Increasing Milk Supply

At almost every appointment I am asked how to increase milk supply. It’s an understandable cause of anxiety. Social media images of chest freezers full of stored milk do not help - and let me tell you those images could easily reflect someone experiencing hyperlactation (oversupply) caused by inflammation. So it might not be as aspirational as it first seems. 

The amazing thing about the human body is that most of the time it will make exactly the right amount of milk for your baby given the right conditions. There are legitimate medical reasons why this does not happen for some people which I mention more on below.

So what are the right conditions that encourage an appropriate milk supply?

• Regular Breast Stimulation:

  • The breasts work to make milk on a supply and demand system. When the breasts are stimulated regularly and effectively then they send a message to the brain to make milk.

• How frequently is breast stimulation needed?

  • When this breast stimulation is repeated every 2-3 hours (around the clock) then the message to the brain is repeated and the breasts steadily increase the amount of milk they make. This means that the breasts should be stimulated well AT LEAST 8 times in 24 hours. If the main stimulation is from latching the baby then respond to their hunger cues and don’t make them wait for a feed based on the time. In the first couple of weeks most newborns feed 12-16 times every 24 hours.

• What counts as effective breast stimulation?

  • A deeply latching baby with good oral function is the most effective way to stimulate a milk supply.

  • In the first few days hand expression can be very effective at stimulating a milk supply especially if done for a few minutes right after latching a baby. It can also be done instead of latching the baby if the baby is not able to latch for any reason.

  • A quality breast pump with well fitting flanges is a good replacement for the baby latching or it can be done alongside some latching.

• What else can help breast milk supply?

  • Skin to skin holding

  • Lactating person is well hydrated and eating enough calories, especially protein and fats.

  • Get professional help to improve baby’s latch if needed (any pain indicates help is needed).

  • Get professional help to fit you for the most comfortable flanges for your pump

• Foods and supplements for milk supply:

  • There are many options on the market that promise to increase milk supply. The truth is that some can be helpful but only if regular breast stimulation is already happening (whether baby or pump). You cannot eat or drink your way to a milk supply if your breasts are not stimulated frequently in the early weeks after birth.

• What about those medical conditions you mentioned?

  • Some people find they struggle to make enough milk despite stimulating their breasts regularly and effectively. This indicates there may be an underlying problem that is impacting their body’s ability to make milk. 

  • Seeing a Lactation Consultant is a good first step to identify what may be the problem. They can refer you to further medical professionals if the issue is out of their scope. 

  • Conditions such as PCOS, retained placenta, IGT, low iron, thyroid conditions or diabetes can all impact milk supply. Many people with these conditions make robust milk supplies especially once they optimize their existing medications and supplements under the care of a physician.

If you have any concerns about your milk supply or you want to prepare for return to work and need to have a small stash in the freezer then reach out to a Lactation Consultant for an appointment. We can help rule out any underlying problems, address latch issues, fit flanges, discuss nutrition and herbs and make a logistical plan for your return to work.