     |
Increase Milk SupplyMany mothers worry about how to increase milk supply. You will increase your milk supply every time you feed your baby. In other words, your baby's sucking stimulates your body to make just the right amount of breastmilk. Babies should be put to the breast as soon as possible after birth and frequently thereafter, to optimize breastfeeding potential - about every 2 hours. Breastfeeding is based on stimulus and response... the more the baby nurses and sucks the more your body will produce. The baby's sucking causes your body to release special hormones that tell your brain to make the exact type and ammount of nutrients that your individual baby needs. Follow the baby. Pay attention to your baby's cues and he will show you when he is hungry. Artificial nipples such as bottles and pacifiers should be avoided as babies learn different suckling techniques which can lead to nipple confusion and may sabotage your efforts especially in early days. Pumping Your MilkIn special circumstances many mothers choose to increase milk supply by expressing or pumping using a breast pump.Manual milk expression can help establish, maintain, or increase milk supply. Pumping breastmilk by hand is a useful skill for nursing mothers to have and a great way to collect and store it for your baby anytime and anywhere. Galactogogues [ gaˇlacˇtaˇgogue ]How to increase milk supply with medicationGalactagogues are medications or substances that can induce or increase milk supply. Galactogogues are sometimes used for inadequate milk supply or induced lactation,as in the case of breastfeeding an adopted baby, and relactation. The most commonly used herbal galactagogues are fenugreekand blessed thistleOthers include milk thistle, alfalfa, anise, astragalus root, burdock, nettle, fennel, and vervain. Medications that can increase milk supply are also available by prescription. DomperidoneDomperidone - Motilium, increases prolactin and breastmilk supply. This is the only galactagogue proven effective through a small double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. It has fewer side effects in the mother, and no side effects have been reported in infants.MetoclopramideThe most extensively studied galactagogue, proven to be safe and effective, is metoclopramide known by its commercial name, Reglan. Metoclopramide also stimulates prolactin release. Potential side effects include fatigue, anxiety, dizziness, diarrhea, and gastric cramping. There have been no documented reactions in infants exposed to metoclopramide in breastmilk.ChlorpromazineChlorpromazine is sometimes used as an alternative to or in conjunction with metoclopramide. On occasions, when unsuccessful, methyldopa may be added.OxytocinOxytocin, taken orally or with a nasal spray, has been used in women with inadequate milk supply and is involved in causing milk letdown or milk ejection reflex. Herbal GalactogoguesMany mothers have succeeded giving their breast milk supply a boost using herbs.How to increase breastmilk supply using Fenugreek How to increase breastmilk using Blessed Thistle How to increase milk supply using Milk Thistle ArticlesIs Your Baby Getting Enough Breast Milk?Foods to Avoid While Breastfeeding 
|
