Becoming a parent brings us a completely different list of worries that we have never had before. For new moms, breastfeeding is one of them🤱.
Breastfeeding brings a whole lot of wonders and questions. The biggest concerns moms have would probably be, “Am I making enough breast milk?🤷♀️”
What causes a low milk supply
Researchers are still studying the exact factor of low milk supply, which isn’t clear yet🤔. What we have found until now is that milk production is influenced by the cycle of supply and demand, which means the more your baby eats, the more milk will be produced. Hence, nursing frequently with enough time is the main key🔑! Then your breast will see the need to produce more milk. Also, emptying your breasts after every feeding is important too because your breasts will stimulate actively. So after every nursing time, try to express your breasts either with your hands or a gear.
How do I know if I’m producing enough milk?
If your baby is a newborn🐤, check how many times you change the diaper daily. Changing at least 6 wet diapers and 3-4 diapers with large poops daily is a sign that your breastmilk is enough. Plus, it is a sign that your baby is well-hydrated if her pee is light yellow or colorless.
If your baby is more than 3 months old, the most accurate way to check is to weigh your little one⚖️. Gaining an average of 4 to 7 ounces every week indicates that you and your baby are doing great! So if you want to be assured, getting a little weight scale for your baby would be a good option.
How can I increase my milk supply?
As mentioned above, the breast milk supply increases📈 if it gets empty. So let your baby drain the breasts as much as she can, and try to express them after every nursing so they can stimulate better. If you have already tried this but your milk supply is still low, try “power pumping” to pump and rest on and off for about an hour. It may take up to a week to see the results.
Besides pumping and feeding, mom can rest, eat well, and make her mind easy. I know it’s hard😥. It’s very exhausting, right? But the more you get frustrated, the harder it gets. So let’s relax, and try to enjoy the breastfeeding journey together!