Approaches to Increase Low Milk Supply:
December 22, 2021Approaches to Increase Low Milk Supply:
The first approach to increase low milk supply would be breastfeeding:
A) Breastfeeding on demand. You need to watch your baby, not the clock.
B) Offering both breasts at each feed.
C) Compress your breasts when feeding to maximize milk removal.
D) Hand expresses after breastfeeding if baby still hungry
E) Pump after breastfeeding if needed.
F) Hold your baby skin to skin.
Nutrition & Hydration
To increase low milk supply, ensure maternal adequate nutrition, hydration. There are also some herbs and foods that may help increase production:
You should endure adequate Protein intake, especially if you are a vegan or a vegetarian. You can also eat certain foods & herbs to increase milk supply like:
- Oates (eat daily)
- Barley
- Yams,
- nuts & Seeds including almond, flaxseed, …
- Hemp
- Garlic in moderation
- Dill
- Raspberry leaf
- Alfalfa
- Fennel seeds
- Fenugreek seeds
- Carrots
- Brewer’s Yeast
- Okra
- Chia seeds
- Nettles tea
- Red Clover
- Goat’s rue
- Milk thistle (not blessed thistle)
- Moringa
- Chamomile
Taking Supplements
Another great way to increase the low milk supply is by taking supplements. There are a lot of supplements out there but we recommend:
• Appropriate Multivitamin
• Fish oil
• Vitamin D
Assessing Emotional Factors
Anxiety, stress, and even embarrassment can interfere with the let-down reflex and cause you to produce less milk. Creating a private and relaxing environment for breastfeeding and making the experience enjoyable and free of stress can help increase breast milk production
Assessing medical reasons
On top of emotional factors, your low milk supply might be caused by a medical reason.
• Make sure thyroid hormones are normal
• Assess for iron deficiency
Homeopathy & Naturopathy
Homeopathy is another approach that may work and consulting with a good naturopath or homeopath may prove helpful
Contact Us
If you have any questions or if you want to learn more about the cause of low milk supply, you can always call us. We will provide you with the answer you are looking for or point you in the right direction to get those answers.