Breastmilk, in a healthy mother, is made on a supply and demand basis - that is, the more the baby drinks, the more milk the mother will produce.
Many mothers are WRONGLY told that they have low supply issues. Low supply can only truly be diagnosed by an expert, and this is generally NOT a GP. A qualified Lactation consultant will be able to help you out with Low Supply diagnosis, using tools like Sucking Charts, and diaries.
Simply feeling empty, or not being able to express, are poor indicators of breast milk supply.
If you have truly been diagnosed with low supply, there are several things you can attempt to do to build your supply. In addition to prescription remedies.
- Feed frequently, and don’t limit access to the breast. A baby sling might assist you with this, and feeding throughout the night.
- Herbs that can be used are Fenugreek, Blessed Thistle, and Alfalfa
- Expressing/Pumping may help
- Rest rest rest, and take good care of Mom!
- Don’t use bottles, dummies or pacifiers
- DON’T supplement with formula. (This will only decrease your supply further)
More information on supply, and what constitutes as low supply can be found here
