Maintaining a good supply

Maintaining a good supply of breastmilk

What if I don’t have enough breast milk for my baby? This is one of the biggest fears new mommas-to-be have, many times causing them to supplement at the very beginning of breastfeeding. Milk production is hormonally driven at the beginning. From there, the more often your baby nurses, the more milk your body will produce to meet your baby’s needs. Milk maintenance is driven by milk removal. Normally, as long as milk removal is happening, the breasts will continue to make milk.

So, how can you maintain a good supply? A good supply can be interpreted as having enough milk to meet your baby’s needs. Some mother’s exclusively breastfeed, others breastfeed and pump, and others exclusively pump. Whatever your decision, you want to maintain a goody supply to meet your baby’s needs and your lifestyle. You may need an extra emergency stash in your freezer if you will be a working momma or will need a little break to yourself here and there. Below are a few tips to help you maintain a good supply throughout your breastfeeding journey.

Tips for Maintaining a Good Supply

• Listen for audible swallowing. This will tell you baby is nursing effectively.
• Breastfed infants feed 8-12 times in 24 hours. Breastfeed, or pump this often if not with baby, to maintain a good supply. You may even have to wake baby up for the next feeding if you have a sleepy baby!
• Offer both sides at each feeding. Same goes with pumping; pump from both sides at each pumping session.
• Nursing vacation. Do nothing but nurse your baby frequently for 2-3 days. Rest and feed. Breastfeeding mommas need rest!
• Stay hydrated. Listen to your body and drink when you are thirsty.
• Eat several healthy meals and snack throughout the day. Protein consumption is important.
• Avoid bottles or pacifiers while establishing your milk supply. Baby will need to meet suckling needs at the breast to stimulate supply.
• Pump after nursing. It can help increase your milk supply.
• Use your resources. Check in with a lactation consultant for any tips and tricks. You can never know too much.
• Wear a comfortable nursing bra. Tight bras or bras with wires can cause issues with milk flow and can cause plugged ducts.