How to Increase Breast Milk Naturally at Home

How to Produce More Breast Milk

If you are looking for ways to increase your milk supply naturally from the comfort of your home, you've landed in the right place.

Remember, your body is an incredible milk-making machine, and it works on the demand-and-supply principle. The more your baby nurses, the more milk you produce. During breastfeeding, the brain releases prolactin, which tells your body to make more milk.

Lactogenic Foods and Herbs

Sometimes, what’s on your plate can be a game-changer for your milk supply. So, let’s talk about lactogenic foods, which are known to boost milk production:

1. Seaweed: Seaweed is a natural galactagogue and has long been revered in Korean culture as a remedy for new mothers to help stimulate milk production. It is rich in essential nutrients like iodine, calcium, and iron, which are vital for lactation. These nutrients can enrich the quality of breast milk, ensuring that the baby receives adequate nutrition. Seaweed has a high mineral content, including magnesium and potassium. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for both the mother and the baby. These fatty acids can improve the fat content in breast milk, which is crucial for the baby’s brain development. The iodine found in seaweed is essential for lactation as it plays a role in the production of prolactin, a hormone that stimulates milk production.
2. Oatmeal: A bowl of oatmeal is not just comforting; it’s also believed to help increase your milk supply. Oatmeal is packed with essential nutrients such as iron, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. A deficiency in iron, in particular, can cause a decreased milk supply. Oatmeal also contains saponins, which are compounds that might have an impact on the milk-making hormones produced by the pituitary gland.
3. Coconut water: Refreshing and hydrating, coconut water is known to improve the quality and supply of breast milk.
4. Herbal tea: One tbsp of each of the following herbs - fennel seed, anise seed, fenugreek seed, and milk thistle boiled in 1 liter of water for 10 minutes and strained. Add honey to taste and drink three glasses per day.

Remember to maintain a balanced diet and stay hydrated!

Power Pumping

Power pumping mimics your baby’s cluster feeding and sends signals to your body to produce more milk. The idea is to pump in short, frequent sessions. For example, pump for 20 minutes, take a 10-minute break and pump again for 10 minutes.

Nursing Vacation

Take a couple of days to focus exclusively on you and your baby. Stay in bed or create a comfortable space where you and your baby can relax, do skin-to-skin, and breastfeed frequently. This uninterrupted bonding time can significantly help in boosting your milk supply. Read more about nursing vacations.

Increase Oxytocin

Oxytocin, the love hormone, plays a crucial role in milk production. Engage in skin-to-skin contact, massage, or take a warm bath to naturally increase oxytocin levels. Also, a relaxed state of mind can facilitate the release of oxytocin. Diaphragmatic breathing before a breastfeeding session can help.

How to Stimulate Breast Milk With Massage

Breast massage can be a game-changer! It improves milk quality by increasing total solids, lipids, and casein concentration. Using breast compressions while breastfeeding is highly effective. It involves gently squeezing the breast while the baby is nursing. This not only helps to drain the breast more effectively but also increases milk production.

The increased emptying of the breasts sends a signal to your body to produce more milk. Plus, massage boosts blood flow and helps in the release of oxytocin, which in turn, improves milk flow.

How to Increase Breast Milk in One Day

Is it Possible? Yes, if your milk supply is established, you may observe an increase in production within just a few hours. For certain foods like oatmeal or seaweed, it usually takes around 10 to 15 hours for their effects to kick in. In my own experience, consuming 2 or 3 sheets of nori at lunch or dinner resulted in doubling my milk supply by the next morning. However, it's important to note that individual responses can vary. For those dealing with an extremely low milk supply, it might take up to three days to notice any significant changes. Additionally, when it comes to medications such as Domperidone, it might take as long as ten days for them to take effect in boosting milk supply.

In conclusion, increasing your milk supply naturally at home is doable and doesn’t have to be daunting. Take a deep breath, and don't be too hard on yourself. Breastfeeding is a journey with its ups and downs. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support from a lactation consultant or your healthcare provider if needed. Happy breastfeeding! Alternatively, opt for a Milkology breastfeeding course and equip yourself with the comprehensive knowledge necessary for a successful breastfeeding experience.