Breast Feeding: Steps to increase your milk supply...

WHAT STEPS CAN I TAKE TO INCREASE MY LOW MILK SUPPLY?

If you truly have a low milk supply, it may be possible to increase your milk production. Once again, be sure that your milk supply is indeed low. To help a mother gauge the nature of her milk supply issue, I observe a feeding and use a scale that is designed to capture even small amounts of milk taken during a feeding. If your baby is breastfeeding well and your baby’s weight gain has been good, you probably have plenty of milk. If, on the other hand, you determine that your supply is low, remember that all the benefits of breastfeeding, like every interpersonal relationship, cannot be weighed and measured. Any milk that you provide your baby is of value. Whether you increase your milk volume or not, enjoy the time that you spend with your baby. Of course, each mother’s situation is unique, so the advice outlined next needs to be tailored to suit your individual needs.

Supplementing
If your baby’s weight gain has been slow as a result of your low milk supply, supplement your baby with your pumped breast milk or formula. As your baby gains weight, your baby’s energy level and breastfeeding skills will improve. If possible, have a lactation consultant show you how to use a supplemental nursing system (SNS) while breastfeeding or use a dropper or cup feed. If you decide to use a bottle, choose one with a broad base, to remind your baby to keep his or her mouth wide open during feeding, and pace your baby’s feeding so that your baby is not overwhelmed by the flow from the bottle. These measures will help to preserve your breastfeeding relationship as you increase your milk supply.

Breastfeeding
Continue to breastfeed as you build your supply. Effective, frequent breastfeeding
can help to stimulate your milk supply. If your baby regularly
needs a supplemental feeding, then provide your baby with part of the
supplement prior to breastfeeding. Ending a feeding session by breastfeeding
as opposed to some other feeding method creates a positive memory
of breastfeeding for your baby. Make the most of each feeding by moving
your baby from breast to breast during the feeding session. As your
baby slows down on one side, quickly offer the opposite breast, and then
repeat the process. This technique will naturally increase the volume of
milk your baby receives from the feeding. Obviously, if you are supplementing
with an SNS, keep your baby on one breast per feeding while using
the device

Pumping
Regularly using a hospital-grade double-electric breast pump for a period of time can help you to increase your milk supply. The action of pumping both breasts together sends your body a strong signal to increase production. For the purpose of increasing your supply, pump both breasts together every three hours for ten minutes on medium suction. Turning up the suction will only give you sore nipples, not more milk. If you are regularly breastfeeding your baby, try to pump for a few minutes afterward. Save all of your pumped milk for your baby.
Pumping accomplishestwo goals: not only does it help to increase your milk supply but it also enables you to supplement your baby with your own breast milk.

Galactagogue use
A galactagogue is a substance known to increase a mother’s milk supply in conjunction with breastfeeding and pumping. The herbal supplement fenugreek is a popular galactagogue. The usual dose is three capsules taken with food three times a day.7 Fenugreek is also available as a tea. Fenugreek capsules should be taken with food to avoid a low blood sugar reaction