How do I increase my milk supply? I have been drinking 'mother's tea' which helps a little; however, I feel that I am holding on to my supply by a thread. I could definitely increase my daily consumption of water, but, get busy and forget to drink. My busted and bleeding nipples have finally healed and I am back in business. My daughter is three months and I would like to continue breast feeding for at least another six months. Please help.
If you have a hard time remembering to drink water, use a timer or alarm to help you remember. Every time the alarm goes off, drink a full glass. Don't stop until you've finished the glass. Then, reset the alarm for the next glass.
I have been nursing my son for almost 18 months now, before that I was nursing my daughter for 12 months.. I had a 4 month break in between. I never had a problem with milk supply <actually only when I was very ill!> I am a big water drinker though so thats probably the difference.. Try to get that water in, it helps!
Your body should produce as much milk as your baby needs. Nurse and pump often -- your body should produce more. Drink lots of water. I don't like to drink water and I tend to forget, but I read that nursing moms should drink 2 glasses of water an hour and more while actually nursing. Good luck!
M.,
Start taking Fenugreek. It's a herb which increases milk supply. I was in the same situation when I started taking Fenugreek now my daughter is almost 10 month old and I am still breastfeeding. You can get it at GNC or any other healthfood store. Hope this helps.
I think that the best advice on this topic I got from my mom--dont stress too much about it. (I had to return to work and didnt have much time to pump during the day) You do the best with what you have, then when you are home w/baby, nurse as much as you can. Your supply can almost always go back as long as there is a demand (be careful about suplementing w/formula). However, stress and or illness can cause your supply to be diminished if you let it. You can do it! Dont worry, you should be proud of yourself for this commitment!
Hello M.,
star anise tea. buy some in bulk at sprouts (much MUCH cheaper) and make tea. it has a nice licorish flavor.
good luck and remember to drink water. ~C.~
The best, of course, is more nursing, but drinking lots of water, fenugreek herbal supplements help. If you can find a lactation consultant, do that ASAP. They can really help, and if you have had a medical reason for the drop in production (illness & couldn't feed, etc.), the insurance company may reimburse if the LC notes it correctly on the insurance form. I got shinglies right after having my little guy, and it took 3 months to recover from the "damage" done - I had to pump & dump, and bottle feed him for a week. Bad latch, low milk, the works. They have a neat tool now that acts like a milk "IV" - a small tube held close to the nipple that supplements your milk w/formula - they suck more, you produce more, everyone's happy :) Good luck!
I had plenty of breast milk supply because I used Healthy Nursing Tea by secrets of tea during breastfeeding regularly..!
Nurse and/or pump often. Drink lots of water. Oatmeal helps with milk production. I try to eat a bowl several mornings/week.
Take Fenugreek, 3 capsules, 3x/day. You can find it at health food stores. Try not to buy it at GNC if you can help it. Most moms I have talked to did not have as much luck with that brand than with other brands. If it is working properly you should smell like maple syrup when you go to the bathroom.
Good Luck.
I went threw a midwife when I gave bith who says drink a Guinness a day other wise known as Mothers milk it's the yest in the beer that really makes u produce more milk. I would drink one 1/2 in the after noon 1/2 at dinner it really works.I dont like drinking beer so I ended up switching to Brewers Yeast pills they work to. 2 at breakfest 2 at lunch 2 at dinner . they make ur milk really rich, and be sure to drink lots of water.
This is what i used.
Mother's milk Tea
Fenegreek (sp?) you can find both at GNC
There are medications that can help build you milk production...i think Reglan or phenegran. you need to check with your lactaion advisor or obgyn.
All of the above helped me build up from only 1 oz total to 6 oz total. I pumped a lot and continued to take the above items. It was hard work but worth it!
Nurse OFTEN and drink PLENTY of water. This helps to build up the supply. Every time you sit down to nurse, drink a FULL glass of water.
Blessings,
P. <><
