Is your baby getting enough milk? For new moms, these might be one of the questions you are worried about, and it is totally normal. Here are seven natural approaches you can take to boost and maintain your milk supply!
Take Well-Balanced Meal
Breastfeeding moms need to take extra 500 calories per day. Just eat a well-balanced diet, including nutritious food and protein-rich food such as oatmeal. As a new mom, you need to deal with two new bodies (you and your baby). Therefore, try to eat a little better when you are breastfeeding or breast pump.
Latch Your Baby Correctly
Make sure your baby is latched on properly is one of the most efficient ways to boost and maintain breast milk supply. When you latch your baby correctly during breastfeeding, it stimulates your body to produce more. Make sure your baby is comfortable with the position. Make sure you are comfortable too! You may use a pillow or bolster to support your backs or arms.
Stay Hydrated
Breast milk is made up of about 90% water. The exact amount of water every individual takes may vary. However, breastfeeding moms should take at least six to eight glasses of water (or other healthy liquid, such as milk, healthy juice) per day. Signs that you are not hydrated enough are: dry mouth, headache or feel dizzy. Stay hydrated helps to produce the right amount of breast milk and for your own health too.
Feed Longer
Milk production is a demand-supply system. The more time your baby spends on the breast, the more stimulation you are getting. When your breast milk is empty, your body will receive the message and stimulate the production of milk. When feeding moms feed for a longer time, the baby will get all the foremilk (breastmilk at the beginning-contains lower fat) and hindmilk (breastmilk at the end-contains higher fat), which is good for their development.
Breastfeed From Both Sides
During the first few weeks of breastfeeding, alternate breasts at each feeding can produce more milk for your newborn baby who needs to gain weight. As your baby grows and your milk supply is established, you are recommended to follow your baby’s needs and ability. If your baby has preference towards one side breastfeeding, it’s OK too! You are still able to provide health supply to your baby from one side.
You May Also Read this : Top Nine Ways of Boosting Breast Milk
Use Breast Pump
Another way to boost your milk supply is to use a breast pump. A quality breast pump is an essential tool for a nursing mom. It is very useful especially for moms that need to maintain milk supply at home and work. You may use it during the first few weeks of your breastfeeding journey and after or in between your breastfeeding sessions. Remember, the more empty your breast is, the more milk you can produce. You may also add a pumping session after your breast milk flow stops. Buy a breast pump online with Mumchecked now.
Get Enough Rest
New moms should also keep in mind that extra energy can boost healthy milk. Don’t forget to take care of yourself too! Take a short nap or relax for a while when your baby is sleeping. Exhaustion may lead to a negative effect on your milk production. Also, is it totally fine to ask for help if you are having a hard and stressful time. Consider hiring a profession is totally worth it. Get the confinement Chinese nanny Singapore may help you in your new mom journey!