Feeding at Home

How to Increase Your Breast Milk Supply

Though breastfeeding is considered a natural way to feed a newborn, it may not always come naturally. Both mother and baby may take some time to learn what works best.

Here are some tips and techniques on how to increase your breast milk supply:

• Make sure that your baby is alert and ready to breastfeed.
• Breastfeed your baby frequently, every 1 to 3 hours; avoid trying to put the baby on a schedule too early.
• Breastfeed long enough to stimulate milk production, at least 10 to 15 minutes on each breast.
• You can switch back and forth during a feeding to encourage let-down and to keep a sleepy baby awake.
• Breastfeed at both breasts at each feeding.
• Make certain that your baby is latched on properly and is compressing the milk reservoirs under the areola.
• Get some extra rest for a few days; relax before each feeding.
• Avoid pacifiers and bottle-feeding.
• Drink a large glass of water at each feeding.
• Add extra protein and vegetables to your diet.
• Do not take birth control pills, certain medicines (including Sudafed and Benadryl) or alcohol.
• Do not smoke.
• Decrease the use of nipple shield.
• Use a supplemental breastfeeding device.
• Pump one hour after feeding for usually 15 minutes, until the flow stops and then for another minute or two (another let-down may occur).