Helpful Tips for Increasing Breast Milk Supply

Topics

Causes of low milk supply

Signs indicating your baby is getting insufficient breast milk

Increasing your breast milk supply

Types of food that help increase milk supply

Book an appointment at Gleneagles Hospitals

Find out more about the causes of low milk supply and natural ways to boost breast milk production.

Breast milk offers important nutrients and immune-enhancing components for optimal growth and maturation, making it a key nutritional resource for newborns and babies.

Causes of low milk supply

Some new mothers may find it challenging to produce enough breast milk for their babies. Before exploring dietary solutions, it is important to consider the following potential causes of low milk supply such as hormonal irregularities, medical issues, poor latch during breastfeeding, irregular feeding, and specific medications.

If you think you have a low milk supply, reach out to your gynaecologist for a thorough evaluation and guidance.

Signs indicating your baby is getting insufficient breast milk

Keep track of your baby’s feeding patterns and growth to make sure they are getting enough milk, especially if you are breastfeeding them. Here are several signs indicating your baby may be getting insufficient milk:

Low or poor weight gain: This is one of the key indicators of a baby getting insufficient milk. Paediatricians usually monitor your baby’s growth using a growth chart to ensure they are gaining weight properly.
Insufficient feeding frequency: Newborns usually feed often, often even 8 to 12 times a day. If your baby is not feeding frequently enough or appears disinterested in feeding, this may indicate that their hunger is not being fully satisfied.
Brief feeding sessions: If your baby’s nursing sessions are very short, it may suggest they are not receiving sufficient milk. Ideally, babies should have longer and more thorough feeding sessions.
Reduced wet diapers: Babies who are well-hydrated typically have at least four to six wet diapers in a day. If the number of wet diapers decreases noticeably, it could mean the baby is facing dehydration because of insufficient milk intake.
Less frequent bowel movements: Although it is normal for some breastfed babies to have infrequent bowel movements, it is concerning if they experience a drastic reduction or have no bowel movements for a few days.

Increasing your breast milk supply

Here are some ways for lactating mothers to boost their milk supply.

Ensure a nutritious and well-rounded diet.
Learn and consistently apply proper breastfeeding techniques and frequency.
Tender breast massage.
Get sufficient rest.
Acquire stress management techniques.

Types of food that help increase milk supply

This segment will go through a selection of foods rich in nutrients known to naturally boost breast milk production.

Food	Benefits
Whole grains	Complex carbohydrates in whole grains provide energy and encourage the release of a hormone called prolactin for milk production. E.g., barley, oats, brown rice.
Oats	Oats are known as galactagogue, which helps promote lactation. Abundant in iron, fibre, and saponins, which can boost milk production and quality.
Barley	Contains beta-glucan, a type of soluble fibre that can potentially elevate prolactin levels and enhance milk production.
Dark green vegetables	Rich in folate, iron, and phytoestrogens that imitate oestrogen’s actions and help in milk production. E.g., spinach, kale, broccoli.
Lean meat	Rich in iron, which is key to preventing anaemia in breastfeeding mothers, as it can indirectly impact the milk supply. E.g., lean meat sources such as chicken.
Chickpeas	Rich in protein, fibre, and various vitamins, minerals, phytoestrogens, and saponins, which can aid in milk production.
Almonds	A nutrient-rich snack that offers nutritional fats, protein, and important vitamins. Rich in calcium for bone health and overall well-being.
Papaya	Has enzymes like papain and chymopapain, which may aid in stimulating milk production. Rich in vitamins A and C.
Brewer’s yeast	A nutritional supplement commonly used to boost milk supply. Provides B vitamins and chromium, which may help support lactation.
Fennel	Traditionally used to boost lactation. Has phytoestrogens and compounds that may aid in relaxing the muscles around the mammary glands, potentially aiding in milk ejection.

In addition to food, proper hydration is also a crucial factor in sustaining milk production. Water is important in sustaining milk production and general hydration. Remember to drink a sufficient amount of water throughout the day, as this changes depending on how old your breastfeeding child is.

For example, women who breastfeed a child aged 12 to 24 months usually drink approximately 2,427 mL (+/- 955 mL) of water per day.

Herbs such as fenugreek, fennel, and blessed thistle are found in some nursing teas, which are believed to boost milk production. However, do consult your doctor before consuming herbal supplements or teas.

Also read: Breastfeeding: A complete guide

Book an appointment at Gleneagles Hospitals

If you suspect that you do not have enough milk supply to breastfeed your baby, feel free to book an appointment with our skilled team of Consultant Paediatricians and Lactation Consultants at the nearest Gleneagles Hospital to you today.