What’s the magic to boosting my milk supply?
I tell you truly, there is no magic! There are two things that are proven to increases milk supply. Just two!
Emptying the breast
Hydration
Fact dehydrated people do not produce milk you can take that to the bank! But you tell me I have heard Liquid IV and Coconut water boost milk supply! Maybe but that sure has not been studied… does it hurt to try it? No so no harm no foul! You want to see if it is more effective for you? Do your own study on your body. One day hydrate with water and total up your pumping amounts. The next day use coconut water (same amount as the water you drank day 1) compare your totals. The following day use liquid IV. Same amount compare totals. If it helped ok good for you but remember one persons results are NOT science..If it didn’t ok it doesn’t work for you.
How about oatmeal? Well at least this one has some basis in science, It does contain iron so if you are iron deficient we know you will not produce as well. But it has also not been definitively studied so again hopefully you like oatmeal if it works for you.
Flaxseed? Well we have studied this one but not the increase in supply it actually increases the following in breast milk. Dietary flaxseed oil increased the breast-milk, plasma, and erythrocyte contents of the n−3 fatty acids ALA, EPA, and DPA but had no effect on breast-milk, plasma, or erythrocyte DHA contents. So it may not increase volume but it increases fatty acids!
So to say if you want to eat breast milk cookies, snacks, drink coconut water or drink liquid IV there is no evidence they will cause harm, but they may also not do any good..
On to what works tried and true!
Hydration. At least 8-10, 8 oz glasses of water (or preferred non caffeinated beverage) that means at least 60 ounces of water a day..every day you are breastfeeding.
Emptying the breast. Fully emptying, frequently, whether that is by breastfeeding or by pumping at least every 2-3 hours. Yes that means pumping or feeding at least 8-10 times a day, the breast makes milk when the demand is there. Slack back on the frequency of feeding your supply will decrease.
Want to quickly increase the supply? Power pump! Best done with double pump, here is the formula to use.
1. Pump for 20 minutes; rest 10 minutes
2.Pump another 10 minutes; rest for 10 minutes
3. Pump again for 10 minutes; finish
You can do this once a day for up to 7 days the take a week off. Keep in mind oversupply has its own set of problems like mastitis, no fun so don’t get carried away!
Happy breastfeeding
Robbin Swann, RN IBCLC
Comments