How to Keep My Milk Supply Up If the Baby Isn't Eating Every 2 to 3 Hours

To establish a good milk supply, newborn babies should ideally breastfeed eight to 12 times in a 24-hour period, which works out to nursing every two to three hours. Unfortunately, not all babies can breastfeed this frequently. Work obligations, travel or a baby's hospitalization due to illness or prematurity can interfere with this feeding schedule. During a separation from your baby -- or during a time when he doesn't nurse at least every three hours -- you can build or maintain your supply by adopting methods to enhance your milk production.

Instructions

1

Breastfeed your baby as frequently as she wants to during the time she is with you. Nursing is the most effective way to drain your breasts and stimulate further milk production.

2

Pump your breasts when you're unable to breastfeed. Drain your breasts every two to three hours, so if your baby doesn't breastfeed on that schedule, pump during each breastfeeding session he misses. If your baby isn't breastfeeding at all, this means you should pump eight to 12 times a day. Use a double, electric pump, which will more efficiently remove milk and help to generate prolactin, one of the hormones critical for milk production. Shorter, more frequent pumping sessions will build your milk supply better than longer sessions spaced farther apart.

3

Use La Leche League Leader Chele Marmet's "Massage-Stroke-Shake" (M-S-S) technique to increase your pumping output. Pump both breasts for five to seven minutes. Massage your breasts in small, circular motions with your fingertips, starting at the top of your breasts and working your way around the breast the same way you'd do a breast exam. Stroke your breasts lightly in a straight line from the edge of the breast to the nipple, working all the way around the breast. Shake your breasts gently while bending forward and holding them in your hands. Pump for another five to seven minutes, repeat the M-S-S technique and end with a third five to seven minute pumping session.

4

Take herbal supplements that can increase your milk supply, such as blessed thistle, alfalfa or fenugreek. The breastfeeding website Kellymom (kellymom.com) recommends using up to four capsules of alfalfa three times a day or six tablets a day to increase milk supply. For blessed thistle, take up to four capsules three times a day or 20 drops of a tincture two to four times a day. With fenugreek, take seven to 14 500 mg capsules per day.