Having a newborn is a joyful and sometimes stressful time for most new moms.
Nevertheless, life gets busy, and there is so much to learn and many adjustments to make.
“Breastfeeding may be natural, but it does not always come naturally.
One of the difficulties many mothers face is having enough milk supply to keep their babies well-fed.
Breastfeed frequently
Breastfeeding provides healthynutritionto your baby.
“Your body will produce for the demand that it is getting.
To be well-nourished and grow, newborns need to eat every two to four hours, according toCDC.
This means waking up at night to ensure babies can be fed and mothers can increase their milk supply.
If a baby latches well, milk can flow out,increasing the mother’s breastmilk supply.
Lactation consultant Jacki Glover told the publication that good posture and technique may help with latching.
Babies cannot latch for many reasons, and this can sometimes be painful for moms.
Molly Petersen, a certified lactation counselor withLansinoh, says certain foods may increase breastmilk supply.
However, there isn’t one magic food.
“Maintaining your health and nutritional needs helps make it easier for your body to produce breastmilk.
That’s not to say that your favorite treat is off the table.
Instead, enjoy the foods that make you happy and balance them with what your body needs.”
Dr. Jessica Maddenalso advocates for a healthy and balanced diet.
Even when babies slept in the same room as their moms, their mothers seemed to produce more milk.
The study also found that the positive impact of skin-to-skin meant babies latched better.
According to lactation consultantAbrie McCoy, skin-to-skin is “magical.”
McCoy told The List that skin-to-skin supports temperature regulation, heart rate regulation, and essential hormone production.
Jessica Maddentold The List.
“This includes assistance with cooking, cleaning, other household chores, and care of older children.”
Your intake of water can also impact the quality of your breastmilk.
“Breastmilk consists mostly of water.
“Many people are underhydrated and don’t even know it.”
Besides sleeping, it’s also essential to look after yourself and keep stress to a minimum.
Certified lactation counselorMolly Petersentold The List that avoiding stress when breastfeeding is necessary.
“Not the easiest advice for a new parent, I know!”
However, she says it’s essential to try and manage your emotions during this time.
Even a short de-stressing period can help.”
Breastfeeding is another aspect of the ride,” certified lactation counselorMolly Petersentold The List.
“It can be helpful to setbreastfeeding goalsand work to meet them.”
Keeping positive and remembering how far you’ve come since pregnancy is helpful.
You’re doing great, mama!”
“You got this!”
In addition, astudypublished in Breastfeeding Medicine found that expressing milk from both breasts increased milk production.
TheOffice of Women’s Healthrecommends keeping your little one on the first breast until nursing slows or stops.
At that point, switch to your other breast.
If you want to produce more milk, a breast pump will help you achieve this goal.
If you are exclusively pumping, Petersen recommends sticking to a consistent schedule.
“Milk supply is established via frequent breastfeeding,” pediatrician Pierrette Mimi Poinsett toldWebMD.
“Hand massage during feeding can help with let-down and milk flow.”
To help with milk flow, experts recommend knowing how to massage breasts by hand over using products.
“Also massage the breast in a linear fashion, from the chest to the tip of the nipple.
The good news is that while breastfeeding, there are fewer foods and beverages to avoid.
When it comes to alcohol, it is still considered best to avoid it while breastfeeding.
