Tips for Successful Breastfeeding and Increasing Milk Supply

For some people, breastfeeding comes easy and natural and for others, it can be a struggle. I had many hurdles to overcome with nursing my first child and I had to learn through trial and error as I battled chronic mastitis and sore/cracked nipples. I also had no idea how much the hospital was actually working against my nursing success with my newborn by forcing me to give a bottle because “my milk hadn’t come in yet” and insisting my child have a pacifier a few hours after birth. I wish I would’ve known then what I know now. Many mothers worry about their milk supply. Understandably, mamas want to make sure their children are thriving and getting the proper nutrition they need. Keep in mind, if your baby is gaining weight and has wet diapers, then don’t jump to the conclusion that you have a milk supply problem! I now work with nursing mamas on how to be successful at breastfeeding and I would like to share with you some important tips to achieving nursing success and ways to increase your milk supply.

#1 Skin to skin/baby wearing

There are now several studies that show that mothers and babies should be together, skin to skin (not wrapped in a blanket) immediately after birth, as well as later. Not only is baby happier this way, but the baby’s temperature, heart and breathing rates are more stable when skin to skin. This close contact immediately after birth allows the baby to be colonized by the same bacteria as the mother; this, plus breastfeeding, are thought to be important in the prevention of allergic diseases and other illnesses. Keeping your baby on you signals to your body to make milk – another great reason to baby-wear using a carrier!

#2 Focus on bonding

With all three of my children, I made sure that no visitors came for the first 24 hours (sometimes longer) after giving birth so that my husband and I could bond with our baby and get to know each other as a family. It is important to listen to your baby’s cues and in the very beginning, it is hard to learn those cues and give them the proper attention if you are passing baby around to visitors and entertaining “Uncle Bob,” plus trying not to flash him a boob as you figure out the logistics of breastfeeding. A cue to be aware of is a newborn’s open hand during breastfeeding – a signal that s/he is relaxed and getting full! Your baby has been listening to your voice for 9+ months and finally gets to meet and bond with you and Daddy … nothing else matters, for now!

#3 No supplementing or pacifiers

Your body’s ability to make breast milk is a supply and demand system – so the more your child has the “demand,” the more your body will make the “supply. For the “system” to work properly, it is important that no formula supplementing is done (unless absolutely medically necessary). For the first few days, you might not think you are making milk – but you are providing your baby with a very “high octane” milk called colostrum. I wish I would’ve known this with my first so that instead of giving in to scare tactics (that were not true) I could’ve told the nurse in the hospital to back off – “my body and baby know what to do!” What I later learned is that what colostrum lacks in volume, it makes up in power. Remember, it is RARE for a healthy, full-term baby to need to be supplemented. Make sure to not introduce an artificial nipple (such as a pacifier) until a strong latch is established (usually around 2-3 weeks) so as not to create nipple confusion.

#4 Proper nutrition

Diet can impact the quality and quantity of your breast milk and energy, as well as your overall health. Since breast milk is produced from protein and calcium from your diet or stored in your body, it is especially important to increase your intake of these two nutrients. The best diet for breastfeeding moms is eating plenty of fresh fruits,veggies (mushrooms are known for their lactogenic properties), protein (either animal or plant-based), whole grains (quinoa, oats, amaranth, millet, wild rice, buckwheat) and healthy fats (avocado, coconut oil, nuts and seeds). Keeping your body healthy with a newborn around can be tough, so I make my “Milk-Making Smoothie” each morning with hemp seeds (3 Tbsp = 10 g. protein) and oats (also known for their lactogenic properties). This yummy high-protein smoothie is very filling and has really helped my milk supply – plus it tastes great and gives you a ton of energy!

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#5 Find support

Make sure you find the support you need to be successful with breastfeeding. Join a breastfeeding class or support group, get connected with a lactation consultant, read great breastfeeding books like Breastfeeding Made Simple, The Nursing Mothers Companion, The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, The Breastfeeding Book by Dr. Sears or check out kellymom.com (a great resource for nursing mamas). Many pediatricians are not trained in lactation support and unfortunately, many will give advice as if they are – so please speak with a lactation consultant, postpartum doula or breastfeeding professional if you have any issues, especially when it comes to latch and milk supply. If you are experiencing a chronic latch issue, please make sure that your breastfeeding professional checks for a tongue tie.

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Enjoy your precious bonding time! Determination is key. Good luck!

What helped you to be successful at breastfeeding? Let us know! 

Daniella Silver
Daniella has three kids and lives in Overland Park, Kansas. She is an educational consultant, holistic health coach and natural parenting/healthy living blogger. Both her and her husband love to cook wholesome nutritious meals for the family. She loves health and wellness and enjoys giving workshops and food demos on healthy eating for the family! She is originally from Los Angeles but has been living in Kansas for the last four years. She loves juicing, baby wearing, yoga, connecting with other mamas, going to farmer's markets and taking her kids on fun adventures! Follow her blog This American Mama on Facebook or visit her website at www.daniellasilver.com.