How to get more milk when breastfeeding?

There may be several reasons why there is a need to increase milk production during a breastfeeding period. Baby will do his part to increase milk production as he/she grows and has a greater nutritional need. Baby increases milk production by coming to the breast more frequently. Typically over a few days, when it may feel like life is all about breastfeeding. What the baby is doing is supporting the formula of milk production, which is supply and demand.

Not enough milk

Insufficient milk production is the most common reason for giving up breastfeeding. Many have experienced it, or have heard stories from women in their own families, that “in our family we can’t produce enough milk.” Only 5% of us women are physiologically unable to produce enough milk due to insufficient glandular tissue.

Basic requirements for milk production

That said, there are many factors that affect milk production. All factors that can be worked on with the aim of increasing milk production. In other words, there are a number of points that you and your partner can support with the aim of increasing milk production:

Basic prerequisites for milk production are a loving focus on you as a woman:

Calm, rest and sleep

Calm, rest and sleep for those of you who are breastfeeding. It's easier said than done. I know. Ask for help from your partner or others so that you can have time to yourself for a midday nap or a rest without screens, baby, tasks etc. Preferably in bed, with dim lighting and, for example, quiet music or something else that can support calm and relaxation. A basic rule can be that when baby is sleeping, you should rest/sleep - even if it is tempting to throw yourself into various tasks. Remember that calm, rest and sleep are the foundation of your milk production.

Nutritious food

• Enough and nutritious food is another basic condition for milk production. Many women on maternity leave easily forget to eat. This turns into half a rye bread every now and then, a snack on the go or half-eaten meals. To produce milk, your body needs nutrition. To produce enough milk, your body needs enough nutrition. Maybe your partner can prepare breakfast for you, lunch can be leftovers from dinner and dinner can be a previously prepared meal that is waiting in the freezer. Smoothies can be good, quick and easy meals. They can contain vegetables, protein, healthy fats and a little fruit. You can make several meals at a time and they can be frozen in portions. Nutritious breastfeeding snacks include nuts, dark chocolate, vegetable bars and fresh fruit. (Read more about what is good to eat when you are breastfeeding here )
  

Remember to drink, drink and & drink

Enough and plenty of fluids are important during breastfeeding. Many people experience great thirst while breastfeeding. Drink drink drink. 2-3 liters a day. And quench your thirst with water and herbal tea.

Many people neglect the above aspects, but they are like the foundation of a house. Both extremely important and a prerequisite for the other things you can do to increase your milk production.

Skin-to-skin in the cozy den

Skin to skin - go to a cozy cave with your child. Spend a day or more in bed with your child. Skin to skin (without clothes, with a diaper), with dim lighting and peace for you. Smell, feel, see and be with your child. This stimulates the production of oxytocin, which also pushes your milk production. Let your partner or someone else service you in bed. You only have to leave the bed to go to the toilet. The cozy cave is about peace, sensation and being. You and your child. Together. As part of boosting your milk production.

Open milk bar increases milk production

Open milk bar 24/7. Offer baby the breast at the slightest sign of need. For example, baby may suck on his fingers, turn his head to the side and open his mouth, smack or eventually cry. Remember that the breast is about more than just a baby's need for nutrition. The breast is also comfort, security, regulation of the baby's nervous system, coziness, etc. The more often you breastfeed, the more milk you will produce.

Increase breastfeeding frequency

Increase the frequency of breastfeeding on your part. So you offer the breast extra frequently over a few days - even if the baby has not yet expressed itself. If the baby "jumps on" and thus nurses more frequently, then milk production will increase according to the principle of supply and demand. This may be necessary, for example, if you, as a breastfeeding mother, are ill and experience reduced milk production. (read more about breastfeeding and illness here )

Breastfeeding herbal tea made to stimulate milk production

A wide range of herbs also stimulate milk production. The Danish Health Authority writes that there are more than 400 herbs with this property. Nature is wise, and there are many ways to use its support and help. Some benefit from ready-made breastfeeding teas, others benefit from individual herbs they mix themselves, various drops or supplements can also boost and support your milk production. I am completely pro nature's amazing properties. And I am also very keen on the fact that no one size fits all. Therefore, I would recommend that you be guided by knowledgeable professionals in a good health food store, where they have an educational background in herbs and supplements.

For some, it will be necessary to supplement with pumping to boost milk production. Only resort to this after all the above advice has been tested over a few days. We can often think that something from the outside - such as a breast pump - will solve our challenges. Here I would like to kindly remind you that it is your body that produces milk. SO start by examining where it may be lagging in nourishing your body. Are you stressed? Are you eating and drinking enough? Are you prioritizing your time? As described above, it is the foundation of your milk production. Prioritize it, and you are well on your way.

I want you to be rooting for me! And I know that it can take time, patience, support, and persistence to boost your milk supply. I also know that it is possible for the vast majority of people. Loving thoughts to you, dear breastfeeding moms. You are doing SO well!