Boosting Milk Supply

toastnhunny

For those of you who struggle with supply, there are ways to boost it, such as frequent nursing/nursing on demand, avoiding bottles/pacifiers, try a nursing vacation, power pumping between feedings, staying hydrated, drinking electrolyte beverages such as coconut water, gatorade, etc, eating oatmeal, lactation cookies (or make your own!), taking fenugreek and more. What worked (or didn't work) for you? Here's some links to get more in depth research:

http://kellymom.com/bf/got-milk/basics/milkproduction/

http://kellymom.com/hot-topics/low-supply/

http://kellymom.com/bf/got-milk/supply-worries/breast-fullness/

http://kellymom.com/bf/got-milk/supply-worries/pumping_decrease/

http://www.llli.org/faq/increase.html

http://www.mom365.com/baby/breastfeeding/10-foods-to-increase-lactation/

http://www.breastfeedingbasics.com/articles/increasing-your-milk-supply

liflores88

I just came back from a cruise and decided i am going to diet. HARD! so i have been and i lost 3 pounds this week. But with that, i havent been able to pump enough for daycare the next day. I wondered, was it because i didnt pump at all in my 2 week vacation with my 9 month old and only nursed and that is why my supply is down? OR is it because i am not eating enough? I have been staying around 1500 calories, maybe a little more for the past week. But i read on MFP that after about 6 mo you really only need to be eating an additional 300 calories. Well anyways, i am on a mission to lose weight and boost my supply for at least the next couple of months when my daughter turns 1. Thanks for posting this!

DaniTronMcNally

I've had an over supply for the first month. Then it all settled down and was great. So yesterday for breakfast I had porridge (oatmeal) and OH MY GOD. I leaked through everything last night and had to express today as my daughter only took one side this morning. I got 6 ounces... (which apparently burns 20 calories an ounce)

toastnhunny

liflores88 wrote: »

I just came back from a cruise and decided i am going to diet. HARD! so i have been and i lost 3 pounds this week. But with that, i havent been able to pump enough for daycare the next day. I wondered, was it because i didnt pump at all in my 2 week vacation with my 9 month old and only nursed and that is why my supply is down? OR is it because i am not eating enough? I have been staying around 1500 calories, maybe a little more for the past week. But i read on MFP that after about 6 mo you really only need to be eating an additional 300 calories. Well anyways, i am on a mission to lose weight and boost my supply for at least the next couple of months when my daughter turns 1. Thanks for posting this!

Hi! I'm sorry for not responding sooner. A lot has been going on in my family lately. Eating 300-500 extra calories is definitely important, as well as staying hydrated. Don't forget that other things can effect your supply, like stress. My supply dropped drastically around Thanksgiving since we had family over and lots of drama going on. Eventually it came back to normal though. Hang in there!!

toastnhunny

DaniTronMcNally wrote: »

I've had an over supply for the first month. Then it all settled down and was great. So yesterday for breakfast I had porridge (oatmeal) and OH MY GOD. I leaked through everything last night and had to express today as my daughter only took one side this morning. I got 6 ounces... (which apparently burns 20 calories an ounce)

Oats boosts my supply sooo much!!! I eat it everyday! Sometimes I'll even put it in my smoothies with flax and chia seeds for a boost.