How to Increase Breast Milk

First, it's important to assess if you're truly dealing with a low milk supply. Sometimes mothers can perceive normal breastfeeding patterns and/or baby behavior as an inadequate milk supply. If you determine that you really do have a low supply, consult with a lactation consultant to determine the "why" behind it so that you can get to work fixing the problem and prevent it from occuring again. In the meantime...

There are several positive steps you can take if you decide that your milk supply is low. If possible, plan to set aside a few days, perhaps a weekend, to spend doing little else but working to increase your milk production. Following the steps listed below, most moms notice an increase in supply within 24-72 hours. If you're pumping and just finding it harder to keep up with your baby's milk needs, although your baby seems fine when he nurses, the following will also apply.

Nurse or pump frequently. Plan to nurse at least every 1 1/2 to 2 hours during the day and at least every 3 hours at night even if you must awaken your baby. Time your feedings from the beginning of one to the beginning of another. If your baby is available to nurse, this is preferable to pumping as he will better stimulate your breasts to produce more milk. Allow the baby to nurse on each side until he pulls off himself or goes to sleep. Offer both breasts at each feeding. Although nursing is preferable, if the baby cannot nurse directly at the breast, use a hospital-grade electric pump for double pumping instead (such as the Lactina or Pump In Style). Double pumping has been shown to increase Prolactin levels. Prolactin is the hormone which stimulates milk production. Pump for 10-15 minutes per session. Longer sessions have not been proven to be any more beneficial at increasing supply. Along with nursing, you may want to add another pumping session or two sometime during your day. You also may want to add a few extra minutes (5-10) of pumping after the baby has finished nursing. Allow the baby to meet all of his sucking needs at the breast. Avoid any bottles or pacifiers during this time. Your baby's need to suck ensures that he spends adequate time at the breast to stimulate your supply. Avoid supplements including solid food, water, juice, and formula. Adding these will result in your baby nursing less often and you getting less stimulation. You can be sure that your baby is getting enough by counting his wet diapers and bowel movements. If your baby requires a supplement for medical reasons, consider using a nursing supplementer at your breast so that you can continue to receive crucial BABY stimulation. Snack often on foods rich in protein and calcium. Drink enough to satisfy your thirst. Forcing fluids is not necessary and may have the opposite effect. Any type of fluid is satisfactory. Rest as much as you can. Consider taking the baby to bed with you for the time period. The rest will benefit you and the close skin-to-skin contact may encourage him to nurse more often. Some mothers have found that the herb, Fenugreek, is helpful for increasing milk supply. It works best when combined with increased frequency of nursing and/or pumping. You can find it at your local health food store or nutrition store. The dosage is 2-4 capsules 3 times a day. Most moms notice an increase in supply after using it 1-3 days. It is safe for your baby. While taking it you may notice that your perspiration and urine smell like maple syrup as Fenugreek is used to give artificial Maple syrup its odor. Some moms report diarrhea while taking it that quickly resolves once they stop taking it. If you suffer from asthma, your symptoms may become worse with the Fenugreek. Dosages higher than the recommended one given above may result in hypoglycemia in some mothers. If pregnant, you should NOT useFenugreek as it may cause uterine contractions. Many moms use it for a quick boost to their supplies. Others have used it long-term with no problems. Other herbs often recommended for increasing milk supply are Blessed Thistle andAlfalfa. For some mothers a combination of herbs seems to work better than one herb alone. You may use the Fenugreek, Blessed Thistle, and Alfalfa in combination if you choose

Breast Feeding Positions - Lying down position

Lying down This position is especially good for night feeding. Lie on your side and place the baby on his side facing you, with his head at your breast. You may place a couple of pillows at your back for some extra support. Ensure that the baby can breathe through his nose.

This position is relaxing for you. Often both you and the baby will drift off to

Breast Feeding Positions - Football hold

Football hold

The baby is placed with his legs under your arm. Hold your baby like a football along your forearm, with the baby`s body on your arm and with his face toward your breast. Use your other hand to support your breast. This position is good if you have engorged breasts or sore nipples. A mother who has undergone cesarean section and cannot lay the baby on her stomach will find this position useful.. If you often have plugged milk ducts, the football hold can help because it helps your baby empty the ducts at the bottom of the breast. It is also a good position for nursing twins!

Breast Feeding Positions - Cross Cradle Hold

Cross-cradle hold

The cross-cradle hold is similar to the cradle hold except your baby is laying the opposite direction, with his head in your hand, rather than in crook of your arm. This is a good position when first learning to breast-feed because it gives you good control of the baby`s head while you are helping your baby get the nipple in his mouth.

Breast Feeding Positons

How to hold the baby when feeding

There are 4 main breast-feeding positions: the cradle hold, the cross-cradle hold, the football hold, and lying down.

Cradle hold

This is the most common position. This requires you to sit down with your baby in your lap and the baby`s head supported in the bend of your elbow. The baby`s chest should be against your chest so that he doesn`t have to turn his head to reach your nipple. Ensure that the arm of the chair is at the right height to support your arm. Use pillows to support your back, your arm, and the baby`s head. A footstool may be helpful to raise your feet.

Breast Feeding Diets.. to avoid and to take

Diet has always been and will always be an important part of a person's life. During pregnancy a proper diet was crucial and continues on to be even during breastfeeding. Similar to how the mother's diet affects the fetus in her womb, her diet during breastfeeding still affects the child's development. Since every mother and child is different, there is no specific diet that you must follow. However, there are certain things that you must be aware of.

Diets to avoid

During breastfeeding, you should try to avoid excessive fats, caffeine and alcoholic beverages. Even though excessive fats are discouraged, it is important that you eat some fat. Fat is a necessity that your infant needs in order to grow. A lack of fat could hinder your child's development. Caffeine is dangerous for your infant because a baby's body will not be able to get rid of the caffeine. Thus, if you are used to drinking tea or coffee in the morning, try drinking some juice or milk instead. Alcohol has detrimental effects on you and your child and should not be drunk at any cost while you are breastfeeding.

Diets to take

During breastfeeding, you must drink ten glasses of liquid, water preferably. Fruits and vegetables must be eaten and protein should also be part of your diet.

A varied diet is important for you as a mother. You should try to eat a mixture of different foods because the milk you give your infant will retain the flavor of the food you consume. Thus, by eating different types of foods, you will give your infant an opportunity to taste a variety of food. Each type of food will help give your infant the necessary vitamins, minerals, proteins and calcium he needs in order to grow. By introducing your child to a mixture of food from the beginning will help him get used to the types of food he will eat later on in his life.

After pregnancy every mother wants to try to lose weight. However, dieting during breastfeeding can be very detrimental to your child's development. After breastfeeding, you may start to diet sensibly, but before then be patient for your child's health. In fact, experts say that after a woman stops breastfeeding, she automatically begins to lose weight.

Diet during Breast feeding

Breastfeeding is a very special time when you experience a wonderful bonding with your baby. Nutrition is an important aspect of breastfeeding.

There are many reasons:

• The quality of your milk influences the growth of your baby.
• Mother’s milk is the only source of nutrients and energy for the first 6 months of life for your baby.
• Calories are needed for milk production and breastfeeding
• There is an increased demand for nutrients and calories during breastfeeding. Inadequate calorie intake can make one weak and tired.

The section below discusses some of the important nutrients and how they help a mother and her baby.

Proteins

The average daily protein requirement of breastfeeding mothers is 75 g. This is to improve the protein content in your milk as well as meeting your body’s requirement for protein.

Some protein rich foods are:

• Eggs, meat, fish and chicken.
• Milk, curd and Indian cottage cheese (paneer).
• Nuts and seeds like almond, cashew nuts, peanuts, etc.
• Pulses and legumes (green gram, soyabean, red gram, Bengal gram, etc).

Fats

Composition of fats in breastmilk is determined by the mother’s diet. The daily requirement of fat during breastfeeding is 45 g ofVisible Fat and it is essential to eat the right fat.

Breast milk contains a fatty acid called docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which is essential for your baby's vision and brain development. One important source of DHA is fish. The content ofDHA is very low in vegetarian sources of diet. The DHA content in Indian food is low as it is mainly vegetarian.

Calcium

Calcium is a major ingredient in breastmilk. You need calcium for teeth and also protect your bone strength. Breastfeeding mothers require high amounts of calcium, amounting to 1000 mg/day. If your diet does not contain enough of calcium, your body will use calcium from your bones to meet your increased needs. This may weaken your bones and increase the risk of developing osteoporosis or fractures later in life.

Good sources of calcium are:

• Dairy products such as milk, paneer and curd.
• Sesame seeds and ragi.
• Green leafy vegetables like palak, gongura, drumstick leaves, etc.

Iron

There is an increased requirement in pregnancy. The iron requirement during breastfeeding is 30 mg/day. During breastfeeding, you need to rebuild your iron stores with iron-rich foods. Lack of iron can lead to anemia where you will feel weak, light-headed, tired and get frequent cold and fever.

Good sources of iron are:

• Green leafy vegetables
• Raagi and other cereals
• Meat, chicken and fish
• Legumes (beans)
• Nuts and dried fruit

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamins and mineral levels in breastmilk can be affected by maternal intake as well as length of Lactation. So it is essential to include foods that are rich in all vitamins and minerals. Breastfeeding also increases the need for folic acid, vitamins B12, B6, B2 and C, which also help in preventing anemia.

Some good sources of Vitamins:

• Folate: Green leafy vegetables such as palak, broccoli, cabbage, amaranth, liver, etc.
• Vitamin C: Citrus fruits (amla, orange, musambi, lime), tomatoes, capsicum, cauliflower, cabbage, etc. • Vitamin B12: Found in animal products such as milk, meat, paneer and curd.
• Vitamin B6: Palak, drumstick leaves, other keeras, watermelon, tomatoes, carrots, brinjal, etc.
• Vitamin B2: Cereals, legumes, oil seeds, roots, vegetables, milk eggs, fish meat, skim milk powder, etc.
• Vitamin A: Dark green and yellow vegetables and fruits such as palak, capsicum, papaya, pumpkin, curry leaves, etc.

Minerals like copper, selenium, zinc act as antioxidants and are essential for the mother and the growing baby. Other minerals like magnesium helps in the tissue growth and bone formation and iodine is important for the production of hormones.

Some good sources of minerals are:

• Copper: Shell fish, whole grains, beans, nuts, potatoes and meat.
• Zinc: Meat, chicken, fish, peanuts, legumes.
• Selenium: Vegetables, grains, fish, shellfish, eggs, meat, etc.
• Iodine: Fish, iodized salt.

Most of the time, the food you take will not meet the increased nutrient requirement for a breastfeeding mother. Moreover, Indian diets are mainly vegetarian in nature. As many of the vital nutrients are found mainly in animal foods, you need to take nutritional supplements. A supplement containing the DHA along with the other essential nutrients will provide you with adequate nutrition and energy.