To increase breast milk supply, several effective strategies can be followed:
- Breastfeed more often, ideally 8 to 12 times per day, allowing the baby to decide when to stop feeding. Frequent nursing stimulates hormones that promote milk production.
- Pump between feedings to further stimulate milk production, especially if the baby misses feedings or you want to boost supply.
- Offer both breasts at each feeding and use breast massage and compression to help empty the breasts fully.
- Skin-to-skin contact with the baby helps stimulate milk flow.
- Consider power pumping—multiple pumping sessions within an hour—to increase supply.
- Maintain good hydration and a balanced diet; certain foods and herbs like oats, brewer’s yeast, and fenugreek may help but the evidence varies.
- Consult a lactation specialist for personalized guidance, especially if supply concerns continue.
These approaches typically show improvement in supply within a few days to a week, with regular and frequent milk removal being key for increasing milk production.
