As a new mom, there are so many things we have to think about. Is the baby sleeping enough? Is he gaining weight like he should be? Then there are the questions about yourself: Am I recovering normally, postpartum? Is my hair falling out? Am I making enough milk for him?
That last one, in particular, is one that I think about a lot (and I’m sure most new, breastfeeding moms do). When you’re breastfeeding, since you can’t really see how much your baby is getting, it can be hard to know if you’re making enough milk to support them.
- Stay well-hydrated
- The more hydrated you stay, the more it will help your milk supply. I constantly keep a bottled water with me and chug it as often as possible all day long, especially while breastfeeding or pumping.
- Express your milk as often as possible
- Breastfeeding is sort of a “supply and demand” process. Your baby’s needs will tell your body how much milk to make. So, the more you can nurse on-demand or pump between feedings, the more milk your body will make. If you skip pumping or nursing sessions, your body will think your baby doesn’t need as much milk. It’s easier to keep it up from the beginning than to try to increase it down the road too.
- Take Lactation Enhancements like UpSpring Milkflow
- I have been taking UpSpring’s Milkflow + Electrolytes Breastfeeding Supplement Drink. This drink mix not only tastes delicious, but it also helps promote a healthy breast milk supply. It contains fenugreek, blessed thistle, and anise which are all known to help boost breast milk. As a bonus, it also contains electrolytes to help replenish and restore your nutrients, so you’re fueling yourself too! I have been loving this drink so much and I do think it has really helped my supply!
- Get enough rest and make sure you’re taking care of yourself
- Just like anything out, without enough rest, your body isn’t in its tip top shape. You need to try to get as much sleep as you can. Nap when baby naps! All of these factors really play into your milk supply. I know it’s natural for a new mom to be the last one on the totem pole, but it’s important to remember that you are feeding another life, and you need to take care of yourself first and foremost so you can take care of that other life. = )
- Reach out to a lactation consultant
- If you’re really worried about your supply, the issue might not be an actual supply issue (in fact, only about 1-5% of mamas actually suffer from supply issues!). It could be an issue with latching or baby not nursing efficiently…lots of things. Reaching out to a lactation consultant and getting a professional opinion is definitely best before making any decisions on what you should do. Your hospital’s lactation consultants are a great place to start. They will either be able to help you, or direct you where to go.
Thankfully, there are lots of ways to help boost your milk supply, and today I’m sharing some of my top tips with y’all!
There are so many questions as a new mom, and especially if you are a first-time mom, it can feel overwhelming trying to make sure you’re doing things right.
You’re doing a great job. I know that breastfeeding can feel overwhelming all while trying to recover after birth yourself, and taking care of that new little one. There is a lot going on with a new baby but just try to relax and know that there are resources and people to reach out to for help. You got this, mama!
