Increase breast milk production naturally

There are many things that are classified as “do-it-yourself”, otherwise known as DIY. Who knew that DIY applied to increasing the production of milk that a mother can supply to her youngster. A mother’s worrying never ceases to start early in life. For every breastfeeding mother, there is also the occasional worry that she is not producing enough milk, and therefore not providing the adequate nutrition that her growing infant undoubtedly needs. This uncertainty leads to the premature decision to introduce formulas to a baby that is nowhere near ready. If you’re new to the calling of breastfeeding, there are sound suggestions to get the milk flowing.

Why Breastfeed?
There are a list of reasons why breastfeeding is good not only for the baby, but the mother as well. Except in a few cases, the benefits of breastfeeding far outweigh those of not. Besides the fact that breast milk has all of the essential vitamins and minerals that the baby needs, it is an easy way to start losing some of the weight that was gained during pregnancy. Mothers who breastfeed also develop a strong bond with their beloved infant. Additionally, in these economic times, it is already hard enough to keep up with diapers, burp rags, and Desitin ointment; breastfeeding is free! A huge blessing will appear later in life because children who are breastfed are less likely to develop allergies; introducing the baby to cow’s milk too early sets the stage for this happenstance.

Increase Production Naturally
A breastfeeding mother can do things both to her diet and to her feeding habits to increase milk production naturally. A list of these techniques follows.

Eat Well And Drink Well
—After the baby is born, it is natural to want to lose the pregnancy weight right away. Don’t harm the baby by trying to do this during the time of breastfeeding because this can cause an inadequate milk supply. The birth weight should come off slowly. Eat foods from all food groups and get a minimum of 1800 calories a day because you need plenty of energy. Remember, in a way, you’re still eating for two! You need to be taking in enough energy for you and enough to produce the baby’s milk with the proper nutrients. Drinking plenty of caffeine-free fluids is particularly important because fluids are the foremost contributors to breast milk production.

Feed Frequently—Keep the milk flowing; 8 feedings per day is normal. Also, rotate between breasts. Just make sure it balances out for the whole day if it’s too difficult to get the little guy off one during a single feeding. This will help the milk supply stay even in both breasts.

Baby Knows Best
—You are on the baby’s schedule. Let the baby eat until he or she no longer will. When the baby is finished, it will start suckling with less enthusiasm. Don’t wait until the infant is screaming and crying to start the feeding either; try to beat the storm. When the baby reaches this fit, he or she is past the point of hunger.

Massage Your Breasts
—When the baby nurses, there is a natural massaging motion that triggers the onset of milk production. Massage your breasts throughout the day to help provoke the same response of producing milk.

Reduce Stress Levels—Get plenty of rest and take time for yourself throughout the day to reduce your stress level. As with most things in life, stress tends to get in the way of performing everyday functions properly, and it can also affect the baby when it comes time to breastfeed.

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Last updated on Jun 10th, 2010 and filed under Women's Health. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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