Boost milk production

BREAST milk contains the perfect blend of fats, vitamins and proteins required for the growth of a healthy baby. With this in mind, many nursing mothers worry that they may not be producing enough milk to fulfil their babies’ demands.

But Dr Keisha Buchanan, obstetrician-gynaecologist at ICON Medical Centre, says that while their concern is understandable, most mothers usually produce enough milk to feed their babies. “Don’t worry,” she tells those who don’t produce enough, because there are several ways to boost milk production.

“Breastfeeding is best for your baby. Breast milk has the appropriate proportion of nutrients, the right temperature, is easily digestible, and hence will not cause stomach upset. It also has antibodies that protect the baby from infection. Breast milk is therefore the ideal form of nutrition for babies,” Dr Buchanan declared.

She argued that while some mothers might want to wean their babies early, especially working mothers, she recommends that babies should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life.

To make this possible, and to increase milk production in times of stress, Dr Buchanan recommends the following:

1. Feed for longer intervals

“Breast milk production is based on demand and supply. The higher the demand for milk, the higher the breast milk production. Factors such as supplementing feeding with formula will decrease the breast milk output, as demand is lower,” Dr Buchanan explained. She advised that if your output seems to be decreasing, it’s better to breastfeed for longer intervals..

 2. Feed baby from both breasts

Newborn babies must be breastfed every two to three hours in the day and every three to four hours at night. Also, breastfeeding must be available even if demand is more frequent than two times hourly. “If the breast milk production is decreased, it’s better to breastfeed for longer, and during each breastfeeding session, after baby feeds from one breast, offer the other breast. Breastfeeding sessions should last every 10 to 15 minutes on each breast, and breastfeeding should usually last 60 to 120 minutes,” she suggested.

3. Try to relax

Emotional conflict can also affect your ability to produce milk. Dr Buchanan said that stress and anxiety, for example, may impede the flow of oxytocin – a hormone released into the bloodstream of the breastfeeding mother. This makes it harder for your baby to get the milk supply he/she needs. To counter this, she encourages mothers to rest adequately in between feedings, seek/accept support from family and friends, and try de-stressing by way of relaxation techniques.

4. Avoid artificial nipples

A common reason milk supply may be affected is if the baby fails to latch on to its mother’s breasts properly. Dr Buchanan said ensuring that baby latches on well will increase the milk flow, hence the nipple needs to be far back in baby’s mouth for him/her to latch on and compress the milk sinuses in the breast adequately to allow for good milk flow. A common cause of this is the use of artificial nipples. “Avoid pacifiers, nipple bottles, and nipple shields, because the use of these can make it harder for baby to learn to latch on to the breast properly. This can decrease milk production: baby will be less able to suck efficiently, as these can cause nipple confusion,” Dr Buchanan cautioned.

5. Take care of your nipples

Cracked nipples can cause you to be less inclined to breastfeed your baby, primarily because of the pain associated. Therefore, you should treat cracked nipples early to prevent a decrease in the milk flow.

6. Value bonding time

Avoid long periods of separation from baby. Dr Buchanan said that it’s best to keep baby and mother together all the time, especially in the first three months of life.

7. Stay away from some contraceptives

Avoiding hormonal contraceptives with oestrogen in the first six months is best, as these can decrease breast milk quality and cause poor milk production. However, make sure to explore other birth control options.

8. Eat properly

Eating and drinking well are also important for milk production. “Keeping well hydrated and eating well can improve breast milk production. However, although drinking excess fluids will not increase milk supply, adequate hydration is important for adequate milk supply,” Dr Buchanan shared.

Additionally, she said it’s important to take prenatal vitamins up to the time of weaning and to consume more than 2,500 calories daily.

9. Medical conditions can hamper milk production

Medical conditions such as the hormonal disorder thyroid disease and retained placenta can cause decreased milk production and should be treated by the respective specialists.

“In general, nursing moms should give the baby breast milk only in order to increase production. There are also benefits such as improved bonding; it helps the mother to lose weight naturally and promotes involution of the womb so that it returns to its prior size.”