First, it's important to assess if you're truly dealing with a low supply. Sometimes mothers can perceive normal breastfeeding patterns and/or baby behavior as an inadequate milk supply. If you determine that you really do have a low supply, consult with a lactation consultant to determine the "why" behind it so that you can get to work fixing the problem and prevent it from occuring again. In the meantime...

There are several positive steps you can take if you decide that your milk supply is low. If possible, plan to set aside a few days, perhaps a weekend, to spend doing little else but working to increase your milk production. Following the steps listed below, most moms notice an increase in supply within 24-72 hours. A baby who is failing to thrive will do better on a diet of ALL breastmilk, once he's getting enough, than he will on formula. If you're pumping and just finding it harder to keep up with your baby's milk needs, although your baby seems fine when he nurses, the following will also apply.

• Nurse or pump frequently. Plan to nurse at least every 1 1/2 to 2 hours during the day and at least every 3 hours at night even if you must awaken your baby. Time your feedings from the beginning of one to the beginning of another. If your baby is available to nurse, this is preferable to pumping as he will better stimulate your breasts to produce more milk.

• Allow the baby to nurse on each side until he pulls off himself or goes to sleep.

• Offer both breasts at each feeding.

• Although nursing is preferable, if the baby cannot nurse directly at the breast, use a hospital-grade electric pump for double pumping instead (such as the Lactina or Pump In Style). Double pumping has been shown to increase Prolactin levels. Prolactin is the hormone which stimulates milk production. Pump for 10-15 minutes per session. Longer sessions have not been proven to be any more beneficial at increasing supply.

• Along with nursing, you may want to add another pumping session or two sometime during your day. You also may want to add a few extra minutes (5-10) of pumping after the baby has finished nursing.

• Allow the baby to meet all of his sucking needs at the breast. Avoid any bottles or pacifiers during this time. Your baby's need to suck ensures that he spends adequate time at the breast to stimulate your supply.

• Avoid supplements including solid food, water, juice, and formula. Adding these will result in your baby nursing less often and you getting less stimulation. You can be sure that your baby is getting enough by counting his wet diapers and bowel movements. See "Getting Enough Milk?"

• If your baby requires a supplement for medical reasons, consider using a nursing supplementer at your breast so that you can continue to receive crucial BABY stimulation.

• Snack often on foods rich in protein and calcium.

• Drink enough to satisfy your thirst.

• Rest as much as you can. Consider taking the baby to bed with you for the time period. The rest will benefit you and the close skin-to-skin contact may encourage him to nurse more often.

• Some mothers have found that the herb, Fenugreek tea and milk thistle tea, is helpful for increasing milk supply. It works best when combined with increased frequency of nursing and/or pumping. You can find it at your local health food store or nutrition store. The dosage is 2-4 capsules 3 times a day. Most moms notice an increase in supply after using it 1-3 days. It is safe for your baby. While taking it you may notice that your perspiration and urine smell like maple syrup as Fenugreek is used to give artificial Maple syrup its odor. Some moms report diarrhea while taking it that quickly resolves once they stop taking it. If you suffer from asthma, your symptoms may become worse with the Fenugreek. Dosages higher than the recommended one given above may result in hypoglycemia in some mothers. If pregnant, you should NOT use Fenugreek as it may cause uterine contractions. Many moms use it for a quick boost to their supplies. Others have used it long-term with no problems. For some mothers a combination of herbs seems to work better than one herb alone.

• Some lactation consultants recommend brewer's yeast (That's probably why you've heard beer increases your milk, but usually only imported or expensive beer has brewer's yeast in it, plus along with that yeast if you drink beer you'll also be feeding your infant alcohol); oatmeal (oatmeal for breakfast, oat bread, oatmeal granola bars, oatmeal creme pies); even some swear by homemade chicken soup!!

Enter supporting content here

The people at Breastfeeding101 are not medical professionals. We are moms here to show support. Please consult your physician or LC for any medical questions you might have.