How can a nursing mother boost her milk supply?

The first few weeks into breastfeeding are critical for the new- born as well as for the mother, especially for a first-time mother. It's a significant journey that parents embark upon in terms of figuring out a comfortable routine and establishing a healthy supply of nutrients for the child.

Breastfeeding can prove to be stressful for new mothers, particularly if one is worried about producing enough breast milk as breastfeeding is 'blind'.

One of the several questions that might cross one's mind is, "Is my baby getting enough milk supply?". If the baby is gaining healthy weight then as parents, you probably need not worry about low supply of milk, however if you feel the need to boost milk supply, there are several ways to address this concern, some of them are listed below:

Evaluate your baby's latch

It is essential to establish a correct posture for your baby to latch on to the mother's breast. Latching your baby properly is the most efficient way to increase milk supply.

A poor latch is often the reason a mother's supply of milk isn't as adequate as it can be. Without proper latch, your baby cannot draw enough milk from the breast. Correct latch will ensure proper supply of milk, moreover it stimulates her body to produce more.

Drink plenty of fluids

Breast milk comprises of 90 per cent water which makes it essential to consume at least 6-8 glasses of water per day. Other healthy options can include liquids such as milk, juice and other protein supplement drinks that should be adequate to keep her hydrated.

Some of the signs that indicate that her intake of fluids is less are dry mouth, having a headache or feeling dizzy.

Eat a well- balanced diet

Breastfeeding moms need an extra 500 calories per day as stated by NCBI. It is essential to choose nutritious food that provides one with ample energy to ensure milk production. Protein rich foods like oatmeal, flaxseed, yogurts, eggs and vegetables prove to be beneficial.

Breastfeed from both breasts at each feeding

Milk production is a demand-supply system so the more the baby demands, the more milk production occurs. During the first few weeks, breastfeeding from both sides of the breasts will ensure a stronger supply of breast milk. To ensure judicious milk supply, breastfeed from both breasts at various intervals during one feeding session is recommended.

Use breast compression

Breast compression is the most used technique that's used to help a baby take in more milk during breastfeeding. It involves applying gentle pressure onto one's breast (milk glands) in order to increase the flow of milk. It is one of the most efficient techniques.

The correct way to massage the breasts is to cup the breast with the thumb on top of the areola and the forefinger on the bottom. Rhythmically compress your breast, mimicking a baby's sucking motion.

Use a breast pump

Another way to remove breast milk is with the help of a breast pump. If one is not comfortable with hand expression, take out that breast pump and use it in-between breastfeeding sessions.

The more one empties their breasts of milk, the more milk one will make, hence increasing the flow with the aid of the breast pump.

(-The writer is a doctor in Neonatology at SMS JkLon Hospital Jaipur)