Tip 1: Pump as often as you can.
Always try nursing the baby first on both the left and right breast. If you feel your baby is still hungry, but you don’t have milk left, then give formula if topping up. Pump after nursing every time. You want to pump after nursing to continue stimulating the breast milk supply.
You don’t want to do it in between feeds as you will need to store up more milk for the baby’s next feed. Try and pump 8 times a day if possible (I know this can be so hard and time-consuming but as many times as possible).
Tip 2. Nurse on demand
Always offer the breast first before formula if topping up with formula; the more frequently the baby nurses, the more milk is being stimulated
Tip 3. Hydrate
You must drink at least 3L per day when nursing; this is so super important!! You can’t produce milk if you are not drinking enough
Tip 4. Increase caloric intake
By 500 calories; the daily caloric intake should be about 2500 calories
Tip 5. Blessed thistle and fenugreek
These 2 herbs are very commonly used to increase milk supply. You can start taking these as soon as you give birth
Tip 6. Warm compresses
Put warm compresses on the breasts and massage the breast prior to nursing; this will speed up the letdown of the milk
Tip 7. Eat foods that can help increase milk
Increase milk production with foods like oatmeal (have for breakfast every morning), flaxseeds, almonds, papaya, ginger, turmeric, beets, fennel, cashews, macadamia nuts, chickpeas, asparagus, spinach, sweet potatoes/yams, traditional brewer’s yeast.
Tip 8. Avoid
Spearmint, peppermint, and sage can decrease milk production
Do you have questions?
I am so happy to answer any questions you may have about postpartum support. Please contact me or book a free consultation with me. I treat patients in Toronto or Aurora or virtually.