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Home > Women's Health > Breast Conditions > 11 Tips to Increase Breast Milk Production Naturally

11 Tips to Increase Breast Milk Production Naturally

March 14, 2023 - Updated on March 15, 2023
10 min read
By Dr. Arif Maghribi Khan, MBBS, MD | Mental Health Counselor

In this article:

  • Tips for Increasing Breast Milk Production
  • Tips for Mothers Who Work Outside the Home
  • Additional Facts About Breastfeeding and Milk Production That You Must Know
  • When Should a Mother Worry About Insufficient Breast Milk Production?
  • Most-Asked Questions About Breastfeeding and Breast Milk Production
  • Final Word

Many new mothers are worried that they might not be able to produce enough milk for their baby to breastfeed. This fear often leads to new mothers partially stopping breastfeeding within the first few months. Some may even quit completely.

ways to increase breast milk production

If you’re worried that you may not be able to produce enough milk for your newborn, you’re not alone. The good news is there are various ways you can increase your breast milk production.

Tips for Increasing Breast Milk Production

Here are some ways to help you increase breast milk production.

1. Increase the frequency of feeding

The more you breastfeed, the better. When your baby suckles on your nipple, a hormone called prolactin is released in your body, which initiates the production and release of breast milk. (1)

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It is suggested that you breastfeed your newborn at least 10 times a day for your body to establish and maintain breast milk production for your newborn. However, this is only an average number; more or fewer than this is still okay.

2. Consume the right diet and supplements

consuming an appropriate diet and supplements can increase breast milk production

A lot of food options and herbs may be helpful in increasing milk production in women, although they may take up to a week or more to show results. These foods include: (2)

  • Garlic
  • Salmon
  • Ginger
  • Fennel
  • Eggs
  • Oatmeal
  • Oranges
  • Brown rice
  • Carrots
  • Spirulina

Some ingredients that contain compounds called galactagogues have been linked to increased lactation. However, the research on this is quite limited.

These ingredients include: (3)

  • Whole oats
  • Brewer’s yeast
  • Flaxseeds
  • Sesame seeds

3. Alternate the breasts

when breastfeeding, try alternating between both breasts to increase breast milk supply

It is important that, whenever you breastfeed, you alternate between both breasts and make sure your child feeds from both breasts equally. Let them feed from one breast until they slow down or stop, and then have them feed from the second one.

If both your breasts are stimulated, milk production increases. This also increases the production of milk that has a higher fat content. (4)

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4. Use a pump

Breast pumps are now available that mothers can use between rounds of breastfeeding. Pumping has been shown to increase milk production and also make the mother feel more comfortable while making breastfeeding easier. (5)

You can pump when you still have milk even after feeding or when your baby completely misses a feeding. Also, you can pump if your baby is on formula or fed using a bottle.

5. Reduce stress levels

A common reason for low breast milk can simply be stress. Any kind of emotional distress including anxiety, a feeling of embarrassment, or depression can interfere with healthy milk production.

So, breastfeeding in a strain-free, stress-free environment can help you increase your milk production. (6) Moreover, it is important for mothers to get enough sleep.

6. Resolve health issues

Some health conditions interfere with milk production. These include: (7)(8)

  • Hypertension
  • Diabetes
  • Polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD)
  • Hormonal disorders
  • Obesity
  • Hepatitis B or C
  • Herpes

Resolving these health issues via proper treatment and ensuring their thorough management is another way to maintain healthy milk production.

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7. Go through your medicines

Medications that some mothers may take regularly such as anti-allergies or birth control may also hinder breast milk production.

So, if you’re unable to see what is causing your low milk production, talk to your doctor about all the medications you’re taking to make sure none of them interfere with your milk production. (9)

8. Avoid smoking

smoking can negatively affect breast milk supply so it must be avoided

Smoking is known to transfer harmful chemicals to the baby via breast milk. Not only this, but it also negatively affects mothers’ milk supply.

The nicotine from cigarettes affects breast milk, and the same goes for passive smoking. It can give your baby chest infections, diarrhea, and other health issues.

So, to ensure that you produce sufficient and healthy breast milk, avoiding cigarette smoke is very important. (10)

9. Massage your breast

A study suggested that circular and oscillating breast massage can be a useful technique to increase milk production and alleviate breast pain and swelling in lactating mothers.

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The study group showed an increase in milk production by 7.92%, 5.25%, and 5.02% on days 1, 2, and 3 of the procedure, respectively, and a 22.28% increase in total milk production over 3 days. The differences in milk production between the study and control groups were significant. (11)

10. Observe skin-to-skin contact (kangaroo mother care)

Kangaroo mother care (KMC) is an innovative technique for caring for premature infants that involves continuous skin-to-skin contact between a mother and her baby, with the baby placed upright on the mother’s chest in what is known as the kangaroo position.

A study found that KMC is a safe, effective, and feasible method for improving breastfeeding rates. The study found a 4.1-fold increase in breastfeeding with KMC. (12)

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11. Position and latch the baby correctly

correct positioning and latching when breastfeeding can ensure your baby gets enough milk

Positioning and latching correctly are essential for successful and comfortable breastfeeding. The baby should be positioned in a way that allows them to have their entire body facing the mother.

Correct positioning and latching, as well as offering both breasts, can help ensure that the baby is getting enough milk. The baby’s mouth should be open wide, and the mother should bring the baby to the breast, ensuring that the baby takes in as much of the areola as possible, not just the nipple, as per gynecologists.

It is important to offer both breasts at each feeding to ensure that the baby is receiving enough milk and to stimulate milk production. Mothers should nurse their baby for at least 15 minutes at each breast and not limit nursing time.

Breast compression during feeding can also be helpful to help drain the breast and ensure the baby is getting as much milk as possible. (13)

Tips for Mothers Who Work Outside the Home

Mothers who are employed outside the home can utilize breast pumps to sustain their milk production while they are away from their babies, according to experts. It is crucial to pump breast milk regularly and at a frequency that matches the infant’s feeding schedule.

If the pumped milk is intended for use within 48 hours, it should be refrigerated immediately. Conversely, if the milk is intended for use after 48 hours, it should be frozen right away.

Refrigerated milk that remains unused beyond 96 hours should be discarded as it may have a higher risk of bacterial contamination. Thawing frozen milk should be done by placing it in warm water as microwaving is not recommended by experts. (14)

Additional Facts About Breastfeeding and Milk Production That You Must Know

additional info about breastfeeding and breast milk production to know

To promote breastfeeding, healthcare providers should initiate conversations with expectant mothers about the many benefits of breastfeeding.

  • Breastfeeding leads to improved nutrition and cognitive development for the child, as well as protection against infections, allergies, obesity, Crohn’s disease (chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects the digestive tract), and diabetes. (15)(16)(17)
  • Breastfeeding also benefits the mother, according to gynecologists, by reducing fertility during lactation, promoting faster postpartum recovery such as uterine evolution (the process of the uterus returning to its pre-pregnancy state after childbirth) and weight loss, and providing protection against osteoporosis, obesity, and ovarian and premenopausal breast cancers. (16)(17)
  • Milk production is established in new mothers (primiparas) within 72–96 hours, while it takes less time in mothers who have given birth before (multiparas), according to experts. (18)
  • The first milk produced is called colostrum, which is a thin, yellow fluid that is rich in antibodies, lymphocytes, and macrophages. Colostrum is high in calories and protein, and it provides important immune protection to the newborn. Colostrum also helps to stimulate the baby’s passage of meconium, the first stool. (16)

When Should a Mother Worry About Insufficient Breast Milk Production?

Here are some conditions that may require a doctor’s consultation:

  • If a mother has HIV and is not on antiretroviral therapy (ART) or has an unsuppressed viral load during pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum, it is recommended to consult a doctor regarding breastfeeding. (19)
  • If a mother is using illicit drugs such as opioids, PCP, or cocaine (unless the mother discontinues the use of such drugs or is on stable methadone or buprenorphine maintenance therapy). (20)
  • If a mother has active tuberculosis that is untreated (she should not breastfeed until appropriately treated for 2 weeks and is no longer contagious). (21)
  • If a mother develops active varicella (chickenpox) infection within 5 days before delivery or 2 days following delivery. (22)

Most-Asked Questions About Breastfeeding and Breast Milk Production

Why do babies get uneasy while breastfeeding?

why do babies get uneasy during breastfeeding?

There are quite a few reasons a baby may start crying, may become fussy, or may be unable to feed without distractions. Many of these reasons may not even be due to your milk supply.

These factors can interfere with breastfeeding:

  • Teething
  • Gas
  • Tiredness
  • Sleepiness
  • Noise/light

How to know that the baby is getting enough milk?

The goal is to make sure the baby gets enough milk so that they can gain healthy weight and require a diaper change regularly to show proper metabolism. Babies should have 3–4 bowel movements every day.

What is perceived insufficient milk?

Perceived insufficient milk (PIM) refers to a breastfeeding mother’s belief or perception that she is not producing enough breast milk to adequately feed her baby.

PIM is a common reason why many women stop breastfeeding within the first few weeks after giving birth. It is estimated that about 35% of women who wean early cite PIM as their main reason for doing so.

Instead of assessing their actual milk supply, many women rely on their infant’s satisfaction cues as an indicator of milk supply, a practice that is also common among researchers and clinicians. (23)

Final Word

All babies have their own unique needs. Some may require around 10 rounds of feedings a day, while others may relax in fewer rounds. Either way is fine.

If you’re worried about your child’s nutrition status, try the various tips above to increase breast milk production. Moreover, ensuring regular baby checkups with the doctor will help in knowing if your baby is getting enough nutrition via feeding.

If your milk supply is low, you can try baby formula. You may consult a lactation specialist for more information before making a decision.

References
  1. Saki A, Eshraghian MR, Tabesh H. Patterns of daily duration and frequency of breastfeeding among exclusively breastfed infants in Shiraz, Iran, a 6-month follow-up study using Bayesian generalized linear mixed models. Glob J Health Sci. 2012;5(2):123-133. Published 2012 Dec 19. doi:10.5539/gjhs.v5n2p123.
  2. Beckerman JP, Slade E, Ventura AK. Maternal diet during lactation and breast-feeding practices have synergistic association with child diet at 6 years. Public Health Nutr. 2020;23(2):286-294. doi:10.1017/S1368980019001782.
  3. Sim TF, Hattingh HL, Sherriff J, Tee LB. The Use, Perceived Effectiveness and Safety of Herbal Galactagogues During Breastfeeding: A Qualitative Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2015;12(9):11050-11071. Published 2015 Sep 7. doi:10.3390/ijerph120911050.
  4. Prime DK, Garbin CP, Hartmann PE, Kent JC. Simultaneous breast expression in breastfeeding women is more efficacious than sequential breast expression. Breastfeed Med. 2012;7(6):442-447. doi:10.1089/bfm.2011.0139.
  5. Rasmussen KM, Geraghty SR. The quiet revolution: breastfeeding transformed with the use of breast pumps. Am J Public Health. 2011;101(8):1356-1359. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2011.300136.
  6. Dozier AM, Nelson A, Brownell E. The Relationship between Life Stress and Breastfeeding Outcomes among Low-Income Mothers. Adv Prev Med. 2012;2012:902487. doi:10.1155/2012/902487.
  7. Finkelstein SA, Keely E, Feig DS, Tu X, Yasseen AS 3rd, Walker M. Breastfeeding in women with diabetes: lower rates despite greater rewards. A population-based study. Diabet Med. 2013;30(9):1094-1101. doi:10.1111/dme.12238.
  8. Harrison CL, Teede HJ, Joham AE, Moran LJ. Breastfeeding and obesity in PCOS. Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab. 2016;11(6):449-454. doi:10.1080/17446651.2016.1239523.
  9. Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; 2006-. Cetirizine. [Updated 2022 Jul 18]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501509/.
  10. Napierala M, Mazela J, Merritt TA, Florek E. Tobacco smoking and breastfeeding: Effect on the lactation process, breast milk composition and infant development. A critical review. Environ Res. 2016;151:321-338. doi:10.1016/j.envres.2016.08.002.
  11. The effect of circular and oscillating breast massage on the amount of … https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/bfm.2021.0071.
  12. Heidarzadeh M, Hosseini MB, Ershadmanesh M, Gholamitabar Tabari M, Khazaee S. The Effect of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) on Breast Feeding at the Time of NICU Discharge. Iran Red Crescent Med J. 2013;15(4):302-306. doi:10.5812/ircmj.2160.
  13. Educating breastfeeding mothers on how to boost Milk Supply. Breastfeeding: Tips to Increase Your Milk Supply l University Hospitals l Northeast Ohio | University Hospitals. https://www.uhhospitals.org/services/obgyn-womens-health/patient-resources/pregnancy-resources/Breastfeeding-Guide/breastfeeding-tips-to-increase-your-milk-supply.
  14. Kim MH, Shim KS, Yi DY, et al. Macronutrient Analysis of Human Milk according to Storage and Processing in Korean Mother. Pediatr Gastroenterol Hepatol Nutr. 2019;22(3):262-269. doi:10.5223/pghn.2019.22.3.262.
  15. Lyons KE, Ryan CA, Dempsey EM, Ross RP, Stanton C. Breast Milk, a Source of Beneficial Microbes and Associated Benefits for Infant Health. Nutrients. 2020;12(4):1039. Published 2020 Apr 9. doi:10.3390/nu12041039.
  16. Kalarikkal SM, Pfleghaar JL. Breastfeeding. [Updated 2022 Oct 25]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534767/.
  17. Dieterich CM, Felice JP, O’Sullivan E, Rasmussen KM. Breastfeeding and health outcomes for the mother-infant dyad. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2013;60(1):31-48. doi:10.1016/j.pcl.2012.09.010.
  18. Suwaydi MA, Wlodek ME, Lai CT, Prosser SA, Geddes DT, Perrella SL. Delayed secretory activation and low milk production in women with gestational diabetes: a case series. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2022;22(1):350. Published 2022 Apr 22. doi:10.1186/s12884-022-04685-0.
  19. Gross MS, Taylor HA, Tomori C, Coleman JS. Breastfeeding with HIV: An Evidence-Based Case for New Policy. J Law Med Ethics. 2019;47(1):152-160. doi:10.1177/1073110519840495.
  20. Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Protocol Committee, Jansson LM. ABM clinical protocol #21: Guidelines for breastfeeding and the drug-dependent woman. Breastfeed Med. 2009;4(4):225-228. doi:10.1089/bfm.2009.9987.
  21. Mathad JS, Gupta A. Tuberculosis in pregnant and postpartum women: epidemiology, management, and research gaps. Clin Infect Dis. 2012;55(11):1532-1549. doi:10.1093/cid/cis732.
  22. Mother To Baby | Fact Sheets [Internet]. Brentwood (TN): Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS); 1994-. Varicella Infection (Chickenpox) 2021 Apr. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK583011/.
  23. Gatti L. Maternal perceptions of insufficient milk supply in breastfeeding. J Nurs Scholarsh. 2008;40(4):355-363. doi:10.1111/j.1547-5069.2008.00234.x.
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