Firstly, congratulation on becoming a new mum - it is no easy task, and you're doing an amazing job.
If you have decided to breastfeed your baby, there a number of important factors to consider, such as diet, routine and so on.
However, a very important think to be aware of is how to maintain your milk supply, as it can be quite a stressful thing to endure.
We have come up with a lovely list of easy ways to ensure your body is producing enough milk to feed your gorgeous new arrival.
Rest up
A lack of sleep can be pretty really rough on your milk production. If you can, try to cut back on outside commitments, and spend a few days doing as little as possible - other than relaxing with your bundle of joy, resting, eating, and nursing.
Avoid alcohol
You may have heard that beer stimulates milk supply, but actually, drinking alcohol in any form can hinder milk production.
Keep at it
The more you breastfeed, the more milk your body makes. We suggest that you don't follow a strict schedule, especially in the first few weeks of establishing your supply. Nurse your baby whenever they are hungry, for as long as they want, and offer the other breast when the first runs dry.
Drink water
We've said it before, and we'll say it again: water is so important. If you get dehydrated, you'll make less milk. We appreciate that it’s easy to get busy and distracted with a baby, so try to keep a bottle of water with you at all times.
Herbs can help
It has been said that certain herbs have milk-boosting effects for many women. One is fenugreek, a seed often used in cooking, and another commonly used supplement is blessed thistle.
Healthy nutrition
In order to maintain your milk supply and your own health you need to get about 300 to 500 calories per day more than what you needed to keep your pre-pregnancy weight. The best diet for a nursing woman is a normal, healthy and balanced diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
