Home Health How to Boost Milk Supply: Natural Remedies for Breastfeeding Moms

How to Boost Milk Supply: Natural Remedies for Breastfeeding Moms

by John Milton
Natural Remedies for Breastfeeding Moms

Breastfeeding is a wonderful experience for mothers and babies. While bringing joy to both infants and mothers, it also offers numerous benefits.

However, some moms struggle with low milk supply, which can make breastfeeding challenging. If you’re a breastfeeding mom looking for natural ways to boost your milk production, this post is for you.

In this article, we’ll explore some effective natural remedies that can help increase your milk supply and make your breastfeeding journey more enjoyable.

Fenugreek: A Natural Remedy for Boosting Milk Production

Fenugreek, an herb with a history of use dating back centuries, is commonly used to increase breast milk production among nursing mothers. The natural components of fenugreek aid in stimulating milk flow and promoting lactation.

Fenugreek can be consumed in various forms, such as capsules, seeds, or tea, to increase milk production in breastfeeding mothers. To prepare fenugreek tea, steep a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in hot water for 5-10 minutes.

While fenugreek can be an effective natural remedy for boosting milk production, you should consult with your healthcare provider before using it. They can assist you in figuring out the appropriate amount to take and provide guidance on any possible adverse effects or drug interactions.

The benefits of fenugreek for lactating mothers have surfaced in many recent studies. For example, a study published in the National Library of Medicine compared two groups of postpartum mothers of preterm newborns in the NICU. One group received 200 mL of fenugreek tea three times daily, while the other did not. Both groups pumped milk with a breast pump eight times a day.

The study involved measuring both milk volume and maternal serum prolactin levels on three different days, specifically days 3, 8, and 15. The study found that the fenugreek group had significantly higher milk volume and serum prolactin levels only on day 3 postpartum compared to the group that did not receive fenugreek.

Studies like this can be deemed as genuine evidence that fenugreek can act as a catalyst for milk production in postpartum mothers. Thus, if you are facing issues with milk production, there is no reason to stay in denial and face the unnecessary brunt of hormonal imbalance; opt for fenugreek today.

Hydration and Nutrition: The Foundation for Healthy Milk Supply

Maintaining a healthy milk supply requires adequate hydration and nutrition. This means consuming enough water and a balanced diet that comprises nutrient-dense foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins.

Inadequate water intake can cause a reduction in breast milk production. It is recommended to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water daily, and if you are exposed to high temperatures or engaging in physical activity, you may need to drink even more.

Incorporating foods that are high in nutrients like iron, calcium, and folic acid is crucial for the well-being of both you and your baby. Additionally, taking a prenatal vitamin can be beneficial to ensure that you’re receiving sufficient amounts of essential nutrients.

Breastfeeding can increase your calorie needs, so you need to eat enough to support your milk production and your own energy levels. You don’t need to eat significantly more than you did during pregnancy, but you should aim to eat healthy and balanced meals throughout the day.

As per the information available on health.gov, an official website of the U.S. government, breastfeeding mothers should keep the given nutrition considerations in mind:

  • Mothers who breastfeed require additional calories, with an estimated 330 more calories needed during the first 6 months and 400 more calories needed during the second 6 months, as compared to their pre-pregnancy calorie needs.
  • Increased needs for folate, iodine, and choline can be met through nutrient-dense foods such as dark green vegetables, beans, peas, lentils, and iodized table salt. Food sources such as dairy, eggs, seafood, and meats can also help.
  • Continuing to use prenatal supplements while breastfeeding may exceed iron and folic acid needs, which are different from the needs during pregnancy.

While these recommendations should motivate lactating mothers to consider their nutrition, they should not extol only the nutrition aspect and downplay the other critical components like sleep, exercise, mental well-being, etc.  

Breast Compression: How It Can Help Boost Milk Flow

Breast compression is particularly useful for mothers who have a low milk supply or are trying to increase their milk supply. By using this technique, you can ensure that your baby is getting enough milk during each feeding session, which can help to maintain or increase your milk supply over time.

To perform breast compression, place your hand around your breast and gently squeeze, then release the pressure. You should feel the milk flow increase as you compress and release. Repeat this process several times during each feeding session to help stimulate milk flow and increase the amount of milk that your baby is able to get.

A lot of mothers tend to replace the breast compression option with a baby formula which might seem like an easy option. It is advisable to minimize the use of formula whenever possible. The benefits provided by breast milk cannot be replicated by formula, and you need to provide your baby with the best possible nutrition.

Lately, many baby formula brands have faced disdain from parents due to their association with the development of various chronic diseases among infants. Studies have demonstrated that premature babies who are fed formula, particularly cow milk-based formula, are more susceptible to developing necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) compared to those who are breastfed.

According to TorHoerman Law, the condition can cause considerable hardship for afflicted parents in terms of their physical, emotional, and financial well-being. In some cases, parents may choose to seek legal compensation through an NEC lawsuit.

For parents considering an NEC lawsuit, it is important to note that payouts and settlement amounts can vary greatly, depending on the circumstances of each case. The estimated amount for NEC lawsuit payout and settlement amounts can range from $5,000 to over $500,000.

Thus, you should prioritize the health of both the mother and baby by focusing on boosting the milk supply through natural remedies like breast compression rather than turning to baby formula as a substitute. This can help prevent the potential risks and negative consequences associated with formula feeding, including the development of NEC.

Power Pumping: A Breastfeeding Method to Boost Milk Production Quickly

As a breastfeeding mom, you may experience periods of low milk supply, which can be frustrating and worrisome.

One technique that can help increase your milk production quickly is power pumping. Power pumping mimics the baby’s frequent feeding sessions by pumping your breasts in short intervals with breaks in between.

To power the pump, you will need a good-quality breast pump and a timer. Start by pumping for 20 minutes, then take a 10-minute break. Repeat this cycle for a total of one hour, pumping for a total of 40 minutes. Power pumping once a day for a few days can help stimulate your milk production and increase your milk supply.

Having direct contact between your skin and your baby’s can also promote lactation and enhance milk production. When you hold your baby skin-to-skin, it stimulates the release of hormones that can increase milk production. This technique is also a great way to bond with your baby and promote their overall health and well-being.

The benefits of power pumping are not difficult to discern. Dr. Fiona Jardine’s research focused on exclusively pumping parents and found that power pumping is an effective technique for increasing milk supply. Nearly 60% of parents among 1714 survey participants reported using power pumping and found it to be highly effective in boosting milk production.

Only 17% of the respondents were unsure of the results, and less than 1% reported a decrease in milk supply. Dr. Jardine believes that power pumping is a safe and effective way to increase milk supply, with a relatively high success rate. This research confirms that power pumping is an effective method to increase milk production quickly for breastfeeding moms.

Incorporating power pumping into your routine, along with a well-balanced diet and skin-to-skin contact with your baby, can help you maintain a healthy milk supply. By taking short breaks between pumping sessions, you are mimicking your baby’s frequent nursing sessions, which can help stimulate your body to produce more milk.

Summing Up

Breastfeeding is a natural and beneficial way to nourish your baby, but some moms may experience a low milk supply, making it challenging to meet their baby’s nutritional needs. Fortunately, several natural remedies, as mentioned in this article, can help boost the milk supply. However, you must consult with a doctor before trying any remedies and be patient. It may take some time to see results. With some effort and patience, most moms can successfully increase their milk supply and enjoy the bonding experience of breastfeeding their little on

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