Saturday, October 15, 2011

Tips to Increase Breastmilk Supply ...

Hi darlings...
I just read on a very informative article on breastfeeding from Medela blog and decided to share with my readers here. It was my first time visiting this blog and found they have very good articles over there. Have a look here gals!

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Tips to Increase Breastmilk Supply




Concerns of low breastmilk supply are very common among breastfeeding mothers. However, simply listening to your baby’s needs, learning to recognize your baby’s feeding cues, breastfeeding often and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can remedy many of these concerns. Occasionally, some mothers have more serious supply issues that can be treated by working with a Lactation Consultant or healthcare provider.

Typically, when you first begin breastfeeding, your supply develops based on your child’s needs. Thus, it is particularly important that you breastfeed often. Breastfeeding as soon as possible – preferably within an hour after birth – will help you and your baby get off to a good start. The skin-to-skin contact encouraged by breastfeeding is also beneficial. Many moms also choose to pump to increase supply and collect additional breastmilk. It can be beneficial to continue to pump for 2 minutes after the last drop of milk comes out. This will help to stimulate an increase in milk production.

In the beginning, you may feel as though you need to breastfeed continuously in order to empty your breasts. However, as you continue to breastfeed you may feel like you aren’t producing as much milk. Don’t be alarmed. Your body has just become more in tune with your baby’s needs. Just think about it, the two of you have become quite the breastfeeding team! So, listen to your little one and feed whenever he or she seems hungry. Likewise, don’t stop feeding until your baby looses interest. A breastfeeding routine based on your baby’s needs, rather than a strict schedule will help ensure you produce the right amount of milk for your child.

With a new baby, it can be hard to focus on your own health and well-being – but it’s important! So, adjust your perspective and consider your healthy lifestyle a necessary step. Eat a healthy and well-balanced diet, get as much sleep as possible and always drink enough water to satisfy your thirst. Some moms even benefit from taking a nursing vacation. This means spending 2 to 3 days breastfeeding, cuddling and relaxing with your baby. The rest will help rejuvenate your body and the time the baby spends at breast will help to activate the hormones that stimulate milk production. On top of that, who doesn’t love cuddling with their little one?

Maintaining your supply can also depend on the breastfeeding habits you develop. It is crucial to make sure your baby is nursing efficiently, because if less milk is removed from the breast, your supply will decrease. Check that your baby is latching properly. Also, avoid the use of bottles and pacifiers until after breastfeeding is well established. Those items can lead to nipple confusion for your baby, making it harder for him or her to nurse. Try “switch nursing,” which means alternating breasts two or three times throughout each feeding. If your baby begins to fall asleep, change breasts to keep your baby alert and interested. Also, gently massage and compress your breasts during feedings. This will encourage your baby to breastfeed longer.

Low milk supply is a very common concern among breastfeeding mothers; so don’t be afraid to ask for support. Feel free to reach out to your healthcare provider or Lactation Consultant for additional tips.

 

2 comments:

ummi_ziz said...

Thanks for sharing dear. So helpful. Mine kan sll perasan yg B kiri krg milk production. Do u have any idea why, darling? Klu pump B kanan kan sljp bley dpt 4-6oz tp sblh kiri nk dpt kan 2 oz pon lmbt sgt..how i wish B kiri byk milk production like the the right B. :(

mommynadia said...

hehe..I was facing this prob since Adam time lagik..at first I thot takut tersumbat ke ape..;)
I pun tk pasti nape sbnr nye,but I believed that,side yg kita bg at the 1st precious hour akan jadik lebih bnyk..
time Adam, my left one mmg paling luxury, happened to Ryan plak,left paling slow..sb both of them I started at different side ms 1st hour feeding..
the best thing to overcome..
u perasan tak, tho susu tak bnyk kuar, tp stil bengkak kn...tp bila pump..sket je kuar..
kalau u try double pumping,this will helps u alot..skrang ni I mmg double pump aje...br boleh dpt >6oz at one time pumping...
gud luck dear!!

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