How to increase milk supply when breastfeeding?

(July 22, 2010)

Breastfeeding Milk Supply

Breast feeding is a very important part of the parent – child bonding phase in the lives of both, parent and child. One of the most important things about breast feeding that people ought to keep in mind is the fact that the primary nutrition for the baby’s growth comes from mother’s milk. Besides this, breast milk also helps the baby’s body to develop immunity, thereby fighting off minor illnesses, such as coughs and colds. During some point of time, while nursing a child, most mothers wonder whether the supply of breast milk is sufficient to meet the baby’s needs. In order to relieve themselves of this worry, they often wean their children off breast milk much earlier than they should. Taking your child off breast milk early is not beneficial to your baby’s health because vital nutrients are lost when he or she is put on to feeding from a bottle.

When nursing a child, it is important that the nursing mother eat healthy foods. The food consumed by the mother is the source for the milk that is produced in the breast. Mothers with children who nurse more frequently need not worry about being able to keep up with their children’s needs. On the other hand, there are mothers who worry that their baby isn’t feeding enough and will not suckle for very long. Most often the cause for this is attributed to sleepiness or just lack of appetite that is caused by a mild illness. Children, who have developed a fever or a mild congestion, will generally feel uncomfortable while feeding and will automatically lower the amounts of feed they consume.

In order to keep your supply of milk healthy, it is necessary that you consume a lot of fluids, especially water and milk. A wholesome diet ensures that your baby gets vital nutrients. Another effective method of increasing breast milk supply is by pumping the breast, thereby stimulating the mammary glands to increase production of milk. This can be done with the help of standard issue breast pumps made available at hospitals or dispensaries. Switch nursing, a term commonly used when nursing mothers often frequent the use of both breasts while feeding their babies, is another effective way of ensuring that your child is able to feed comfortably. There are a number of herbal supplements that are readily available across the counter, which help in increasing the production of milk in the breast, but should only be used under prescription from a medical practitioner.

Submitted by P T on July 22, 2010 at 04:46