Breastmilk Supply 101: Establishing and Troubleshooting

With endless “tips,” “tricks,” and countless avenues of information about breastmilk supply, it can get very overwhelming as a new mom or mom-to-be to wrap your head around it all! Check out this quick 101 guide about breastmilk supply, written by an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and our in-house lactation director, Ashley!

From the Start

• Learn about breastfeeding, positioning and hunger cues while PREGNANT
• Offer the breast immediately after birth, aka “The Golden Hour”
• Room-in with baby, no separation at hospital or home, for the first 4 months
• Feed on-demand, every hunger cue, regardless of last feeding time
  • Avoid pacifiers for the first 4 weeks to avoid missing feeding opportunity
  • Newborn’s first hunger cue: waking up
• Ask for help from a lactation professional (IBCLC, CLC, CLE, etc)
  • Report:
    • Pain
    • Discomfort
    • Insecurities
    • Feedings lasting longer than 30 minutes
• If separation is unavoidable, hand express and pump → Keep milk flowing!
  • Do not delay
  • Pump or express every 2-3 hours, even at a night

Maintaining

• Avoid scheduling feeds, continue on-demand
• Keeping baby close
• Room sharing for the first 4 months
• Comfort at breast is still important
• Efficient feedings- a feeding should not take more than 15-20 minutes
  • This does not include pacifying at the breast following a feed
• Proper breastfeeding support

Maternal Nutrition, Water, and Supplements

• Drink to own thirst level, aim for at least .5-1 oz of water per pound of weight i.e. 150 lb woman, normal activity level, needs 75 oz or 9 cups/day
• Continue vitamins (i.e. prenatal or postnatal) per doctor recommendations
• Focus on iron-rich foods, as well as magnesium and calcium, especially immediately postpartum and for the return of monthly menses
• Coffee in moderation is acceptable and will not affect supply or quality of milk
• Avoid medications that are designed to dry up secretions, i.e. allergy medications