Not Enough Milk?

Many women complain about a shortage of breastmilk for their babies. I experienced this when my son, Benjamin was only 1 to 2 months old. Fortunately with access to the right information and support, I was able to increase my milk supply.

If your milk supply seems a bit on the low side for you to nourish your baby properly, do not fret. There are things you can do to help. Be patient and have faith that your body can nourish your little one. So here's what you can do:

1. A newborn baby needs to nurse often. This could mean every single hour during a growth spurt or as often as he or she demands it. This is important in building milk supply. When your baby grows, he or she will need to nurse more often so that your milk supply can increase to meet his/her needs. Keep your breastfeeding sessions long.
2. Do not overuse a pacifier. You might think that your baby needs to suck for comfort. This is absolutely true! But comfort sucking should be at your breast. This is how your milk supply keeps up with your baby's needs.
3. Do not offer bottles (water, milk, anything). You're milk production will drop if you do.
4. Make sure that you are getting the nutrients and calories you need. Also make sure that you are well hydrated. If your urine is dark, you are not getting enough liquids. A gallon of purified water a day should do the trick.. Some women can breastfeed on a less than perfect diet, some cannot. I think that it depends on how well nourished the mother was from before, but your child will benefit (and so will you!) if you eat well in any case.
5. Use herbs which enhance milk supply. Some nourishing herbs and herbal teas which increase milk production are blessed thistle leaves, hops flower, comfrey, nettles, red clover, marsh mallow root, red raspberry leaf, and fennel seed.
6. Avoid the use of hormonal contraceptives. They can reduce milk production and effect the baby's weight gain.
7. Avoid stress and get plenty of rest. I say this a little "tongue in cheek" because sometimes it is stressful to be a new mom, and new mom's are certainly not known to get plenty of rest! But try cutting out anything other than caring for yourself and your baby. Get help if you need it.

Working and breastfeeding:
I am convinced that it is best for a mother to stay home with her baby. I cannot imagine trying to breastfeed while working, but I know that people are in different situations in life, and even though a mother would like to stay home with her baby, she may not be able to. There are several mothers who have succeeded in breastfeeding and working at the same time. It is possible. These women have a great determination to succeed. If you are a working mother check out Breastfeeding.com's website for working and breastfeeding mothers.

References:
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by Gwen Gotsch and Judy Torgus.
Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year by Susun S. Weed.
The Birth Book; Obstetrics for the Home by Polly Block.

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