How to increase your nursing supply

Nursing a baby offers long-term benefits for both mother and child. Nursing mothers reduce their risk for certain diseases such as Type 2 diabetes and cancer. Nursing can be an ideal way to bond with a new baby. Unfortunately, some women have problems supplying enough breast milk to meet their baby's needs. If you are having trouble with your nursing supply you can try several steps to fix this problem.

Instructions

1

Nurse more often. Asking your body to produce milk can increase your milk supply. Your body senses the need to increase your nursing supply as you use it up. Try nursing at least once every two hours during the day and letting the baby nurse as long as she wants during evening feedings. A baby should nurse for at least 10 minutes to get the full benefits of breast milk. The first milk will be the fore milk, which helps satisfy a baby's thirst. The baby then gets the hind milk, which is richer, creamier and offers greater nutrition.

2

Increase your water intake. Nursing will make you feel thirsty. This is a good thing as nursing can drain fluids from your body. A nursing mother should increase her fluid intake as much as possible. Water is ideal. Other good choices include flavored water, plain tea, milk and fruit juices. Always have a pitcher of water on hand in the refrigerator. Lack of water can cause your nursing supply to dry up and you may become dehydrated.

3

Use a breast pump. Breast pumps can increase your nursing supply. A pump can be rented by the day or purchased outright. Pump twice a day for 15 minutes at time. A pump can ease the tension on nipples, making them less sore. Store your breast milk in the refrigerator or freezer for later use. To ensure proper breast milk storage, purchase specially designed freezer bags. Alternatively, you can store your breast milk in a bottle as long as the bottle is refrigerated.

4

Switch sides. Some women experience problems getting their baby to nurse from each breast. These problems can cause one breast to produce more milk than the other, causing discomfort, and potentially stop producing milk. Allow your infant to nurse for 10 minutes on one side and then break off her latch gently with your fingers. Place the baby at your other breast to encourage nursing at that breast for another 10 minutes. Nursing on both sides stimulates milk production in each breast and helps ensure your nursing supply remains constant as long as you need it.