Too Little Breast Milk? Here's the Secret to Increasing Your Low Milk Supply

It is practically every mother's dream to be able to breastfeed their newborn babies immediately after giving birth. However, there will be times when you may not be producing enough breast milk. Especially when attempting to breastfeed directly while also pumping for milk storage. This can be extremely stressful, particularly if you're trying to store as much breast milk as you can before returning to work. The same goes for once you begin working. There's also the possibility that you're pumping at work but only getting too little milk. In the end, it just makes you antsy and demotivated. As a fellow mother, I feel you, mums! So, what actually contributes to the low milk supply? The Women’s lists a few potential reasons for low supply, including: The baby is not properly attached to the breast. This may result in nipple pain and damage. Your baby does not feed frequently enough. Almost all babies require at least 8 to 12 feedings per day. Your baby is not feeding well at the breast. You've started using formula milk in addition to breastfeeding. You've had breast surgery, which is affecting your milk supply. You recently had mastitis. You are taking oestrogen-containing oral contraceptives. Cigarette smoking. Certain medications, including over-the-counter and herbal remedies like cold/flu tablets Don't be concerned if you're experiencing low breast milk supply while pumping. There are a few things you can do to boost your milk. Here are a few simple tips. Use the Right Breast Pump and Pump Correctly When trying to get a good pump, it's not just the type of breast pump that matters, but also how it's used. So, the first thing to remember is to find the right breast pump for you. It all depends on your usage whether you get a single, double, or manual pump. It is recommended that you use an automatic double pump if you are pumping exclusively. The single and manual pumps will not be as effective. There are also some fundamentals to follow when pumping breast milk, which is detailed below: Wash your hands before touching the breast shield or your breast. Scrub your hands for 10 to 15 seconds with soap, then rinse thoroughly with warm water. Dry your hands thoroughly with a clean paper towel. Assemble the pump. Check that all of the parts are clean as you put them together. Get in the mood. Holding your baby may improve your milk let-downs. If you aren't with your baby, try looking at a photo or sniffing a piece of clothing your baby has worn. Place the breast shield over your breast. Your nipple should be centred in the shield. Begin pumping with a low suction level. As your milk starts to flow, increase the suction. Some pumps will perform this function for you. During each pumping session, empty both breasts. Your breasts should feel soft after pumping, with no hard spots. (Source: HealthLink British Columbia) Ensure Breast Flanges Fit The breast flange is the funnel-shaped part of the breast pump. It is placed on the breast, over the nipple, to create a vacuum seal around the areola. It is essential to get the right fit for your breasts to provide comfort and efficiency. According to Healthline, proper flange fitting is necessary for successful pumping. And here's how to tell if you're using the right one for your breasts. When a flange fits correctly: your nipple is centred in the tube no parts of your nipple rub against the sides little or no areola is pulled in when the pump is turned on A flange, however, is not fitting correctly when: your nipples hurt during or after the pumping session you notice your nipple is discoloured, chapped, or otherwise injured Some breast pumps include two or three different-sized flanges that you can try out while pumping. If not, you will need to measure the base of your nipple. You'll need the following size breast flange based on the following measurements: Make Yourself Comfortable Image credit: Canva It doesn't matter where you are, but if you're going to pump, make the session as comfortable as possible. If you are at home, it would be ideal if you could set up a breast pumping station with all of the necessary equipment and supplies within arm's reach. Then, place the breast pumping station near where you are most comfortable pumping. Some people prefer to pump in their room, while others prefer to do so in front of the TV or the nursery. You decide which area is most comfortable for you. If you're pumping at work, you may have no choice but to use any available facilities. However, make sure to sit in a comfortable chair with adequate back support so you don't hunch over while pumping. You might also think about using a bra with hands-free pumping if you really need to pump while working. This would put you at ease rather than thinking about the tasks you're leaving behind because you have to pump. Increase Breast Milk Pumping Frequency Pumping more frequently than usual is one way to increase breast milk supply. If you only pump at home, HealthLine recommends a technique known as Cluster Pumping (also known as Power Pumping). This is a method of repeatedly stimulating your breasts by pumping every five minutes. When your breasts are full, your body signals you to stop producing milk. Because empty breasts stimulate milk production, the more you empty your breasts, the more milk you'll produce. Although the technique may not be suitable for use at work, you can try doing so after or once you're home. You could also do it over the weekend. After all, breastfeeding is all about supply and demand. The more milk expressed from the breasts indicates greater demand required. As a result, your body will produce more milk. Apply Warm, Moist Heat to the Breasts Before breast pumping, apply heat to facilitate easier milk flow. This is not only soothing, but it can also help you relax. Warm breasts make it easier to express milk while pumping or even nursing. All you need to do is place warm, wet washcloths, a hot water bottle or breast warmers on your breasts prior to pumping session. Amazingly, moist heat can open milk ducts, improve circulation, and stimulate let-down, all of which help your milk start to flow. So, this method is particularly useful if you struggle with let-down. It is also very practical if you want to relieve engorged breasts. Boost Breast Milk Production with Healthy Snacks and Beverages Image credit: Canva Before you start pumping, set out a healthy snack and a glass of water or juice next to your pumping location in case you get hungry or thirsty. If they are nearby, it will be easy to grab some during your pumping session. Do not forget that your body requires additional calories and plenty of fluids to produce milk. So, make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day, not just while pumping. For snacking, you can opt for some of these quick and healthy breastfeeding snacks: Whole wheat crackers and cheese Dried fruits or berries Toast with peanut butter and banana Almonds and dark chocolates Plain yoghurt with berries Mixed cut-up fruits What you eat daily is also important. It's best to select foods that can support your ability to produce milk. Lean meat, eggs, dairy, beans, lentils, and mercury-free seafood are among these. Select a variety of fruits and vegetables as well as whole grains. Never Ever Compare Breast Milk Amounts Breastfeeding mothers might frequently discuss their experience and supply with others. If you do, just make sure you don't get discouraged by those who can get two full bottles every time they pump. You must be confident in yourself and pump at your own pace. Understand your body and how your breast milk supply works. Women with the same size breasts do not necessarily produce the same amount of milk. It all depends on the storage cells that mums have. HealthLine claims a woman with more storage cells will be able to express more milk more quickly because it is readily available. A woman with fewer storage cells will produce milk on the spot. That means she'll need more time to pump the same amount of milk. Therefore, stop comparing your milk supply to that of other mums. Rather, focus on how to increase yours for your baby. Less Stress, More Milk According to UTSouthwestern Medical Centre, stress is the number one killer of breast milk supply. Rising levels of certain hormones, such as cortisol, can dramatically reduce your milk supply due to a lack of sleep and adjusting to the baby's schedule. There have been reports of women going from having an ample milk supply to having none within 24 hours due to stress! That is why it is critical to make yourself comfortable while pumping. You might also try looking at pictures of your baby, listening to music, or inhaling a pleasant scent while you are pumping your breasts. You'll notice that your milk supply will gradually improve as you become more relaxed. So, mummies, try to stay relaxed and make that time spent pumping breastmilk enjoyable for you. You've got this! Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner. For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!

Family Planning by

Family Fun By Sunway Malls

Motherhood Panel of Experts

More Stories

Chocolate Coated Cheesecake Bars