Boost Breast Milk. Most mothers get concerned about their milk production. They think that they are not able to produce enough milk to meet their infant?s needs. In most cases, however, such concerns are brought about by external factors that can be controlled. Alternatively, as an infant grows, their appetite tends to increase and may leave the mother thinking that she is producing less milk. In this article, we take a look at different methods of how to produce more breast milk that mothers may employ.
When breastfeeding, you should always monitor your baby for signs of weight loss or weight gain. Should you realize that your child is losing weight then as a mother you should start thinking of how to produce more breast milk to meet your child?s needs. Below are some tips that will help boost your milk production.
1. Regular Breastfeeding
The human body easily adapts to changes and regular breastfeeding is one of these changes. Breastfeeding your child regularly will force your body to maximize its potential to produce milk so as to meet demand. Recent research shows that if a mother switches an infant to processed formulas, the mother?s production of breast milk will significantly be lowered since the body will not be feeling the changes caused by regular breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is one of the quickest ways of how to produce more breast milk provided the baby is properly attached. Mothers are encouraged to offer infants breastfeed every two or three hours.
2. Drink Lots of Water
To produce more breast milk, the body requires a lot of fluids since the milk is produced in fluid form. Mothers who are breastfeeding are thus encouraged to drink more water not only to improve production of milk but also to replenish the water they lose through dehydration. Having a baby is distracting, and one may forget to take water regularly thus breastfeeding mothers should have a bottle of water with them always especially in the place where they nurse. Mothers should also take foods and fruits that are naturally rich in water as a way of increase the water level in their body.
3. Massage the Breasts
Experts have touted breast massage as one of the best triggers for the production of more breast milk. Adopting the right massage method will help induce the MER needed to increase the body?s production of breast milk. One of the most common massaging techniques includes applying a warm compress on each breast at intervals. One should soak a towel in warm water and place it on the breast before commencing the massage procedure. The breast is then stroked from the top downwards. While stroking one should apply a gentle touch on the breast that in turn stimulates the production of oxytocin while at the same time relaxing the body.
5. Eat These Foods
Below are foods that you should consider taking if you have been looking for ways on how to produce more breast milk for your infant:
Oats
Apart from having a high fiber content, oats also have the ability to promote milk production in nursing mothers. Oats can be mixed with a variety of other foods, and it also helps lower the body?s cholesterol level.
Garlic
You should not go overboard with garlic but adding a little to your food when cooking will not only make it spicy but help in boosting milk production as well. Nursing mothers have used garlic for decades, and it has proven to be effective. There are garlic pills in the market for those who want to avoid the after taste.
Carrots
Carrots contain beta-carotene that the body highly demands when a mother is lactating. Apart from being a healthy source of carbohydrates they also contain potassium and will aid in the production of more milk.
Fennel
Whether you decide to stew it, toss it raw into salads or saut? it, Fennel is believed to be a galactagogue. The herb is however not ideal for people who dislike black licorice or anise. Fennel seeds have been proven to be effective in milk production since they are rich in Vitamin-C. Fennel seeds will also help with indigestion in mothers and prevents colic in babies.
Nuts
Breastfeeding mothers are encouraged to take nuts to help improve their production of breast milk. Macadamia, Almonds, and cashew nuts are popular in helping boost production. Nuts also contain antioxidants and good fats that the body requires. You can consume the nuts raw or blend them in meals and desserts.
Ginger
Ginger is not only useful before giving birth, but lactating mothers are also encouraged to take ginger as one way of how to produce more breast milk. You can have ginger pos, ginger ale or candied ginger.
6. Rest
If you are tired, your body?s functions will naturally be impaired, and milk production is no exception. Mothers who are looking for ways to produce more breast milk should have enough rest so as to improve their ability to produce more milk.
Resting helps relieve stress that can also impair numerous body processes. Motherhood comes with lots of stress which if not well handled may cause a significant drop in milk production. Mothers are thus encouraged to rest and stay relaxed when the baby is asleep or ask someone to watch over the infant as they rest.
7. Use Breast Pumps
Breast pumps are used by lactating mothers to draw milk from the breasts by those who store milk for their infants; in the long run it helps produce more milk to sustain the infants demand for milk. Furthermore, the breast pump works more or less like a massager that we?ve learned helps in stimulating milk production.
8. Seek Expert Advice
Mothers who have tried the methods discussed above but still feel like they are not producing enough milk should visit an expert. Experts can help lactating mothers who are looking for ways of how to produce more breast milk. An expert will be able to access the infant?s latch and suck that are very critical in optimizing nursing procedures.
Most women experience breastfeeding problems and often face the challenge of meeting their infant?s needs. Most poor production of breast milk is caused by high-stress levels, irregular feeding of the baby, inadequate fluid intake, poor eating habits and, fatigue among others. The methods discussed above should, however, be helpful for lactating mothers who are looking for ways on how to produce more breastmilk.
