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INCREASE MILK SUPPLY: THE MAJKA WAY

If you're wondering how to increase your milk production, we've put together an ultra handy guide for all your milk supply 101 needs.

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DO I HAVE LOW MILK SUPPLY?

While every woman's breast milk supply is different, there are some telltale signs that your baby is not getting the nutrients it needs. If your baby does not reach birth weight after 2-3 weeks or is not meeting output guidelines, they may not be getting enough milk. In most cases, a lip, tongue tie, or other underlying cause may be contributing to this issue.


To feel more confident about your milk supply, look for these signs of full feeds:


  • Baby's fists relax open throughout the feed
  • Plenty of poopy/wet diapers
  • Baby follows her growth curve
  • And having moments of being awake and alert during the day

POTENTIAL CAUSES FOR A LOW SUPPLY

  • Supplementing, your baby nurses less so as a result you produce less milk.
  • Pacifiers, as they can affect a baby's latch.
  • Incorrect Latch, if the baby is not latching well he or she can't really get much milk out sending a signal to your body to produce less.
  • Infrequent breastfeeding, the more you put your baby to the breast or pump the more stimulated your body will be to produce more milk.
  • Lack of hydration and nutrients, when your body is struggling to feed your baby and you things can go haywire.

If you're having issues establishing your milk supply or with your baby latching, you may need to seek professional help. This can help you determine the root cause of any supply or feeding problems.


REMEMBER — BREASTFEEDING A NEWBORN IS HARD WORK! YOU'RE DOING GREAT, MAMA.

TOP 5 TIPS TO INCREASE YOUR MILK SUPPLY

1FEED BABY OFTEN — FREQUENT FEEDING HELPS ESTABLISH YOUR MILK SUPPLY

When you first begin breastfeeding, a strict schedule is not necessary. Instead, focus on feeding your baby on-demand.


Strive for 8 to 12 feedings every 24 hours — which means you'll be feeding roughly every 2 to 3 hours.


If you find your baby is extra sleepy and not wanting to eat, spend more time with skin-to-skin contact. This will encourage your little one to feed.


By feeding often — especially in these early moments — you'll establish your milk supply, prevent and relieve engorgement, and help your baby gain weight and grow.

MORE BREASTFEEDING TIPS

2STAY HYDRATED — ALWAYS KEEP WATER BY YOUR SIDE

You'll begin to notice that the moment your baby latches, you get thirsty. Producing breast milk is hard work! Your body needs plenty of water to produce this liquid gold.


To ensure that you're always hydrated, drink when you're thirsty, always keep water nearby.


If you begin to get bored of drinking primarily water, mix things up by adding lemon or lime juice, a slice of fruit, or an electrolyte mix.

MORE RESOURCES FOR STAYING HYDRATED

3TAKE TIME TO REST

After birth, your body needs time to rest and restore. Taking time to rest (even if you aren't sleeping) will help your body repair postpartum while also gearing up to produce milk for your little one.


Try to sleep when your baby naps, spend time lounging in bed with your baby, and ask for support when you need it.

MORE REST AND RECOVERY RESOURCES

4LIMIT YOUR STRESS — TRY DAILY MEDITATION OR YOGA

Wondering if you are producing enough milk or if you have low milk supply can be mentally (and sometimes physically) stressful.


Cortisol (aka the stress hormone) is a breast milk killer.

When you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, try taking a moment for a small physical activity. This could be meditation, yoga, taking a walk, doodling, or doing something that makes you feel calm and relaxed.


The less stressed you are, the more energy your body has to keep producing breast milk. Remember, when things don't go as planned, fed is best and that's all that matters.

MORE ADVICE FOR DEALING WITH STRESS WHILE BREASTFEEDING

5FOCUS ON YOUR NUTRITION.

The expression "You are what you eat" is twice as true when you're a breastfeeding mother. Whatever you eat, your baby eats, so it is crucial that you fuel your body with the right nutrients to improve breast milk quality.


This is a chance to pass on the nourishment to your baby.


The way you take care of yourself postpartum will affect your body for the rest of your life.

MORE BREASTFEEDING TIPS

BEST LACTATION HERBS AND NUTRIENTS TO INCREASE BREAST MILK SUPPLY

Herbs and lactogenic foods have been used to increase breast milk production for thousands of years.


While a holistic approach is the most powerful, supplements are a key component of that winning formula to increase milk supply. Let's talk about the most researched lactogenic herbs and foods.

GALACTOGOGUES+
TURMERIC+
SHATAVARI+
MILK THISTLE+
FENNEL+
FENUGREEK+
COMPLEX CARBOHYDRATES+
GOOD FATS+
PROTEIN+

HOW TO TELL IF YOUR BABY IS GETTING ENOUGH MILK

  • Your baby nurses at least 8-12 times in 24 hours (every 2-3 hours) during the early weeks. If your baby is sleepy, be sure to wake him up within 3 hours for a feeding. As your baby gets older, feedings will become more efficient and may be less frequent.
  • You feed the baby at the first signs of hunger (rooting, hand- to-mouth activity, grunting) and don't wait until your baby has started crying.
  • Your baby has wet and dirty diapers. For the first 5 days, your baby should have at least one wet and dirty diaper for each day of life (1 pee and 1 poop on day 1, 2 pees and 2 poops on day 2, etc. ) After that you can expect about 5-8 wet diapers and 3-4 yellow and seedy stools per day, and finally a mustard color (looking seedy is normal, too).
  • Your baby seems satisfied at the end of a feeding. If your baby self-detaches, looks relaxed, and becomes drowsy or sleepy, they most likely had enough.
  • Your baby is gaining weight. All babies lose some weight in the first few days after birth, but then gain it back. During the first two weeks it's important to have the baby's weight checked to make sure he's on track to being back to birth weight by 2 weeks of age. After that, your baby should be gaining about 5-7 ounces per week.

SIMPLE RECIPES TO HELP INCREASE YOUR MILK SUPPLY

If you're wondering — what foods should I include in my breastfeeding diet? — we have plenty of delicious recipes that can help you increase your milk supply.

Guide for Keeping Your Baby's Tummy Calm While Breastfeeding

View recipe

10 Herbs That Increase Milk Supply

View recipe

OUR BEST SELLERS

FOR MORE BREASTFEEDING FOODS, PRODUCTS, AND TIPS, READ OUR BREASTFEEDING DIET GUIDE FOR NEW MOMS.
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