Tips for Increasing BREASTMILK SUPPLY | How to POWER PUMP | Foods to Produce More Milk | Birth Doula

Summary

In this video, Bridget, a San Francisco-based doula, offers valuable advice to breastfeeding mothers worried about their milk supply. She shares signs that indicate baby is getting enough milk and provides practical tips to boost milk production, such as reducing stress, staying hydrated, eating healthy foods, and nursing or pumping frequently. Additionally, she recommends strategies like skin-to-skin contact, power pumping, and herbal supplements to help mothers increase their milk supply. Bridget reassures mothers to trust their bodies and their babies, emphasizing the importance of a positive mindset and consistent care to foster a successful breastfeeding experience.

Takeaways

• 😀 Trust that you are likely producing enough milk for your baby, as indicated by frequent nursing sessions (8-12 times in 24 hours).
• 😀 Signs of a good latch include comfort during breastfeeding, audible swallowing sounds, and normal nipple appearance after feeding.
• 😀 Frequent diaper changes (wet and soiled) and consistent weight gain are good indicators that your baby is getting enough milk.
• 😀 Stress has a major impact on milk supply, so de-stressing through activities like exercise, healthy eating, and positive affirmations is crucial.
• 😀 Practicing positive thinking and affirmations, such as 'I trust my body to produce milk for my baby,' can help reduce breastfeeding-related stress.
• 😀 Skin-to-skin contact with your baby, even beyond the newborn stage, can help increase milk supply by promoting bonding and reducing stress.
• 😀 Staying hydrated is essential since breast milk is made up of 98% water, so drinking plenty of fluids supports milk production.
• 😀 Eating healthy foods like complex carbs (e.g., sweet potatoes, oatmeal), proteins (chicken, fish), and healthy fats (e.g., avocados) provides the energy needed for milk production.
• 😀 Avoid skipping nursing or pumping sessions, as it signals the body to decrease milk production. Aim to nurse or pump every 2-4 hours.
• 😀 Power pumping, which involves extended pumping sessions with short breaks, mimics the effect of cluster feeding and can boost milk supply.
• 😀 Herbal supplements like fenugreek, moringa, and nettle, as well as teas like Mother's Tea, can help increase milk supply. However, be mindful that fenugreek may not work for everyone.

Q & A

How can a mother tell if her baby is getting enough milk?

You can tell if your baby is getting enough milk by nursing 8-12 times a day, hearing swallowing sounds during feeding, having a comfortable latch, and noticing regular wet and dirty diapers along with consistent weight gain.

What should a mother do if breastfeeding becomes uncomfortable or painful?

If breastfeeding is uncomfortable or painful, it may indicate a poor latch. You should work on improving your baby’s latch. A proper latch ensures efficient milk transfer, reducing discomfort and improving milk supply.

What are some common signs that a baby is not getting enough milk?

Signs that your baby may not be getting enough milk include hearing clicking noises while breastfeeding, feeling pain during nursing, and noticing that your nipple appears pinched, squashed, or unusually white after feeding.

What are some methods to reduce stress that might affect milk production?

To reduce stress, you can engage in activities like walking, exercising, eating healthier, or talking to friends. Practicing affirmations like 'I trust my body to produce milk' can also help you relax and improve your milk supply.

How does skin-to-skin contact affect milk supply?

Skin-to-skin contact, even outside of feeding times, promotes bonding and stimulates milk production. It helps regulate hormones that support breastfeeding and increases the likelihood of a successful breastfeeding experience.

Why is hydration important for breastfeeding mothers?

Hydration is crucial because breast milk is made up of about 98% water. Staying well-hydrated ensures that your body has the necessary fluids to produce milk efficiently.

What kind of foods should a breastfeeding mother include in her diet to boost milk supply?

A breastfeeding mother should include healthy carbs (like sweet potatoes, quinoa, and oatmeal), protein (from chicken, fish, and red meat), and healthy fats (such as avocados and olive oil). These nutrients support milk production and overall health.

What is power pumping, and how can it help increase milk supply?

Power pumping involves dedicating one hour a day to pumping in intervals: 20 minutes of pumping, followed by a 10-minute break, then repeating the cycle. This simulates the cluster feeding process and can help boost milk production.

What herbal supplements or teas can help boost milk supply?

Herbal supplements like fenugreek, moringa, and fennel are commonly used to boost milk supply. These can be found in lactation teas or supplements, such as those from Legendary Milk or other trusted brands.

How can a mother maintain her milk supply if her baby starts sleeping through the night?

If your baby sleeps longer stretches at night, you can maintain your milk supply by pumping before bed and after waking up in the morning. This ensures your body continues to produce enough milk despite fewer nighttime feedings.