How to Increase Breastmilk Supply

Early on during breastfeeding, the supply is mainly regulated by the amount of stimulation and nursing frequency which drives prolactin the hormone that tells the body to make milk. The second factor is how much milk is removed at each feeding or pumping session. Later, as the hormone prolactin decreases, the most important factor becomes breast emptying, not necessarily frequency.

If you skip feeds or/and or pump sessions your milk supply will adjust down to meet the new demand for less milk production. In older babies who have been eating solids, milk supply gradually decreases as the nursing sessions are less frequent and solids are now starting to replace some of the previous nursing sessions. By 12 months, solids have taken over and milk supply will have naturally decreased.

Other reasons can be illness, hormonal birth control, and a new pregnancy.

Increase frequency of feeding or pumping sessions, hand express or pump after some feeds. Do not skip feeds or pumps, and increase the skin to skin or babywear. You can also take the baby to bed and let the baby nurse often over a few days and hang out. Make sure to eat every few hours and drink at least a glass of water or your favorite drink with each nursing or pumping session. 

Herbs known to help with breastmilk supply include:

● Fenugreek ●  Moringa, Goats Rue ●  Blessed Thistle ●  Fennel, and ● Shatavari. 

Other foods that may increase breastmilk supply are:

● Avocados ● Nuts ● Bean and Legumes ● Mushrooms ● Green Leafy Veggies ● Red and Orange Root Veggies ● Seeds ● Chia Seeds and Hemp Seeds ● Turmeric ● Ashwagandha