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Mothers can increase breast milk production through drinking plenty of water, frequent breastfeeding, consuming 500 extra calories per day, relaxation techniques, alternating breasts during feeding, and stimulating mammary glands. Specialized vitamins, herbal teas, and remedies should be consulted with a physician before consumption. Brewer’s yeast or beer may work, but alcohol in breast milk can decrease milk production.
Providing infants with breast milk is a choice many mothers make to give their babies a healthy start in life. Many mothers have trouble producing enough milk to satisfy their babies’ hunger. In order to increase breast milk production, mothers have many options available, including dietary changes, engaging in specific breastfeeding techniques, and other activities.
The two best natural ways to increase breast milk production are to drink plenty of water and breastfeed frequently. Breastfeeding women should drink at least 13 cups (one and a half liters) of water a day to make enough breast milk. Whether you are pumping milk by hand or breastfeeding a baby, feeding more frequently will increase your breast milk supply over a period of time.
Breastfeeding women should also consume 500 extra calories per day. In order to increase breast milk production, women should avoid diets to lose weight during pregnancy until the baby has finished breastfeeding. Some mothers find that specific foods, such as oatmeal, can help increase breast milk production, although studies haven’t shown this.
Relaxing is another good natural way to increase breast milk production, as stress can hinder milk production. Postpartum relaxation techniques may include napping, helping friends and family with the new baby, bathing, a light shoulder massage, or engaging in a favorite pastime, like reading or listening to relaxing music.
Related to relaxation, sleep patterns can affect breast milk production. Women who don’t get enough sleep often produce less milk. In order to increase breast milk production and receive adequate rest, it is often recommended that new mothers sleep when their newborns sleep.
Increased breast milk production can also be achieved by alternating breasts during breastfeeding. A baby can usually consume enough milk from just one breast. During initial breastfeeding, however, alternating between the two can help the body produce more milk.
Mothers who are separated from their babies due to prematurity or for other reasons may find it particularly difficult to pump milk. These mothers may want to try stimulating their mammary glands with hot water bottles, hot showers, or simulating the baby’s fingers on the breast by gently tapping with their fingertips. It can also be helpful to attach a photo of the baby to the breast pump.
There are a few specialized vitamins, herbal teas, and other remedies available to increase breast milk production. The safety and effectiveness of these concoctions vary. A physician should be consulted before consuming breastmilk tea, herbal remedies such as fenugreek and blessed thistle, prescription drugs, or over-the-counter herbal and vitamin supplements sold to mothers.
Many people claim that brewer’s yeast, or beer, will help increase breast milk production. While some research indicates that this somewhat controversial practice may work, babies generally don’t like the taste of alcohol in breast milk. This can lead to a lack of desire to breastfeed, which will decrease rather than increase milk production.
