How to Stimulate Lactation

Breastfeeding is the best nutritional choice you can make for your newborn. When you struggle with low breast milk production, your baby gets cranky and you may get stressed. Learn to stimulate lactation, increase breast your milk supply and satisfy your baby's nutritional needs.

Instructions

1

Consult with a lactation specialist to check the baby's position, latch and suckle. To stimulate lactation, the baby must suck properly. Correcting a bad latch or poor position creates a more efficient suckle and stimulates lactation.

2

Put the baby to your breast more frequently. More frequent and lengthy breastfeeding sessions increase the demand for your body to produce more breast milk.

3

Use a breast pump. Pump milk from your breasts with an electric breast pump for at least 15 minutes after the baby is done feeding. This stimulates the demand for breast milk and increases your supply.

4

Try natural galactagogues, also called lactation herbs. Many natural supplements are shown to stimulate lactation. Some herbs include: blessed thistle, fenegreek, fennel, shatavari, anise seed, cumin seed, goat's rue, caraway and hops. Visit a local health supplement store to purchase them. Talk to your doctor before you begin an herbal supplement regimen.

5

Consult with your doctor about medical interventions. Some medicines stimulate lactation. These medicines include Reglan, Domperidone and Sulpiride. These drugs block dopamine and increase your prolactin levels, which increase your breast milk supply.