Best 10 Tips for Increasing Breastmilk Supply and the 1 Thing that Harmed it
I was SO determined to make breastfeeding work with our first. My mom and best friend had both warned me how hard it could be, so I researched and prepared. I even bought a book. I went to the classes. I watched some youtube videos.
Unfortunately, I took the advice of the Lactation Consultant in the hospital (because I didn’t know any better) and used a nipple shield. C had no trouble latching the first day, but when the LC did her rounds the second day, she mentioned that using one may help me and gave me one for free. Thankful for her advice and support, I jumped on board. Little did I know it would be EXTREMELY difficult to break him from the habit (I didn’t get him off of it until 8 weeks) and it made each feeding last 45 minutes-1 hour. It was pretty horrible. I also think that using one had a detrimental effect on my supply, which led me to begin supplementing at around 5 months after weighed feedings.
So, here is my warning, be EXTRA careful and cautious if someone tells you to use a nipple shield. In my heart, I know it contributed to our issues. That, and his undiagnosed tongue tie (even though 3 LCs and our pedi all said he was “fine”)— read more here.
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My advice: Exercise caution before you say yes to this:
Do not confuse nipple shields with nipple shells. I used these with our second as well, and found them helpful for catching extra milk (put tampons in them to absorb the milk) and keeping my nipples away from my shirt so they could air dry/ not get irritated.
I will add there are certain cases where using a nipple shield may be the only way your baby nurses (due to other issues, like torticollis, inverted nipples, very forceful letdown, oversupply, etc). In fact, I did try to use a nipple shield with our 3rd when he was gagging and having a hard time eating the first few weeks due to my overactive letdown/oversupply. But I didn’t use one very often, as I knew long term use could definitely affect our relationship. I would say, just make sure if you are using one you are working with someone who is an expert and that you are ensuring to get a deep latch. Bottom line: It’s all so confusing as moms: what saves one breastfeeding relationship may be the beginning of the end for another, so seek advice from an IBCLC you trust.
During the 5 months of exclusively breastfeeding our son and the 4 months after where I pumped 4 times daily, I tried almost everything to increase my supply (with the exception of using a SNS system). Here are my best tips:
- Feed on demand. I am sure you have all heard this one. Some advocate taking a “couch vacation”. Just lay around with your baby, do lots of skin to skin and let your baby nurse whenever he or she wants. (granted this is much easier to do if you have a younger baby and no other children in the home)
- Power pumping. An example of one schedule is here: Pump for 20 minutes, Rest for 10 minutes, Pump for 10 minutes, Rest for 10 minutes, Pump for 10 minutes. 20-10-10-10-10.When you pump, try to relax. Massage your breasts before and after you pump (use your hands free bra to help). Take a hot shower before you pump. Try to relax, and maybe look at a picture of your baby or watch videos of him or her. I tried to power pump with our first. But he cried SO much, and since I am a stay-at-home Mom, he was always with me. I had a really hard time trying to figure out how to feed him and also power pump. I did try to pump after every feed for a while. Sadly, it didn’t seem to help all that much.
- Eat oatmeal daily. My favorite simple (and dairy-free) way is take old fashion oats and mix in a scoop of Peanut Butter and some honey.
- Drink TONS of water. It is especially helpful to drink Coconut Water/Smart Water or something with electrolytes. I forget to drink water all of the time. It helps if I have my yeti out with my straw. Something about having a straw tends to help me drink more.
- Gatorade. I’ve heard the blue kind does wonders. I drank it daily for a long time.
- Beer. Some say drinking dark beer can really help. I haven’t tried this one, as I don’t particularly love the taste of beer.
- Make or buy lactation cookies. This is the recipe I have used many times (click here)
- Make sure you are getting enough calories!
9.Take supplements
- Motherlove More Milk Plus Herbal Breastfeeding Supplement for Lactation Support, 60 Liquid Capsules
(this is a blend of the next 2 and recommended to me by an IBCLC. Be careful if you are trying to avoid soy, as it does contain some. Why is soy in everything?! They make drops instead if you need to go that route)
- Natures Way Fenugreek Seed, 610 milligrams Per Cap, 180 Vegetarian Capsules
- Natures Way Blessed Thistle, 390 milligrams Per Cap, 100 Vegetarian Capsules
- NUTRILITE Cal Mag D 180 tablets
(when I get low around my cycle time, I take this. I read it may help when you are on your period as you can be low in these minerals/vitamins during that time).
Just an encouragement: If you are having issues nursing your first and are scared that this is just your fate for all your babies, don’t worry. Many times second and third time moms have more than enough milk for subsequent children. C had trouble gaining weight (he gained, just not a ton) for the first 5 months of his life. Once we started supplementing, he jumped to the 100+% for everything and has stayed there ever since. With D, I fed on demand, REFUSED the nipple shield and he gained weight rapidly (he was a chunk: 18.5 lbs at 4 months old and in 9-18 month clothes).
Thankfully, I was able to breastfeed D until he was 14 months old and only stopped because I started taking diclegis due to morning sickness (I was pregnant with E). E is the smallest of my boys, but he has stayed on his own growth curve (around the 25% for weight) consistently for his 4 months. They are ALL different. Just because one baby struggles doesn’t mean all of yours will. Don’t be afraid to have another one. One of my MOST favorite things about being a Mom is watching my boys become best friends in front of my eyes. And remember, if breastfeeding isn’t working well for you, #fedisbest ! And, truly NO ONE even asks about breastfeeding once your kiddo is on to the next stage. Now that C is 3.5, when we are around other families with young children our conversations tend towards preschools and discipline (not rather or not we breastfed or bottle fed). So, please, Mama show yourself and others grace. I am all for breastfeeding and the incredible amazing benefits of it. It truly is miracle food! But, there is no shame in formula feeding your child (I did for C from 5 months on). Do what you think is best and what works best for your family.
Another great breastfeeding resource: Kelly Mom
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