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Breastfeeding can be demanding at time. During your baby’s growth spurt and after that one night you just needed to catch up on sleep you can find a decrease in your supply. Your ability to produce breast milk is designed specifically for your baby, as a supply and demand scenario. This article lists great tips for increasing your milk supply that also double as good practices for keeping your milk supply at what your baby needs.

On average a mother nurses every two to three hours, for a total of at least twelve feedings a day. Take note of your baby’s stool and weight, they are good ways to assess their health. During the first month, your baby will have at least three stools a day. They will start out as a dark tar color and by the fifth day, lighten to a seedy mustard yellow. After the first month, their stools become less frequent. Some babies will even go a day or two between stools. If your choosing to breastfeed only, your baby’s stool should always be lose.

10 Tips for a Successful Increase in Milk Production
• Make sure you’re drinking enough water and are hydrated during the day.
• Don’t wait until your breasts feel full. Use a fully automated electric pump if your breasts feel full before your baby is ready to nurse. Your body adjusts to your baby’s demand; you don’t want one skipped a feeding or stretch the time between them. This will cause a significant decline in your milk production if it becomes a regular habit.
• Nursing for seven minutes on each side every 45 minutes (or sooner) will quickly bring in more milk. Nursing for 30 minutes every two hours won’t do the same job.
• According to kellymom.com, breastfeeding moms should consume 1,800-2,200 calories per day to maintain an abundant supply of milk. Fewer than 1,500-1,800 calories can cause a decrease in supply and a decrease in the number of calories your milk contains. Make sure to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and protein-rich foods.
• If your pumping while away from your baby, it’s better to schedule two 15-minute pumping sessions rather than one 30-minute session. The more frequently you stimulate your breasts, the more milk you’ll produce. You should pump every two to three hours when you’re away from your baby. Setting aside time to nurse right before you walk out the door then start your first pumping session within two to three hours.
• Your nursing baby should be sucking only at the breast – no pacifiers. This will ensures that he or she spends enough time at the breast to stimulate your supply.
• During growth spurts, your baby will need to nurse more frequently to ensure the extra calorie needs. This is a great time to focus on increasing your milk production Try wearing a baby sling and allowing frequent, unrestricted access to your breasts.
• Herbal Remedies – Fenugreek is actually in pancake syrup, not enough to boost your milk supply but fenugreek capsules can be purchased in most health food stores. The herb stimulates the sweat glands, which may have a sweet maple aroma while taking the capsules. Mothers generally notice an increase in milk production 24 to 72 hours after first using the herb. Mother’s Milk Tea or Brewer’s Yeast may also be effective. Be sure to consult with your doctor before taking any herbal remedies.
• Nonalcoholic beer, it’s true… polysaccharides in the barley used to make beer seems to stimulate prolactin, which helps moms make more milk.

Breastfeeding can be demanding at times, but always remember… It’s easier to keep up on your milk supply rather than try to increase it later. If you need a rest, have a partner supplement your baby with formula but take that time to pump. That way your body will still keep up on your milk production. Some high quality pumps have hands free attachments that can be added on.

A dehydrated baby can still wet a diaper. Contact a lactation specialist or a pediatrician if your concerns are more serious than this article addresses.

Watch Out for False Alarms
Newborns typically lose 5 – 10 percent of their birth weight in the first few days, don’t worry this is normal. Your newborn should be back up to his/her birth weight by 10 – 14 days after birth. A healthy baby that is active and gaining weight is the true indicator that your baby’s getting enough milk. During nursing you should be able to hear your baby swallow and sometimes you may notice milk in the corners of their mouth.

You will experience a feeling of fullness and even engorgement dramatically in the first couple weeks of breastfeeding. The level of fullness in your breasts is not an accurate indication of whether you are making enough milk. As your body adjusts your milk supply to meet your baby’s nutritional needs, the fullness intensity will subside greatly. When your baby has a growth spurt and is nursing more frequently, your body will adapt increasing your milk supply to match his caloric needs.