For new mothers who want to breastfeed their babies, learning how to quickly increase milk supply can help ensure their infants get the nutrition they need. While some women produce plenty of milk without issue, others may need to put in extra effort to ramp up production. Understanding the lactation process and using specific techniques to boost milk flow can make reaching one’s breastfeeding goals faster and easier. This article explores common questions around inducing lactation quickly and provides tips to help make it happen within days or weeks.
What causes women to have low milk supply?
Several factors can contribute to low milk supply or delayed lactation:
- Breast anatomy – Some women simply have less glandular tissue capable of producing milk.
- Breast surgery – Procedures like reduction or implants can impair milk duct function.
- Hormones – Thyroid disorders, PCOS, or retained placenta tissue may impact hormone levels needed for lactation.
- Prior breastfeeding issues – Past difficulties can signal underlying biological hurdles.
- Medical conditions – Chronic issues like diabetes or autoimmune disease may interfere with milk production.
- Stress – Physical and emotional stresses inhibit release of prolactin and oxytocin needed for lactation.
- Infant challenges – Prematurity, poor latch, tongue-ties, ineffective sucking, etc. can delay milk coming in.
- Birth interventions – Labor medications or cesarean delivery may temporarily alter breast function.
The key is identifying potential barriers and using strategic techniques to overcome them. Having a low supply doesn’t mean a mother can’t breastfeed successfully. But it may require diligence and patience to bolster production.
How long does it take for milk supply to increase?
For mothers who have recently given birth, colostrum is typically present for the first 2-5 days after delivery. Then mature milk supply usually increases rapidly over the next several days to weeks as prolactin levels rise in response to nursing or pumping.
Many mothers will see a substantial boost in milk production around days 3-5 postpartum. But it can take 2-6 weeks for supply to fully regulate based on an infant’s ongoing feeding demands.
Mothers working to induce or relactate may need to allow up to 4-6 weeks for maximal milk production, though some respond much faster. The key is consistent removal of milk via nursing or pumping to spur lactation.
What are some quick ways to increase milk supply?
Here are some effective strategies for rapid milk increase within days to weeks:
Nurse on demand
Letting your baby feed as often as possible, day and night, helps drive up prolactin and signals your breasts to produce more milk. Allow baby unlimited time at the breast when they show hunger cues.
Increase pumping sessions
If direct nursing is limited, pump at least 8-10 times per day for 10-15 minutes. Double pumping is ideal for efficiency. Strive for at least 70-80 minutes total per day.
Use breast compression
Gently compressing the breast between pumps or while baby nurses ensures milk ducts are being thoroughly emptied.
Power pump 1-2x per day
Pump for 10-15 minutes every hour for 1-2 hours to mimic cluster feeding. This spikes prolactin to boost production.
Massage and heat
Massaging breasts while pumping and applying heat packs before pumping helps loosen milk and increase output.
Ensure proper flange fit
Having optimally fitted pump flanges creates better suction and emptying. See an IBCLC for sizing help.
Take milk-boosting foods/herbs
Substances like fenugreek, fennel, brewer’s yeast, and oats contain milk-stimulating compounds. Stay hydrated and nourish yourself with lactation cookies, teas, smoothies, etc.
Get extra sleep
Rest and relaxation help normalize hormones involved in milk production. Prioritize sleep when possible.
Minimize stress
Deep breathing, meditation, yoga, and massage lower stress hormones that inhibit milk ejection reflex and milk release.
How can I tell if my milk supply is increasing?
Signs your milk production is ramping up include:
- Feeling fullness, leaking, or tingling sensations in the breasts
- Being able to pump more milk than previous sessions
- Hearing more frequent swallowing from your nursing baby
- Seeing more weight gain tracking for your baby
- Having fewer supplementing needs between feedings
- Noticing easier letdowns and faster flow while pumping or nursing
While ounce counts aren’t everything, aiming for around 500-700ml (17-24oz) in 24 hours by the end of the first week postpartum is a reasonable goal. Many mothers will produce more like 750-1250ml (25-42oz) as supply regulates around weeks 4-6.
When should I seek help for low milk supply?
If you are not seeing or feeling signs of increasing production within 2 weeks (4-6 weeks for inducing/relactating moms) despite using lactation protocols, consult a board certified lactation consultant.
An IBCLC can assess potential issues, create a customized plan, and determine if medical evaluation is needed. Speak to your OB, midwife, or family doctor if you experience:
- No sensation of milk letdown within 2 weeks postpartum
- Sudden dip in supply
- Breast pain, hardness, warmth, or redness
- Fever, body aches, nausea, etc.
These may indicate health complications requiring prompt treatment. With expert guidance and diligence, most mothers can overcome hurdles and build a robust milk supply.
What medications can increase milk supply?
If adopting a lactation protocol fails to deliver results, the following prescription medications may be recommended:
Domperidone
This motility drug is not FDA-approved for lactation in the US, but has been shown effective in increasing prolactin and milk production. It is available as an off-label treatment.
Metoclopramide
This anti-nausea drug also stimulates prolactin release and may ramp up milk production. It carries risk of side effects like depression or involuntary muscle spasms.
Sulpiride
This antipsychotic medication indirectly elevates prolactin levels. It is prescribed off-label for low milk supply in some countries, but not available in the US.
These medications may interact with other drugs or conditions, so consult your doctor. Improvement is often seen within 2-3 weeks if an effective dosing regimen is achieved.
Are herbal supplements effective?
Some herbs like fenugreek, fennel, and milk thistle have traditionally been used to support milk production. Research shows mixed results:
| Herb | Evidence for Increasing Milk Supply |
|---|---|
| Fenugreek | May be modestly effective, but optimal dosing unclear |
| Fennel | Appears promising based on limited data |
| Milk Thistle | Minimal evidence showing benefit for lactation |
| Blessed Thistle | Insufficient data to recommend for low supply |
Many lactation teas, cookies, and tinctures contain a blend of these herbs. The risk profile appears minimal, so some mothers may find them helpful when used in conjunction with other lactation protocols. Work closely with an IBCLC or doctor for guidance.
Can I exclusively pump to increase milk supply?
Yes, regularly pumping instead of direct nursing (exclusive pumping) is an option to help build and maintain supply. It takes commitment to a rigorous pumping schedule, usually every 2-3 hours around the clock. Benefits include being able to track and measure milk output. Downsides are time commitment, being tied to the pump, and decreased mammary stimulation compared to a baby’s suck. For mothers with nipple pain or who need to be away from baby regularly, exclusive pumping is a viable approach.
Will relay pumping increase my milk supply?
Relay pumping mimics cluster feeding by pumping every hour for an extended period. Doing this 1-2 times daily spikes prolactin, signaling the breasts to produce more milk. Combining power pumping with breast massage, compression, and switching breasts during pumping is helpful. The frequency of relay sessions can be tapered as supply increases. This intensive pumping technique takes commitment but is highly effective for supply boosting.
What role does diet play in milk production?
Eating a balanced lactation diet helps ensure you get sufficient calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals needed to manufacture breastmilk. Some foods provide compounds that directly stimulate milk synthesis like fenugreek, brewer’s yeast, and flaxseed. Tips for optimizing diet include:
- Drink 3-4 liters of water daily and coconut water
- Consume lactation smoothies and healthy fats like nuts, avocado, salmon
- Make oatmeal, yogurt, eggs, legumes, and leafy greens staples
- Enjoy lactation baked goods using ingredients like oats, brewer’s yeast, flaxseed
- Stay nourished by eating filling snacks between feedings
- Avoid crash dieting – caloric restriction inhibits milk production
Maternal nutrition is just one part of the milk supply picture. But an ample diet of lactogenic foods can support optimal breastmilk production.
Can birth control pills increase milk supply?
Birth control pills contain estrogen and progesterone. The estrogen may help boost milk production slightly, while the progesterone has an anti-lactation effect. These hormones also inhibit ovulation.
Some mothers report a temporary supply increase when starting birth control pills. However, extended use of oral contraceptives has been shown to decrease long-term milk production in many women. There are better protocols to follow for low milk supply rather than beginning hormonal birth control.
If desiring to avoid pregnancy while breastfeeding, progestin-only alternatives like mini-pills, IUDs, or implants are recommended over combination pills. Discuss options with your women’s health provider.
Will taking thyroid medication help increase milk supply?
Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) is a relatively common postpartum condition. It can interfere with prolactin release and inhibit let-down reflex. Getting thyroid levels optimized through medication is crucial for lactation.
Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) is less common but can also impede milk supply. Typically antithyroid drugs are tapered after delivery as thyroid levels normalize.
Thyroid problems often go undiagnosed. Have your physician test TSH, T3, and T4 levels if milk supply is low despite implementing other measures. Achieving euthyroid status through thyroid meds can help get lactation on track.
Can prolonged skin-to-skin help increase milk supply?
Kangaroo care provides many benefits including stimulation of milk production. Skin-to-skin facilitates breastmilk transfer while triggering hormonal responses that boost supply.
Aim to have several long skin-to-skin sessions daily – at least an hour per session. Keep baby in just a diaper and place directly on your bare chest under a blanket. Try nursing in laid back position during this time. Close body contact helps regulate baby’s respiration, temperature, glucose levels, and provides comfort as you both reap the lactation benefits.
When do milk ducts form during pregnancy?
Rapid development of the mammary glands occurs during weeks 13-22 of pregnancy driven by the hormones estrogen, progesterone, prolactin, and human placental lactogen.
Alveolar ducts and milk sacs form deep within the breast as early as week 16 of gestation. By week 22, colostrum can often be expressed from the nipples as the duct network connecting lobules to nipple openings has developed.
While anatomy is established by mid-pregnancy, copious milk secretion requires the hormonal trigger of delivery and removal of colostrum/milk from the breasts through nursing or pumping. This signals the body it’s time to ramp up production.
Can I induce lactation without being pregnant?
Yes, it is possible for a woman who has never been pregnant to induce lactation through consistent pumping and medication use. This process mimics the hormone levels and mammary stimulation of pregnancy and birth to trick the breasts into milk production.
Non-postpartum lactation induction requires commitment to a rigid pumping schedule, usually every 2-3 hours round the clock. Domperidone and/or estrogen-progestin pills are typically prescribed to instigate lactogenesis. Milk volumes tend to be lower than postpartum induction but can reach 200-500ml daily.
Reasons to induce lactation without pregnancy include breastfeeding an adopted infant, transgender lactation, kink/BDSM activities, and obtaining breastmilk for a sick relative. While not easy, non-postpartum lactation is achievable. Seek guidance from an experienced IBCLC.
How can I maintain my milk supply while separated from my baby?
Being away from your nursing baby for work, travel, illness, etc invariably leads to some supply decrease. Strategies to minimize loss of milk production include:
- Pump on a schedule matching baby’s normal feeding frequency.
- Ensure pump is well-fitted and collection kit is new.
- Massage breasts thoroughly while pumping.
- Power pump daily for 15-20 minutes if away over 6 hours.
- Store milk properly and safely feed to baby when reunited.
- Supplement with galactagogues like fenugreek, fennel, brewer’s yeast.
- Reduce separation time if possible.
Expect some drop, but with diligence you can limit milk loss. Communicate regularly with caregivers to monitor nursing frequency and output while separated. Seek lactation support to troubleshoot any issues.
What home remedies can help produce more breastmilk?
Alongside nursing and pumping protocols, some home remedies thought to support lactation include:
Fenugreek water/tea
Steep 1-2 teaspoons of fenugreek seeds in 8 ounces of water for 5-10 minutes. Drink 2-3 cups daily. Helps stimulate milk ducts.
Fennel/cumin tea
Contains compounds that increase prolactin involved in milk synthesis. Enjoy 2-3 cups per day.
Malunggay leaves
Popular lactation aid in Philippines. Boil leaves then drink the broth. Rich in vitamins/minerals.
Ginger tea/soup
Anti-inflammatory ginger may help improve milk flow. Drinking regularly provides comfort.
Lactation cookies
Baked goods with ingredients like oats, brewer’s yeast, flaxseed support production. Healthy snacking option.
Sesame/coconut candies
Traditional lactation aids in India/Southeast Asia. Contains milk-stimulating oils/fats. Have 1-2 daily.
While no magic solution exists, using some natural galactagogues may support your other efforts to increase breastmilk production.
Conclusion
Troubleshooting low milk supply and figuring out how to effectively increase production can feel stressful and frustrating for mothers. But having a strategic plan and working closely with lactation professionals means most breastfeeding hurdles can be overcome.
Commitment to techniques like consistent nursing/pumping, milk removal, power pumping, skin contact, proper flange fit, and dietary measures enables the vast majority of mothers to ramp up their milk production within days or weeks. Seeking help early, being patient with the process, and implementing proven protocols makes reaching your personal lactation goals totally achievable.