How to Boost Lactation

One common concern breastfeeding mothers have is low milk supply. A 2008 study in the medical journal Pediatrics found that women who stopped breastfeeding in the first six months gave "I didn't have enough milk" as a reason for quitting 51.7 to 54 percent of the time. If you find you need to boost your milk supply because your baby isn't gaining enough weight, your baby isn't making enough wet or dirty diapers, or you want to be able to pump more, a few techniques can help you produce more milk.

Instructions

1

Nurse more frequently. Milk production is based on supply and demand. The more often you nurse, the more milk your breasts will produce. Aim to nurse your baby at least eight times a day. Nurse her on each side during a feeding to stimulate both breasts. Feed your baby based on her hunger signs rather than on a schedule.

2

Drain your breasts completely at each feeding. Full breasts produce milk slowly, while empty breasts produce milk quickly. Allow your baby to nurse as long as he wants on one side before switching him to the other. Let a newborn nurse 20 to 45 minutes to ensure he consumes enough milk. If your baby is falling asleep at the breast or nursing lazily, encourage him to nurse more by switching him to the other breast every time his sucking slows. Aim to nurse him at least twice on each side.

3

Pump after nursing, especially if your baby doesn't drain your breasts adequately. Use a high quality pump, set the suction to maximum and pump both breasts for five to 10 minutes after each feeding.

4

Take up to 14 500-mg fenugreek capsules per day. Gradually increase the number of capsules you take until your urine and sweat start smelling like maple syrup. You may detect a boost in your milk supply as soon as 24 to 72 hours after starting fenugreek, but it can also take up to two weeks to produce an effect.

5

Eat a bowl of hot oatmeal every day. Some women find that eating oatmeal helps them produce more milk. If nothing else, it lowers cholesterol and provides a good source of iron.