How to Increase Milk Supply During Lactation

Lactation is a natural process that happens in the body when you feed your baby. Usually, this process is triggered by the presence of oxytocin hormone and also nursing frequently. However, in some cases, it can be challenging to increase the milk supply. We all know that breastfeeding is beneficial for both mother and baby. Also, there are several proven benefits of increasing your milk supply – not only will your baby get more nutrients from the extra milk you produce, but you’ll also produce less breastmilk which may reduce your risk of breast cancer later on in life. This article details everything you need to know about how to increase your milk supply naturally during lactation and ways to help you succeed.

Lactation: How to Increase Milk Supply?

The first three months after giving birth is when you will produce the most breast milk in your lifetime. This is why it is important to prepare yourself beforehand so that you can increase your milk supply. Here are some tips and tricks that may help you increase your milk supply.

• Prepare your body for lactation – A healthy body is the key to a healthy baby. This means that you should do everything you can to prepare your body for lactation. This includes eating a healthy diet, getting enough rest, and avoiding stress.
• Find a breastfeeding position that works for you – Every person is different, so finding a position that works for you is important. There are several breastfeeding positions that you can try to find one that works for you.
• Drink plenty of water – Water is necessary for healthy lactation. Not only does it help with the production of breast milk, but it is also necessary for your overall health.

Eat a Healthy Diet

A healthy diet is the first step how to increase milk supply. Here are some foods that are beneficial and may help increase your milk supply.

• Oats – They are rich in iron and B vitamins which are important for lactation. Oats also contain hemicellulose which is helpful for increasing your milk production.
• Dairy – Dairy products like yogurt, kefir, and cheese are rich in calcium which is necessary for lactation. The best dairy products to consume are low-fat or fat-free.
• Vegetables and Legumes – Vegetables and legumes contain folic acid which is necessary for the development of your baby’s brain and nervous system.
• Nuts – They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids which are beneficial for breastmilk production.
• Fish and Seafood – Fish and seafood are rich in Vitamin B12 which is necessary for regular breast function.

Consume More Calcium-Rich Foods

Calcium is essential for lactation, so it is beneficial to increase your intake of calcium-rich foods during lactation. Some natural ways to do this are through dark green vegetables, legumes, and dairy products. Here are some calcium-rich foods that you can eat.

• Dark green vegetables – They are rich in calcium and vitamin K. Vitamin K is necessary for the development of your baby’s brain.
• Legumes – They are rich in calcium and magnesium. Magnesium is necessary for proper breast function.
• Dairy Products – Dairy products are rich in calcium and vitamin D. Vitamin D is necessary for the development of your baby’s bones and teeth.
• Nuts – They are rich in calcium and vitamin E. Vitamin E is necessary for the development of your baby’s brain and muscles.
• Fish and Seafood – Fish and seafood are rich in calcium and vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is necessary for the proper functioning of your breast.

Try Breast Massage and Expression

Breast massage is an ancient technique that can help increase your milk supply. Squeeze and massage your breasts in a rhythmic pattern that stimulates your breasts and increases blood flow to your breasts. This will help increase your milk supply by helping your breasts to produce more milk. You can also try to express your breast milk manually. You can use a pump or manually express your breast milk to store some breast milk for later use. This is especially helpful for women who want to go back to work or travel. Expressing your breast milk manually is beneficial for increasing your milk supply as it stimulates your breast to produce more milk. There are also other ways to express your breast milk that can help increase your milk supply if a manual expression is not an option for you. These methods include using a manual breast pump and an electric breast pump.

Take Supplementation and Natural Supplements

There are certain supplements that you can consume to increase your milk supply. Here are some natural supplements that you can take to increase your milk supply.

• Fenugreek – It is a common herb that is used to increase your milk supply. It is rich in iron, minerals, and vitamins. You can purchase fenugreek in supplement form and add it to your diet to increase your milk supply.
• Coconut Oil – It is rich in vitamins E and K, minerals, and fats which are helpful for lactation. You can consume coconut oil three times daily to increase your milk supply.
• Almonds – They are rich in vitamins and minerals which are helpful for lactation. You can consume almonds one or two times daily to increase your milk supply.

Conclusion

Lactation is a natural process that happens in the body when you feed your baby. This process is triggered by the presence of oxytocin hormone and also nursing frequently. However, in some cases, it can be challenging to increase the milk supply. We all know that breastfeeding is beneficial for both mother and baby. Also, there are several proven benefits of increasing your milk supply – not only will your baby get more nutrients from the extra milk you produce, but you’ll also produce less breastmilk which may reduce your risk of breast cancer later on in life. This article details everything you need to know about how to increase your milk supply naturally during lactation and ways to help you succeed.