Disclosure: This is a sponsored post and contains affiliate links. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Also these are my personal tips, consult your physician, midwife, or lactation consultant for detailed support.
Everyone is always looking for the secret formula to successful breastfeeding journeys. Many people look how to boost your milk supply, stockpile, and especially how to deal with returning to work. Breastfeeding is a commitment and you need to prepare yourself. Whether it’s for a few months or several years – it’s an all in type of deal. There are so many great tips for breast milk supply. It’s so important to have the right tools, and personally having the Elvie wearable double pump this time has helped tremendously.
I have loved each of my nursing journeys, despite their challenges. One of the greatest supports when I started breastfeeding was from my sister who told me to not give up. She sat with me and even stayed on the phone coaching me. Even when I couldn’t latch well or was going through dreaded cluster feeding. I pass those words on to so many other new moms as well, it makes such a difference.
Fed is best, be prepared either way
Let me say this, fed is always best. Breastfeeding for me is a personal decision. So even if you’re not nursing, self care is key mama. Words of encouragement and helpful tools can make all the difference.
So hopefully whether you’re supplementing while maintaining your supply or completely formula – I support you! If you are primarily nursing, here are some helpful ways to boost and maintain your supply.
Tips to Boost Your Breast Milk Supply
1. Pumping schedule: This is my most recommended way to help with your supply, especially when your milk comes in. Pumping in addition to nursing can help with the consistency of your milk supply. It can be taxing, however investing in a portable pump like the Elvie wearable double pump can make such a difference! Being hands free and mobile is what has allowed me to keep up supply and store.
Being able to multitask while pumping with the Elvie relieved the stress that I won’t have time to pump. This is definitely one of my top tips for breast milk supply. It’s silent, wearable, and fits snug into your bra. I use the Elvie double pump, however, even having one is fantastic. The Elvie has an app you can also use to monitor supply and track each pumping session.
2. Drink water…lots of it: Another tip for breast milk supply is water intake. You don’t realize how much water your body needs, especially when nursing. It’s recommended to drink water consistently – so yes get in 8 glasses or your hospital jug 2/3 times. Breast milk is about 90% water. Be sure to stay hydrated and if you’re not sure you’ve had enough, drink some more.
3. Fiber friendly foods: Oatmeal, graham crackers, even granola added to your meals will help with your supply. Make sure your diet is well rounded and you are adding these suggested foods… don’t skip a meal. In fact add some snacks mama – it helps!
4. Rest: Hear me out… a lack of rest increases your stress. ASK FOR HELP! I cannot say this enough to knew and veteran moms. If you’re unable to get the support you need, rest when your baby rests. Release the chores and to-do list. They will be there, but a healthy you may not. Your supply is affected by stress. Not enough rest, you and I both know causes more stress. Sleep.
5. Have a flexible plan: I wanted to nurse longer… My supply is dropping and it’s not working anymore… Even if your plan is to nurse until 2 years, if for some reason you are unable to – please do not beat yourself up. Fed is best. A frustrated mom and hungry baby can only lead to more frustration and misplaced blame. Though our bodies are powerful, they can only do so much sometimes. Remember you just carried and birthed another human!! That’s HUGE!
Celebrate the journey, but do not allow the journey to define you! Motherhood is not comprised of special achievements or imaginary expectations. Thrive where you are and most importantly stay healthy.
For all three of my sons, because I went back to work I had to supplement the weeks I couldn’t maintain my supply. With our first I was devastated. I felt terrible, like I had failed him. Those were lies I was telling myself, and eventually realized weren’t worth my time. When I released what I felt like failure, I enjoyed my journey even more.
So I say to you mama, keep going in anyway that allows you to enjoy your baby. I’m so proud of you!!
