To increase milk supply, it is important you understand your body - learn about establishing and maintaining milk supply and other tips on pumping and creating a milk stash.
A few important highlights:
+95% of moms are physically able to produce enough milk for their babies (although possible, it doesn't mean it's straightforward and there's a lot that goes into milk production)
Actual milk output varies greatly from one mom and baby to another, so don't compare your output to anyone else's!
More milk comes when you are well rested, eat a well rounded diet and very importantly, if you fully empty your breasts often, either by breastfeeding regularly or pumping.
Increasing Milk Supply While Breastfeeding
For a breastfeeding mom, many experts recommend that you stay in bed with your baby and nurse as often and for as long as possible.
Some Key Tips for Mom:
Stay hydrated, water will do just fine.
Breast Milk can take time to come in (see: Liquid Gold)
Snuggling with your Baby helps! The more time spent trying to breastfeed helps stimulate your nipples.
Sleep and rest (as much as you can)
How to Start a Milk Stash from Scratch:
Add a pumping session when your baby is asleep and save that milk. After the 1st morning feed prolactin levels are highest, or right before going to bed at night.
At first your breasts will feel empty but as a breastfeeding mom any milk you pump is extra and try to stick to a pumping schedule.
Your body will get the message that it needs to produce a full extra feed for your baby and your pumping output will yield as much as a regular feed at the breast.
Consider using a milk collector (like a Hakaa, Milkies Milk Catcher or Elvie Catch) so that you take advantage of the letdown on the breast the baby is not latched onto, to save the few drops that may leak from it.
The above tips apply to all Moms, including mom’s that pump. If you are having challenges pumping - first, identify what is causing your supply issues. Is it a problem with milk production or milk retrieval?
Breasts While Pumping:
Should feel light and soft after a pumping session.
If they feel hard, your pump is not removing milk from your breasts effectively or your body is not responding well to the pump’s stimuli.
If milk builds up without removal, it can cause clogged ducts or mastitis which can be quite painful.
Pumping 101:
Check your pump flanges fit correctly. Flanges that are too big or too small will not retrieve milk properly. There should be no pain while pumping and you should not find any marks.
Compress your breasts with your hands while pumping so that you can help move the milk towards your nipple and empty the breasts more fully. Our Lilu Massager + Bra is designed to do exactly this, so that you can pump completely hands-free, while increasing your milk output by up to 50% each session.
Replace your pump’s parts often, especially valves, so the pump’s suction is effective.
Check your pump’s settings and find what works best for you! But don't assume a higher setting is best, in fact, the highest setting may lead to nipple and breast tissue injuries instead of more milk extraction.
Store some of your milk in ice cube trays in increments of 0.5oz so that you don't need to thaw entire bags of breast milk at a time
Stress is a new mom’s worst enemy in terms of mental health and milk supply so please rest when you can.
Every mom (and baby) has a different situation. If you are a mom in need of formula, contact your pediatrician to learn what options are available to you, and check out The Free Formula Exchange. They may be a good resource for you at this time.
If you want more advice on pumping: here’s some advice from CLC and fellow exclusive pumper Amanda Glenn from ExclusivePumping.com.
Lilu is a Women’s Health company building tech-enabled devices to empower new moms. Our first product, the Lilu Massage Bra, mimics compression massage, so you can empty your breasts fully to establish, increase and maintain your milk supply. Pump up to 50% more milk each session, all while going hands-free.
Introducing the revolutionary Lilu Lactation Massager Bra - designed to make your pumping sessions more efficient and comfortable than ever before. With our lactation massage cushions, you can experience the benefits of hands-on compression motions recommended by lactation experts, without using your hands. Our bra holds the cushions securely in place, massaging both breasts while you pump, helping to increase milk flow and maintain your milk supply.
