How to Increase Breast Milk Production While Pumping

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Women's Health, breast milk is beneficial to your baby because it provides antibodies that can help fight disease. However, if you are a working mother, it is difficult to find the necessary time for actual breast-feedings. Pumps are a convenient and necessary tool that provide you with a means to accomplish this even when you are unable to feed your baby yourself. You may unfortunately find that it is difficult to get the amount of milk needed during the process without the proper preparation and technique.

Instructions

Properly Prepare Before Pumping

1

Drink more liquids such as water, juice and milk, which will keep you hydrated and promote the production of milk. Before pumping pour a glass of water and keep it at your side to sip as you pump.

2

Eat a healthy balanced diet in addition to drinking enough water. The Mayo Clinic recommends a diet that includes whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Stay away from greasy junk food.

3

Speak with your doctor about taking an herbal supplement or a prescription to help with milk production. Known as galactagogues, these are meant to increase the breasts' supply of milk. Examples of the herbs that are used include fenugreek and blessed thistle. Discuss any allergies that you may have with your doctor as some of the herbs used for milk production are in the same family as peanuts.

4

Find a quiet location in your house. Place a picture of your baby across from where you will be sitting so that you can look at it as you pump.

As You Pump

5

Warm up a towel or washcloth and place it over your nipples for approximately five minutes before pumping. Place the large-size shields over your nipple.

6

Relax and free your mind of any worries or concerns that you are currently having. Pump both breasts at the same time or switch back and forth between the two. Cornell University recommends pumping one breast until the milk flow slows down and then switching to the second breast until its milk slows. Continue switching back and forth until there is one full minute with no flow of milk. Use your free hand to massage and compress the sides, top and bottom of your breasts when you are pumping one breast at a time. This will help to improve the flow of milk.

7

Increase the frequency that you pump so that you are pumping every 1 1/2 to 2 hours as opposed to every 3 hours. In addition, pump your breast 5 to 7 minutes longer, even if it seems as if no milk is being pumped. This should send a message to the brain that more milk production is needed. Pump during the night at least twice.