“I think I'm not making enough milk.”
Many moms are worried their milk supply is subpar, says Colette M. Acker, executive director at the Breastfeeding Resource Center in Abington, Pennsylvania, and a lactation consultant. But often, they're looking at the clock and trying to feed baby according to an arbitrary schedule, she says, not realizing that newborns nurse frequently and can vary in the length of time they'll want to spend at the breast. Rather than worry about how much milk baby is getting, take cues from his behavior. “Look at baby's weight gain, temperament before and after nursing, listen for audible swallowing and count the number of wet and poopy diapers,” she says. By the first week, six to eight wet diapers, plus three or four yellow, poopy ones are normal per day. You may be making more milk than you realize. If you still think your production is low, schedule a meeting with a lactation consultant who can properly assess your milk supply. She will likely observe a feeding and make recommendations.
Amp Up Your Supply:
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Drink plenty of water.
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Ensure baby latches well and that both breasts are emptied at each feeding.
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Use a breast pump between feedings to stimulate production.
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Nurse at night when levels of prolactin, the hormone that stimulates milk production, are the highest.
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Ask your lactation consultant about certain foods, such as oatmeal in specific quantities, that may improve milk production.
Plus:
15 Products That Make Breastfeeding Easier
Celebrity Moms Who Breastfed
Real Mom Breastfeeding Stories
