Before we get started, I want to take this opportunity to let you know that I am proud of you! Whether you just started your breastfeeding journey or are a few months in–you are seen, you are heard, you are loved. You may not have known it, but when you decided to breastfeed you signed up for a sport. This sport requires a lot of your time, causes physical changes, increases appetite, sometimes causes injuries, and burns a-lot of calories! However, if you stay consistent, the reward will be greater than you could imagine.
I hope that since this is a safe space I can share with you that I am not the mom who loves breastfeeding. I am tired! Somedays I feel overworked with little pay. Some days I am so exhausted that I don’t realize I have hit snooze on the alarm and missed my pumping sessions. I have experienced the “giddiness” you feel when you pull those pumps off and see they are filled with breast milk. I have also experienced the pains of giving breastfeeding my all just to have my baby pull his face into my breast trying to gather a drop of milk because my supply has dropped. I have experienced every stage and with that I have become well versed in how to increase a dropping supply. I have so much to share so let’s dive right in!
Tip #1: Do Not Drop Your Night Time Pumping Session
I can not express this enough! DO NOT drop your night time pumping session. This session in particular is so vital to your production. During the night time session is when your prolactin levels are the highest causing more milk to be produced. Personally, I start my pumps and doze back into sleep and when the session is done, I open my eyes and my pumps are either filled to the top or are very close to being filled to the top. Even when my supply was low, during this time of the day is when I experienced my surplus. Furthermore, I know that this session is vital because I can keep my pumps set at a level 1 and still get maximum output. Yes! It is hard, Yes! As a mom you’re tired and overwhelmed, but this doesn’t last forever. You will look up and the glory days of your baby being a new born/toddler will be over and their bodies will no longer require your supply to get the nutrients they need. I encourage you to fight with every ounce of your being to keep going–even when your supply has dropped. A low supply is much better than no supply!
Tip #2: Please Stay Hydrated
Breast feeding requires so much energy from your body that you have to stay hydrated! It is just like a car–as the fuel gets lower, you have to refill the tank or the car will run out of gas and will no longer crank. Your body is the same in which it supplies milk based off of what you provide to it. If you don’t provide the proper hydration, your body can’t produce the energy needed to create milk. Hydration is not just water! There are key elements of hydration that you need so that your body can perform at its best. These options are tried and true in my breastfeeding journey and have provided me with maximum production.
- Liquid IV: Liquid IV provides faster hydration than water alone. The supplement provides necessary electrolytes, vitamins, and nutrients. Also, you maximize hydration by having your water and the supplement combined
- Body Armour Coconut Water: If you will just stay consistent and drink at least one a day (or more) you will see results. I believe the key is in the coconut water which is very hydrating to the body and also replenishes electrolytes.
Tip # 3: Pump Every 3 Hours
You have to do this properly to see the right results. This tip is meant to be temporary in increasing supply. As your baby gets older you are supposed to drop pumping sessions in preparation for transitioning them off of the breast. However, if you do not it can cause negative impact on your own body. I went longer than I should have on doing this tip and while I saw significant increase in my milk supply my nipples suffered from intense cracking and pain. I recommend doing this until you see your supply increase and once the supply has increased proceed with your normal pumping routine.
Tip #4: Drink Tea Daily
There are some teas that have lasting results in increasing your breast milk production. Personally, I prepare my tea with a little honey and drink it first thing in the morning as well as before I go to sleep at night. When I stayed consistent I saw results and when I was not consistent my results were not as pleasant. Needless to say, I was able to wean myself off from having to drink the tea every day because my supply increased. I also did not experience any setbacks when I weaned myself off of the tea either. There are 2 options based on personal experience that I know will increase supply.
- Mother’s Milk Tea: Before I go to sleep at night, I drink my Mother’s Milk Tea. I gradually saw an increase in my middle-of-the-night pumping session every night I drank the tea. I did one tea bag each night with a splash of honey and thoroughly enjoyed the taste and my results. Please stay consistent in drinking this tea because if not, results are affected.
- Chamomile Tea: For some reason, chamomile tea has been a stimulant for milk production. The taste is very potent so adding honey will help unless you enjoy the taste. I also place the bags inside my pumping bra and let them rest there overnight (please wear breast pads if you want to try this) or I drink the tea first thing in the morning. It is okay to switch out times between both teas.
Tip #5: Power Pump at least once a day
A power pump session looks like this: Pumping for 20 minutes, resting for 10 minutes, pumping for 10 minutes, resting for 10 minutes, pumping for 10 minutes. Power Pump sessions trick your body into thinking that your baby is cluster feeding. This causes multiple let downs which increases your milk production. I recommend power pumping once in the morning and once in the evening at max! Personally, I only power pump once a day!
Bonus Tip: Keep A Can of Formula On Hand
Keeping a can of formula on hand will give you peace of mind! Yes, breast is best but so is fed than not. Do your research and find a brand that you trust! When you haven’t produced enough to feed baby, pull out your can of formula to supplement. It will take the pressure off more than you know. I was so adamant about breastfeeding and breastfeeding only, but when my supply tanked I wasn’t making enough to keep up with how much my baby was eating. I finally made the decision to grab a can of formula and try it out. My baby thoroughly enjoyed it and had no digestion issues other than staying full longer. Using formula that one time set me up to get ahead on his feedings. Therefore, we do not have to use the formula at all. However, if I ever experience any issues in the future with my supply I know that I have something great on hand as a back up.
Moms, you’ve got this. Do not be discouraged, be determined. It’s so much easier said than done, but if you can find the courage to keep going for your little one, you will see the rewards of your labor!