If you have established that your baby is feeding successfully by using the correct latch on technique and are still concerned that your milk supply has depleted then there are lots of ways to increase it. Remember that milk production is based on supply and demand, so the more often you feed your baby the more milk you will produce.
- Make sure that baby is nursing effectively: If position and latch on are correct, there are other factors that can cause a baby to feed ineffectively. This can be caused by a sleepy baby, use of nipple shields, health problems in baby. If baby is not drinking well then mum should be expressing after feedings to boost milk supply.
- Nurse frequently: try feeding more often as the more you feed the more milk you will produce.
- Take a nursing holiday: take your baby to bed with you for a day or two and focus on resting and feeding.
- Offer both sides at each feeding: let baby finish the first side and then offer the second. This is a very effective method of nursing and should also increase milk supply.
- Take care of yourself: rest, drink plenty and eat a well balanced diet. Sleep when your baby sleeps.
- Avoid pacifiers or bottles: they interfere with baby’s feeding habits and can lead to nipple confusion.
- Express your milk: consider pumping between feedings. By expressing you will remove more milk from the breasts and increase frequency of breast emptying. This is really effective in boosting milk supply
- Try taking herbal remedies: there are herbs such as milk thistle and fenugreek that you can take which some women find helpful in increasing milk supply.
You can always speak to a lactation consultant or your local health nurse who can offer support.
