Many people start out breastfeeding exclusively, but as the days and weeks go on, they may add bottle feeding and infant formula to their daily routine. Some end up breastfeeding less often or weaning earlier than they would like—sometimes by choice, sometimes not. That may cause their breast milk to start drying up. But there is good news, there is a way to start breastfeeding again. Show When you begin to breastfeed less often or stop breastfeeding altogether, your supply of breast milk decreases. So, if you decide to start breastfeeding again, you have to rebuild and increase your milk supply. Rebuilding or reestablishing your breast milk supply is called relactation. From herbal therapy and prescription medication to breastfeeding more often and pumping, there are many ways to reestablish your breast milk supply if you've stopped nursing or if you feel that your supply isn't as strong as it once was. Breastfeed MoreTo achieve the healthiest amount of breast milk possible, it is essential to:
Use a Nursing Supplementer DeviceIf your breast milk supply is extremely low and your baby seems frustrated with breastfeeding, a nursing supplementer device or supplemental nursing system can work wonders. With a nursing supplementer, your baby receives either infant formula or your expressed breast milk at the same time that they breastfeed. A tube runs from the supplemental feeding system to your nipple. The formula or breast milk from the device goes into your baby's mouth as they nurse at the breast. It allows your child to breastfeed and stimulate your milk supply while getting the nutrition they need. Use a Breast PumpSometimes, a baby is not able to or not interested in going back to the breast. If this is the case, you can stimulate your breasts to build your breast milk supply by using a breast pump. Using a hospital-grade, double (automatic) pump, eight to 12 times a day is ideal for reestablishing your supply. To get the most out of your pumping sessions:
Use HerbsThere is not that much official research on the use of medicinal breastfeeding herbs (also called galactagogues) to increase breast milk supply. However, many people report overwhelmingly positive responses to herbal therapy in addition to frequent stimulation of the breast. Be sure to reach out to your OB/GYN or healthcare provider before starting any supplement or medication. Some of the herbal remedies that may boost your breast milk supply include:
Remember, to get the best results, you need to continue to stimulate the breasts by breastfeeding or pumping often while you're using herbal galactagogues. Milk-making foods such as oatmeal and almonds are also believed to boost the supply of breast milk slightly. Use Prescription MedicationHigher levels of prolactin are associated with an increase in milk production and a greater supply of breast milk. A few prescription medications, when taken while continuing frequent stimulation of the breast, have been found to raise prolactin levels:
A Word From VerywellThe process of relactation is intense. It's important for you to take care of yourself. Eating a well-balanced diet, drinking plenty of water, and getting enough rest is important not only for your milk supply but for your health. It might not be easy, but try to keep your stress levels low. Stress and fatigue are known to affect breast milk supply. If you're too stressed or exhausted, any attempt to establish a full breast milk supply may be futile. Any kind of help, whether it's physical, psychological, or even domestic, will aid the process of relactation and get you on your way to a healthy breast milk supply again. Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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By Melissa Kotlen Thanks for your feedback! How can I increase my milk supply quickly?You can increase your milk supply by:. Nursing your baby often. ... . Nurse your baby at least 15 minutes at each breast. ... . Gently massage breast before and during feedings.. Use relaxation techniques to reduce stress and promote the flow of breast milk.. Provide skin to skin time with your baby for about 20 minutes after feeds.. What foods help produce breast milk?11 Foods That Increase Milk Supply. Dark Green Vegetables. Dark leafy green vegetables such as alfalfa, lettuce, kale, spinach, and broccoli are full of nutrients, especially calcium. ... . Fennell. Fennel is a plant from the Mediterranean. ... . Garlic. ... . Chickpeas. ... . Sesame Seeds. ... . Almonds. ... . Flaxseed and Flaxseed Oil. ... . Brewer's Yeast.. |