How to Boost Your Milk Supply Without Any Expensive Products

I unexpectedly gave birth at 29 weeks, which ultimately led to dedicating three months to exclusive pumping. Drawing from personal experience, I’m here to share tips on how to naturally boost your milk supply.

Pumping was the LAST thing I wanted to do. I enjoyed breastfeeding my first throughout his entire year of life. I tried pumping in the beginning and it ended in wrong-sized flanges and bloody milk, ouch!

Immediately after birth, I was told that if I wanted to provide breastmilk I would need to pump ASAP. This is when my heart sank because I wasn’t even 30 weeks gestational yet and had not seen a drop of colostrum.

I was wheeled to the NICU where my 29-week premie was lying in his incubator. It was not long before lactation was in my room with their hospital-grade pump saying it was time to try pumping out and to not be discouraged if no colostrum came out but to keep pumping every two hours from then on.

I saw a couple of drops which encouraged me to keep pumping and I continued to do so until my son came home and learned how to latch.

I caught a NASTY yeast infection in both nipples while in the middle of pumping and trying to teach my premie to latch that lasted for an entire month and drastically decreased my milk supply due to long periods between pumping.

It was excruciating to pump or breastfeed so I avoided it until I couldn’t (aka was painfully engorged) and my milk supply unfortunately paid the price.

Here are natural ways to boost your milk supply without breaking the bank.

(ps. I don’t suggest using bottles provided by the NICU, immediately start with breastmilk storage bags for convenient stress-free storage.)

1. Nurse On Demand:

Nursing on demand was a total game-changer. It’s a beautiful connection where your baby tells your body, “We need more milk,” and your body delivers.

(if you can) follow your baby’s lead – it’s a superpower for breastfeeding success!

2. Skin-to-Skin:

Skin-to-skin is pure magic! When you cuddle up with your baby, it releases oxytocin, the love hormone. This not only strengthens your bond but also tells your body to make more milk. It’s like a dance of hormones, all working together.

So, those cozy moments with your little one on your chest? They’re not just heartwarming; they’re a natural way to boost your milk supply.

3. All You Can Eat:

You burn 500-700 calories a day breastfeeding so eating lots of healthy food is super important. It’s like giving your body and your baby the best fuel. The food you eat directly affects the quality of your breast milk, providing all the important stuff for your baby’s growth.

Choose colorful fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains for a balanced diet. These foods not only boost your energy but also make your milk rich in vitamins and minerals.

Oats, flaxseeds, and almonds are all great options to add to your diet that will help boost your milk production.

4. Stay Hydrated:

Keeping that hydration game strong is key to keeping your milk production in full swing. They say eight glasses a day is the goal.

Pro tip: having a water bottle within arm’s reach is like a little hydration buddy, nudging you to drink up. Cheers to staying refreshed and keeping that milk flowing!

5. Power Pumping:

Dedicate a specific time each day to power-pumping – say, an hour where you pump for 20 minutes, rest for 10, pump for 10, rest for 10, and then wrap it up with a final 10-minute pumping session.

This cycle mimics the cluster feeding pattern that newborns often do, telling your body, “Hey, we need more milk pronto!” It’s like giving your milk production a friendly nudge, encouraging it to reach new heights.

6. Prenatals:

These little powerhouses continue to work their magic beyond pregnancy, playing a role in supporting milk production. Prenatals typically contain key nutrients like folic acid, iron, and calcium, which are essential for both you and your growing baby.

Now, here’s the milk-boosting part – the vitamins and minerals in prenatal supplements contribute to your overall well-being, ensuring your body has the necessary nutrients to produce quality breast milk. It’s like giving your milk a nutritional upgrade, ensuring it’s packed with goodness for your little one.

7. Breast Massages:

Gentle breast massages can stimulate blood flow and help clear any blockages, paving the way for a smoother milk production process.

Here’s the lowdown: using your fingertips, start from the outer areas and move in circular motions towards the nipple. It’s not just about the physical benefits; the oxytocin released during the massage can boost those feel-good bonding hormones.

8. Check Flange Size:

Using the correct flange size ensures optimal suction and comfort during pumping sessions. If the flange is too small or too large, it can affect the efficiency of milk removal and potentially lead to discomfort or inadequate stimulation of milk production.

A proper fit allows your pump to create the right vacuum, facilitating a more effective milk flow. You can check by using a nipple measuring tool or talking to a local lactation consultant.

9. Correct Latch:

When your baby latches on properly, they create a good seal around your breast, allowing for efficient milk transfer. This not only ensures your baby gets the nourishment it needs but also signals to your body that it’s time to boost your milk supply.

A poor latch, on the other hand, can lead to inefficient sucking, causing frustration for both you and your baby and potentially hindering milk production.

10. Self-Care:

Breastfeeding is demanding, and when you prioritize self-care, you recharge both physically and emotionally, which directly impacts your milk production. It’s like filling your cup so you can overflow with love and nourishment for your little one.

A well-cared-for mama is a thriving mama, and that positive energy ripples into the beautiful bond you share with your baby!

Boosting your milk supply naturally doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.

Start implementing these strategies today and enjoy the beautiful journey of nourishing your little one with an abundant supply of breast milk.