Are you feeling defeated in your efforts to boost your breastmilk supply for your little one?

As much as I love breastfeeding and am thankful for the opportunity to do so, it hasn’t come without challenges.

And when it comes to breastfeeding, there really is not a one size fits all approach.

What works for some may not work for others and each of my three babies has presented different challenges with breastfeeding.

However, there are a few things that have helped me boost my milk supply with all my babies.

By the time my second baby was six months old, I had a storage stash of about 1000 ounces!

There is so much pressure on moms these days and breastfeeding should not be one of them. Stressing too much about trying increase your milk may actually be suppressing your production.

So just try to relax and do the best you can!

Disclaimer- I am not an expert nor a lactation consultant. I am sharing what has worked for me and numerous other mamas who have reached out to me to share their experiences. This post outlines what held me produce 400 extra ounces in the first four weeks postpartum.

My Favorite “Must Haves” For Boosting Breastmilk Supply

• Online Breastfeeding class with a Lactation Consultant. (only $47 and worth every penny)
• Legendary Breastfeeding Supplements
• Breastfeeding Moms Recipe Book. Seriously a lifesaver!
• Medela Pump In Style Advanced Breastpump Starter Set.
  • I was able to get mine free through our insurance. Be sure to check your insurance company to see if they cover breast pumps.
• 100 pack Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags – 100 ct I have tried knock off brands and they all leaked so I HIGHLY recommend these.
• 5-10 Medela Breastmilk collection and storage bottles
• 5-10 Medela Breast Shield valves and membranes (depending on how often you wash bottles and parts)
• Replacement tubing
• Heating pads for your breasts to help with circulation

Here are 10 Tips to Boost Milk Fast

Keep in mind, if you already have a high breastmilk supply, you want to be careful not to create an oversupply because this comes with it’s own challenges such as difficulty with babies feeding, more gas and engorgement.

1. Drink More Water

Breastmilk is made up of 88% water.

This means that if you are dehydrated, your body will struggle with producing milk.

The best way I have found to make sure I stay on top of my water intake is to carry around my gallon water jug with me everywhere I go and chug it while I’m breastfeeding!

Even if you think you are drinking enough water, my advice, drink MORE!

Staying hydrated is especially important if you exercise.

We lose a lot of water through sweat so make sure you are really upping your water intake, especially on days you workout.

I always notice a dip in my supply immediately if I’m not getting enough fluids.

Related: 5 Tips to lose weight while breastfeeding

2. Drink Gatorade

This is my absolute number one go-to for boosting milk supply.

I tell everyone who is breastfeeding to try it when they are feeling a drop in their supply.

I discovered this best kept secret with with my first baby and now I swear by it.

The electrolytes are especially important if you are working out to help stay hydrated.

Plus, it’s nice to have something to breakup the endless amounts of water you need to be drinking.

As a fit mom, I recommend choosing the low calorie versions such as G2 or Powerade Zero to avoid extra calories, sugar and weight gain.

4. Take an Online Breastfeeding Course

The more you learn about breastfeeding, the better you will be able to maintain your breastmilk supply.

Taking an online course can help you master breastfeeding which will help you continue breastfeeding as long as both you and your little one want.

And the best part is you get direct access to a lactation consultant without even having to leave your house!

I can’t recommend this enough.

4. Try Supplements

I have gone through my fare share of supplements to help boost my milk.

During my second breastfeeding journey, I found Legendary Milk supplements to be the BEST for helping with boosting my milk.

I have used them breastfeeding both my second and third baby and plan to use them for future babies as well.

I also use Mothers Milk Tea but this can also cause gas in babies so use with caution.

5. Start Pumping Right Away

Milk production is based on supply and demand.

If the breast is not fully emptied, your body thinks it is making enough milk and production will not increase.

After your baby is born, it will take a couple of days for your milk to come in.

Until then, your baby is getting Colostrum which is rich in nutrients.

Just look at this picture and the difference between colostrum and when my milk came in!

When your milk first comes in after delivery, there is typically an oversupply until it begins to regulate based on the needs of your baby.

This is when I start pumping.

With my last two babies, I waited until I got home to start pumping since it takes a few days for the milk to come in and I didn’t want to lug my breast pump to the hospital.

In order to keep my supply high from the beginning, I started pumping the extra milk immediately which helped trick my body into thinking that it needed to continue producing more milk to meet the high demand.

6. Try a Heat Compress to Boost Breastmilk

Have you ever heard of moms say they have gotten in the shower and start leaking milk?

Heat can help with circulation and help speed up let down.

The combination of heat and relaxation can help you milk flow.

The easiest way to apply heat is with these amazing heating pads for your breasts.

What a genius invention, give them a try!

7. Relax and Get Comfy

Seriously!

If you are too tense or feeling stressed, this can definitely inhibit your milk supply.

I, like most moms, really struggle with asking for help.

I feel like I should be able to do everything on my own.

However, I was extremely sleep deprived with my second baby who cried non-stop 24-7 and it impacted my milk supply a lot.

I know not everyone has the option, but If you can, ask for help from family or your hubby.

You will spend a lot of time breastfeeding, especially in the early days so I suggest you get a good nursing pillow!

8. Try Hands on Pumping

Hands on pumping WORKS!

Hands on pumping works by helping to completely drain the breast. 

Massaging the breast while pumping can not only help maximize the amount of milk you pump with each session but it can also help you increase your overall breastmilk supply. 

9. Make Sure You are Getting Enough to Eat

After nine months of seeing your body change, I know it can be tempting to cut calories to lose a little weight.

But cutting calories too low can have in impact on your milk supply.

This recipe book was a lifesaver while I was breastfeeding.

It was created by a registered nurse and the recipes are filled with nutrient rich food to help with the quantity and quality of your breastmilk supply!

A breastfeeding mama needs about 2000 calories a day.

If you are trying to lose some baby weight, I suggest slowly reducing your calories until you notice a dip in your supply.

This will give a baseline of how many calories your body needs to keep up your milk supply.

Focus on eating healthy foods while avoiding empty calories and the weight will slowly start melting off.

Related: 21 Genius Breastfeeding Tips To Make It More Enjoyable

10. Minimize Caffeine  

This one is tough, especially when you’re sleep deprived and just trying to function throughout your day.

However, caffeine is a diuretic.

Not to mention, some babies are sensitive to caffeine.

If you are struggling with boosting your milk supply, try reducing caffeine and upping your water intake.

11. Power Pump

There are so many different schedules for pumping but here is what I found works best for me.

I alternate breasts every other feeding because one breast is enough for my baby.

However, if one side does not produce enough milk for your baby, be sure to switch sides during the feeding to ensure they are getting enough milk.

I will typically feed on one side, then pump on the other when I can.

Then I switch the next feeding.

Once my baby is done eating, I pump on the side she nursed for about 5 minutes to keep the breast stimulated and make sure it’s fully drained.

This can help “trick” your body into thinking it needs to make more milk and eventually you should see an increase.

If she completely empties my breasts, Ill switch sides.

The reason I don’t switch sides is because I want her to get as much hind milk as possible from that one breast so I alternate sides each feeding.

The first month or two, I do this throughout the night as well.

I don’t often pump in between feedings except in the middle of the night if my baby goes long stretches. This way I don’t run out of milk for her.

I know it sounds exhausting but this is how I was able to get 400 ounces in two weeks while still nursing!

Following this routine should help you see a significant increase in milk within a couple of days.

For more information on power pumping, the Lansinoh website is a great resource.

Okay, now that you have some tips to help boost your supply, you’ll need plenty of pumping supplies.

12. Stay Committed!

For the first three weeks after my daughters was born, I stayed very committed to pumping after every feeding, even in the middle of the night.

It was exhausting, time consuming and at times and may feel like a full time job.

However, as much as I love breastfeeding, being able to leave my baby for a few hours at a time and know she had plenty of milk was very reassuring.

13. Be patient & Forgiving

No two mamas are the same.

So please be patient and embrace the process!

I cannot promise what has worked for me, will work for you. However, I hope you are willing to give it a try and let me know your experiences.

I am only one email away, I love chatting with other mamas!

Related- 5 Simple Tips To Lose Weight While Breastfeeding

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