“How can I increase my breast milk?”
My breast milk does not seem sufficient for my baby. I often run out of milk in mid-feeding. I don't want my baby to be hungry! What can I do to increase my breast milk?
3 Answers
Charles Benjamin Palmer, IV.
OB-GYN (Obstetrician-Gynecologist)
The more nipple stimulation the better. Other women can try over the counter herbal supplements like fenugreek and Brewer's yeast. The actual benefit of these herbs are anecdotal. Other options are metoclopromide (Reglan), a prescription medicine has been known to help, if your physician is willing to use this. Ask your child's pediatrician if they think supplemental bottle feeding is warranted.
Initial days following delivery is quite challenging due to scant milk production- mostly collostrum. However the amount should increase as the days progress. A way to increase this production is by self-stimulation of the breast nipples, allow the infant latch onto the nipples and thus stimulate the nipples. Also it had been reported hot-warm showers with water running on the breast appears to increase milk production. Hope this helps.
Drink plenty of water and talk to your pediatrician about milk supplements.
