When your little one is hungry, nothing beats breastfeeding them. But for new moms who haven’t been around babies much before, it can be challenging to know what will make the process easier. That’s why we have come up with tips on how you can boost your breast milk supply naturally. Whether you are nursing your baby or pumping for them as a substitute, it makes sense to invest in strategies that will help you produce more breast milk to feed your child and support their development. After all, this is where they will get all of their nutrients until they start feeding solids.
Here are the top 5 ways to boost your breast milk supply naturally
Eat a Healthy, Balanced Diet
When trying to increase your breast milk supply, eating a healthy, balanced diet is important. Almost all food contains nutrients your baby needs, so don’t feel like you have to completely change what you eat. Instead, focus on eating more fiber-rich foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes. Fiber helps you poop more often, which will positively impact your supply since you will be consuming more colostrum and less milk.
H2O is key
Most of your breast milk will be water, but some important minerals are in the stuff you drink. Breast milk is high in water and low in fat, sugar, and protein. Moreover, breast milk is also pH balanced at a slightly alkaline ph level, making it easier for your baby to process. This alkalinity also helps prevent diarrhea, a common side effect that can be caused by drinking milk that is too acidic. While it’s not essential to increase your water intake, you should definitely consider it. Breast milk is 90-95% water, so adding extra H2O makes the milk more dilute and more easily digestible by your baby.
Pumping is super important.
If you are exclusively pumping, you must pump every few hours around the clock. Otherwise, your supply will not be affected by this. As your body gets used to producing more milk, you can produce more milk even if you don’t pump as often. Also, don’t forget to drink lots of water, as this will help your body produce the additional H2O it needs to make more milk. Make sure that you are exclusively pumping. Otherwise, you will have an excess amount of milk and will have to discard or donate it.
Find a loving massage technique.
Massaging your breasts will stimulate milk production, making your milk flow easier. Try massaging your breasts after washing with gentle soap, and then rinse with clean water. This will stimulate your milk production, making your milk flow easier. Some love the feel of massage, while others find it to be a bit uncomfortable. If you are one of the women who finds massage uncomfortable, try using a warm compress on your breasts.
Stay comfy and cozy.
When you are engorged, it is normal to feel very uncomfortable. If you are experiencing cramps, bloating, and discomfort, try wearing a supportive bra and snug leggings or shorts. It is important to stay relaxed because these symptoms mean your body produces more milk. Suppose you can try to find a way to relax during these times. This will help you to fight off stress, which will also help your body to relax.
Exercise regularly
Breastfeeding is an excellent form of exercise, and it is important to keep your body moving while trying to boost your breast milk supply. Exercising regularly during pregnancy will ease any pain you might experience during delivery and increase your milk supply. However, it is important to remember that you should not overdo it while trying to boost your breast milk supply.
Conclusion
Breast milk is an excellent source of nutrition for your baby and can help reduce the risk of childhood diseases. When breastfeeding, your breasts produce colostrum, a very nutritious liquid your baby gets to start their life. For some new mothers, producing more milk can feel daunting, but it can be done with the right strategies. Now that you know how to naturally boost your breast milk supply, you can focus on protecting your baby from illness. Whether you are nursing your baby or pumping for them as a substitute, it makes sense to invest in strategies that will help you produce more breast milk to feed your child and support their development.
