work and at night) and began taking Fenugreek. Also nursing more at home is important; Twice a day may not be enough. If you are working 5x a week this may be part of the problem; it's harder, in my experience when you are away from home more.
There is a great website which may help too www.workandpump.com

Good luck, A.

Hi M.,

I had the same problem in regards to a decrease in breast milk when I got my period for the first time, which is normal. My lactation specialist advised me to take "fenogreek" which is a herbal supplement which is proven to increase your breast milk supply. You can get this at your local GNC Store, which cost around 8-10 dollars. I took three pills, morning and evening and it surely increased my supply as I fed my daughter as well as pump. The only draw back to this, which is minor considering , is that you may smell like maple syrup since it is an ingredient found in artificial maple syrup. : P Let me know how it goes! My daughter is 7 months now, and still breastfed. : ) Good Luck !

I also worked and pumped. I had a blanket or a shirt that smelled like baby and would put it on my shoulder when having a hard time. Your body only produces what it thinks you need, so don't stop pumping. That is the biggest mistake women make (what my consultant told me). Drink plenty of water and relax about it. Tension and anxiety will make it more challenging. Think happy thoughts like all the great this milk will do for your child. Set reasonable exectations too. One breast might produce more milk than the other. If pumping longer than 15-20 mins then you can hurt yourself. Give yourself breaks, but be consistent about pumping 3-4 times maybe only 10mins each time. Reward yourself by snuggling and nursing at home to increase production too. Here's a fun idea... have a girlfriend that is also nursing? try nursing with a friend and her baby because us lactating moms release phermones (sp?) that naturally cause you to relax. It'll be like a nursing spa day before returning to the office and pump again. Sound weird? Just remember you are so wonderful for going through all this trouble. Your baby is so lucky!!!

I found drinking hot liquids ( appple cider or mothers milk tea) while pumping really increased my let down. Also, take a few deep breaths and think of that sweet baby boy while pumping. And I don't know why, but, eating oatmeal has also been rumored to help.
Well,good luck to you :)

when i went back to work i used to have a picture of my baby and start to imagine him crying. that helped the "let down". also, the medula automatic pump works the best that may make a difference too. if you don't have one, hospitals often have them for rent....

good luck!

Hi M.,

You've rec'd great suggestions so far. I'd add to make sure you are drinking lots of water yourself every day - make sure you are really hydrated. Avoid sodas and black or green teas with caffeine, as that will dehydrate you. Mother's Milk Tea, fenugreek and several other herbs and foods can help increase your milk supply. Can you pump again before you go to bed each night and build up a supply of breast milk in your freezer? Can you get in an extra nursing with your baby? Best of luck to you!

I recently went back to work with my 4 month old. I found that if I nursed all weekend, by Monday my production was waaay up...to the point that I was very uncomfortable by Monday's break time at work.

Also when you introduce solids, the baby will take less milk naturally, as his appetite will be satisfied from food. I have my little one eat cereal during the day, and nurse during the evening and night.

mom of 3

hi M., i have 2 books if you would like to pick them up or pay for shipping if you want them.

Mother Food: A Breastfeeding Diet Guide with Lactogenic Foods and Herbs - Build Milk Supply, Boost Immunity, Lift Depression, Detox, Lose Weight,etc.

and

Eat Well, Lose Weight, While Breastfeeding: The Complete Nutrition Book for Nursing Mothers

check them out on amazon, and let me know if you want them. i live in berkeley.

Hello M.,

I have returned to work as well and I found when I consistently nurse or pump my baby, my milk production is up. Just like any Dr would tell you. It's all about supply and demand. I try to nurse or pump every 3-4 hr consistently and even though at first you don't get the normal amount but after a day I see a huge increase. Nurse as much as you can when you're at home and pump while you're at work every 3 to 4 hr will help you re-establish your milk production.
I have to say though, trying to keep that nurse/pump schedule during the night is a bit tough but if you can you will see the result. Good luck!

I am not sure what pump you are using but I found the Avent Isis to be the best. It simulates suckling and encourages production. I was amazed how much nore milk I got when I switched to this pump from the "ones" I had used in the past.
You may contact me if you have any questions, I nursed all 4 of my children, the oldest for 18 months and my other 3 for 9 months.
J.

I had this happen to me when I went back on birth control. So I stopped (we do the condom thing now, we already had one oops baby.) and started taking Fenugreek, I got mine at Whole foods. It worked great, my daughter is 16 mos. and won't stop breast feeding. You do smell like maple syrup as said previously, but really what is so bad about smelling like something sweet. :o)