5 Ways to Double Your Milk Supply Overnight

During the initial weeks after giving birth, it's generally advisable not to actively try to increase your milk supply but rather focus on breastfeeding on demand. This is because your body is in the process of regulating its milk production.

Before you try to boost your milk supply, you must ensure that you genuinely have a low supply. This precaution is essential because attempting to increase milk production when it's already adequate may result in overproduction, leading to other issues. You can skip over the following part, but if you are not sure, read this first...

How to Know if Your Baby Is Getting Enough Milk

Breastfeeding is a unique experience where the amount of milk your baby consumes isn't as straightforward to measure as with bottle feeding. This can raise concerns about whether your baby is getting enough breast milk. 

The following signs can reassure you that your baby is receiving sufficient breast milk:

• Look for cues like your baby's sucking and swallowing during feeding,
• The transition from dark to lighter stools,
• The sensation of deep pulling at the breast,
• Consistent urination with transparent urine,
• Softer breasts after nursing,
• Steady weight gain.

These are all encouraging signs that your baby is thriving on breast milk. It's important to debunk some common misconceptions. Feeling fullness in your breasts isn't a reliable indicator, as breast fullness varies among mothers. Babies not sleeping through the night or crying after feedings are not necessarily signs of inadequate milk intake, and frequent breastfeeding is normal, especially in the early weeks. Your baby accepting a bottle after breastfeeding does not always indicate hunger. Read more on this subject here.

5 Ways to Double Your Milk Supply Overnight

Take it up a notch and double your milk supply overnight. Here are five proven methods to help you do just that.

#1. Lactogenic Foods and Herbs

Incorporating lactogenic foods into your meals can work wonders for your milk supply. Here are some key ingredients to include in your diet:

Seaweed

Seaweed is a natural galactagogue revered in Korean culture for its milk-boosting properties. It's rich in essential nutrients like iodine, calcium, and iron, vital for lactation. These nutrients enrich the quality of breast milk and ensure your baby receives adequate nutrition. Seaweed is also packed with minerals like magnesium and potassium and contains omega-3 fatty acids that benefit you and your baby. The iodine in seaweed is crucial for lactation as it stimulates prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is packed with iron, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. An iron deficiency can lead to a decreased milk supply, and oatmeal's saponins can impact the milk-making hormones produced by the pituitary gland. Oat milk and oat water are also lactogenic, containing similar properties to oatmeal.

Coconut Water

Coconut water, often praised as a superfood, offers remarkable benefits for breastfeeding mothers. It is a fantastic source of hydration and serves as a natural lactogenic drink.

One key aspect of coconut water's effectiveness lies in its natural electrolyte content, containing vital elements such as potassium, sodium, and magnesium. These electrolytes play a crucial role in supporting lactation. They help regulate the body's fluid balance and contribute to the smooth functioning of the lactating breasts. Furthermore, coconut water is a source of carbohydrates that provide energy, sustain milk production, and prevent fatigue.

#2. Power Pumping

Power pumping is a technique that emulates a baby's frequent and intensive feeding during a growth spurt. By mimicking these patterns, power pumping signals the body to produce more milk. Power pumping should complement rather than replace regular breastfeeding.

It involves scheduled pumping sessions, usually lasting for an hour, with short intervals of pumping and resting. This practice can yield noticeable results within 48 hours, but it may require daily repetition for about a week for some mothers to experience a significant boost in milk production. Breast compression during pumping and staying hydrated are also helpful.

#3. Nursing Vacation

Take a few days to focus solely on you and your baby. Create a comfortable space to relax, practice skin-to-skin contact, and breastfeed frequently. This uninterrupted bonding time can significantly boost your milk supply.

#4. Increase Oxytocin

Oxytocin, often called the love hormone, is crucial in milk production. Engaging in skin-to-skin contact, massage, or taking a warm bath can naturally increase oxytocin levels. A relaxed state of mind can also facilitate the release of oxytocin. Try diaphragmatic breathing before a breastfeeding session to promote oxytocin release.

#5. Breast Massage

Breast massage can be a game-changer in increasing milk supply. Studies show that breast massage improves milk quality by increasing total solids, lipids, and casein concentration. Using breast compressions while breastfeeding is highly effective too. This involves gently squeezing the breast while the baby is nursing. This helps drain the breast more effectively and also increases milk production.

The increased emptying of the breasts signals your body to produce more milk. Additionally, massage boosts blood flow and helps release oxytocin, further improving milk flow.

What To Expect

Certain foods like oatmeal or seaweed typically take 10 to 15 hours to show effects. However, individual responses can vary.

For those with extremely low milk supply, it might take up to three days to notice significant changes.