Pumping Tips « Milk Supply

Increasing Your Milk Supply

Here are the things I tell my clients to help with their milk supply:

  1. Eat nutritiously (and often), drink water, and alleviate as much stress as possible (stress is a big milk reducer!)
  2. EMPTY your breasts every 1 ½ to 2 hours – around the clock! If the baby's not doing it, use a Hospital Grade pump (see 2a below). Remember, for normal, healthy babies, you don't have to “sterilize” your pump parts after every use, just rinse them in warm water and go back and REST if needed. Some moms simply put their parts in the fridge and don't wash them, except once a day. You can also rinse the parts in warm soapy water if you prefer. If your baby is premature or has health issues, follow your pediatrician's recommendations for sterilization.

    2a. I would "really" encourage you to rent a hospital grade pump. You can contact your local LC, pediatrician, OB, etc to find one. You can also go to Medela's website: http://medela.findlocation.com/. These rental pumps are MUCH stronger than any pump you can purchase. You need to be "emptying" your breasts every 1½ to 2 hours. The DoubleEase, DoubleDeluxe, Pump In Style, etc. are designed for "established" moms (it usually takes several weeks or even a couple months to get established). The rental should be about $35-$45/month, but worth it.

    2b. Be sure your breastshield fit your nipples properly. Larger and smaller breastshields are available for your comfort and milk productivity.

  3. Eat some oatmeal everyday - instant, old fashioned, cookies, breakfast bars, etc. Check out www.QuakerOats.com for some great recipes.
  4. Take More Milk Plus which contains some very common herbs for increasing milk (Fenugreek, Blessed Thistle, Nettle Leaf, and Fennel Seed). More Milk Plus is available in a liquid or liquid capsule format, so it is much stronger, so you take less than if you were to take the dried herbs individually.
  5. Get some support from other moms, there are some GREAT Yahoo! chat groups of Moms going through what you're going through. They can offer some great support, advice and encouragement!
  6. There are some outstanding websites that offer support, information and recommendations.

There are two drugs you can take. The first is a prescription you can get from your OB called REGLAN. It's a gastrointestinal drug, but its side effect is improved milk supply. You should NOT take Reglan if you're prone to depression. The second drug is called Domperidone. It's available online and I can give you more info if when needed.

Write back if you need more help!

Linda Richards, LE, SAHM, HBE
Elite Breastfeeding Supplies - 951-279-8686 - www.EliteBreastfeeding.com

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Last Revised: March 24, 2005

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