How to Increase Milk Supply

A very common challenge in lactation is low milk supply. Usually low supply is a very resolvable issue.

There are several possible methods to achieve increased milk production. But before we tackle the how -to, lets discuss the first how. How breastmilk is made.

Breast milk production is hormone based. Inside the pituitary gland in the brain is the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is responsible for secreting the hormones oxytocin and prolactin during lactation. Oxytocin is key in milk “letdown” and Prolactin is key in milk production. So how are these hormones kicked into gear? Primarily ,Suckling and Emptying. But the birth of the baby also triggers a response as well.

When the baby suckles, it stimulates the areola which in turns signals the brain to release the hormones AND as the breast empties another signal is sent. Isnt the body amazing?

Now back to the original question, “How to increase milk supply?”Baseline: Drinking to thirst, eating to hunger and taking prenatal vitamins. All necessary for adequate supply.

Step #1: Demand =Supply.
Empty your breasts at LEAST every 2-3 hours around the clock. Having the baby nurse is the best way , followed by the use of a hospital grade double electric pump. Single user pumps usually don’t do the trick in this situation. If you are pumping, do so for a minimum of 10-15 minutes, even if nothing is coming out.
And you can usually rent a hospital grade pump for a week. NO long stretches without emptying (like sleeping all night and letting someone bottle feed or going 6-8 hours at work without emptying). You must empty if you want to replace.
Or you can purchase a GOOD pump, these are the only ones I recommend:

If after completing Step #1 for 48 hours and you still have not seen an increase in production, then and move to :

Step #2 : Consult a lactation consultant to explore possible causes. Rule out poor latch, ineffective letdown, hormonal problems, illness and more.
Then with the support of the lactation consultant and your doctor, you may consider the use of a galactogogue (milk stimulating supplement). Some common ones used are Fenugreek, Domperidone, Blessed Thistle, Mother’s Milk Tea and Reglan (to name a few). Nothing should be ingested without consulting your primary care physician first. There are potential risks and side effects, even with over the counter medications/herbs.Looking for domperidone side effects? Discuss this with your doctor.
In my practice, I have seen the most success with Motherlove More Milk Plus Special Blend. Please Consult your doctor before taking any supplement.

If you prefer to take single herbs then you can try Fenugreek with Blessed Thistle (not one or the other but both)

The alcohol in these tinctures is negligible.

As, you can see, I have seen great success with the Motherlove brand.

Then, if they do not see results we keep working until we find success. But most moms do see an increase within 48 hours.
On a side note, did you know that fenugreek is often the “natural flavor” in artificial maple syrup? So you have likely had fenugreek without ever knowing it. And it will make your sweat and urine smell like maple syrup. Funny, huh?

Hope this answers your questions:How to increase milk supply? What is fenugreek?

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