Breastfeeding is based on supply and demand, and sometimes we run into problems. The root cause varies, from hormonal imbalance, to glandular tissue issues, to an incorrect latch. And while a lactation consultant can help with many of those inherent issues, sometimes your supply seems fine, then suddenly drops. What gives? Your baby may be sleeping more or beginning to eat solid food, or maybe you’ve just returned to work.
At this point many moms give up—in fact, only 36 percent of babies are breastfed through six months. But you can get through this! Here are some things you can do as your body adjusts to baby’s new demands for milk.
How to Increase Milk Supply When Nothing’s Working
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Let’s start with things that can super-charge your milk supply if you need a boost. For an overview of the basics, skip to the bottom of this article.
Switch breasts
For a sleepy baby that falls asleep before they reach the second breast, stop her a few minutes into nursing and switch her to the other side. By doing so, you have a good shot at keeping her awake to feed more. Keep switching back and forth when you notice baby starting to dose off until breasts are drained.
Double feed
You can also double feed, which is to nurse, take a break by burping baby, and then place her back on for another feed at both breasts. By taking the burping break, you are releasing gas bubbles in her stomach to allow more room for milk. When baby takes more milk, there’s a greater demand, which signals your body to increase milk supply.
Hydrate
Be sure to drink a lot of liquids. I know we hear this all the time but it really does makes a difference. Shoot for at least 12 eight-ounce glasses a day, or drink to thirst.
Try galactagogues
Think like a cow—seriously! Cows produce more milk than almost any other animal on the planet. Their diets consist of greens and grains. Make it a goal to reach the following nutritional thresholds every day:
• Grains
• Spices
• Nuts
Of course, you also want to be sure you are eating enough to keep up with the demands of nursing. Moms who are exclusively breastfeeding need at least 500 more calories per day.
Drink tea
• Teas
Take some helpful supplements
• Fenugreek is one of the most popular herbal supplements to boost supply. Though research supports this, anecdotally, some mother’s experience the opposite effect. When introducing fenugreek, go slow to see if it works for you. Check out my post on fenugreek for more information.
• Brewer’s yeast . Though there isn’t much scientific data to support Brewer’s Yeast as a galactagogue, it’s a healthy supplement that may moms swear by. It’s full of protein, iron (something breast milk is low in), as well as B vitamins.
• Green powders are great galactagogues due to their high calcium content and alkalinizing effects.
• Calcium
• Blessed thistle . This herbal supplement works best when combined with Fenugreek. Take up to three capsules three times per day.
• Legendairy supplements . Because our bodies all respond differently to different herbs, I love this variety pack. It features three different herbal blends, so you can figure out what works best for you. The Pump Princess has really worked for me.