Keeping My Milk Supply Up
One of my biggest concerns as a nursing mom has been keeping my milk supply going strong. I’ve spoken with so many moms who say they were unsuccessful at breastfeeding because they ran out of milk. I didn’t want that to happen to me, so I consulted my doctor for advice. Basically, I researched my butt off. Here’s what I’ve been doing to keep my supply going.
1) When I told my daughter’s pediatrician that I was going to breastfeed, he told me to drink 4 oz. of water before, during, and after each nursing session.
As soon as we returned home from the hospital, I sent my hubby out to get several gallons of water. I kept it close by throughout my maternity leave. There were times when I felt like I would pop from drinking so much liquid. But I eventually got used to consuming all that H2O. The doc also mentioned that I shouldn’t give my baby water for the first 6 months. So, taking in water myself meant my baby and I both stayed hydrated.
2) I’ve also maintained a healthy diet by taking in about 500 extra calories a day. The added bonus is that breastfeeding helps me burn a lot of calories too. (Every now and again I hit the gym, so eating more is sometimes necessary).
3) Plus the more I nurse, the more milk I produced.
4) In addition, I’ve made it a point to pump at work, which also aids in milk production.
5) There are plenty of cookie recipes that include the ingredient brewer’s yeast that’s believed increase milk supply. Some women even swear by Fenugreek. I haven’t got around to trying those sweet treats, and I didn’t notice much of a difference when I took Fenugreek. But maintaining a healthy diet, nursing and pumping, as much as I can has done the trick for me. It’s all about dedication baby!
6) Last but not least…whenever I feel my milk supply gets depleted, I brew a cup of Mother’s Milk. Within a couple of days, I notice a big increase in milk flow.
Following these simple tips has helped me through my breastfeeding experience. It’s been over a year and I’m still going strong! How have you increased your milk supply?
Weather Anchor Mama