How Breastfeeding Moms Can Increase Their Milk Supply

August 1st through the 7th is World Breastfeeding Week. The baby formula shortages from last year left parents who use formula struggling to find enough formula for their babies. Some babies are exclusively breastfed, and others are exclusively formula-fed, but often moms turn to both breastfeeding and formula feeding either simultaneously or at different times.

For moms who are breastfeeding, it’s important to know how to increase their milk supply, whether their baby is going through a growth spurt or if parents can’t find the formula they need in stock. Having access to a lactation consultant can make a world of difference in the overall length of time a baby is breastfed.

“In Montana, 84 percent of moms initiate breastfeeding according to CDC data from 2020, which is really good. But at six months, only 34 percent of Montana moms continued to breastfeed,” said Jessica Walsh, an international board-certified lactation consultant with St. James Healthcare in Butte, Montana.

Lactation consultants can help moms try different techniques, get information on nutrition, and can be emotional support for moms as they make their breastfeeding journey.

Last year the American Academy of Pediatrics updated its recommendations for breastfeeding to acknowledge the benefits of breastfeeding beyond one year.

For years clinical research has shown that breastfeeding is linked to decreased rates of lower respiratory tract infections, severe diarrhea, ear infections, and obesity. Breastfeeding is associated with a lower risk of sudden infant death syndrome, as well as other protective effects.

The new recommendations re-state the recommendation for exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a baby’s life and add the benefits of breastfeeding beyond one year and include:

Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months. There is no need to introduce infant formula or other sources of nutrition for most infants. Beyond 6 months, breastfeeding should be maintained along with nutritious complementary foods.

There are continued benefits from breastfeeding beyond 1 year, and up to 2 years, especially in the mother. Long-term breastfeeding is associated with protection against diabetes, high blood pressure, and cancers of the breast and ovaries.

Tips to help moms build up milk supply:

• Practice skin-to-skin contact. It helps stabilize the baby’s temperature, breathing, and heart rate. They cry less. It stimulates brain development. It improves milk production and reduces postpartum complications and depression.

• Let the baby determine the feeding schedule. Nurse babies when they’re hungry. Breast milk is digested quickly and easily so babies want to nurse often. Watch for feeding cues: rooting, sucking on their hand, crying when not wet or uncomfortable. Babies have growth spurts and may need to nurse more frequently at times.

• Breastfeeding works by supply and demand. The more baby nurses, the more milk mom’s body will produce. Low milk supply is rare. Sometimes babies will cluster feed and nurse again a short time later and then go a longer time before the next feeding. That helps build the milk supply.

• Offer both breasts at each feeding. Nurse baby on both sides at each feeding. Be patient in the beginning. As babies grow, they get faster at nursing. If needed, pump or hand express after feeding to draw out extra milk and signal the body to make more.

• Practice self-care. Nursing moms require more fluids and about 2,000 calories per day to maintain a good milk supply. Stay hydrated, eat enough, and sleep when the baby sleeps. Learn to manage stress.

For more information, St. James Healthcare offers a free Breastfeeding Education class for expecting parents. Along, with the ability to schedule a one-on-one session with Jessica Walsh, BSN, RNC, IBCLC. To schedule an appointment please call 406.723.2711.

There is a national U.S. government program called Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) that helps pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women and their children who are at nutritional risk. There is a WIC Hotline that is staffed Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. They can answer breastfeeding questions over the phone. The phone number is 1-877-942-5437.