Lately there have been many questions regarding milk supply and how to increase it when low. Because of this, i thought i would add another advice article about milk supply to the many that are already on minti!

Many mums have difficulty with milk supply, especially when they start

their babies on solids. Low milk supply can also be a problem for first time mums. I have compiled a list for you all to see - in regards of how to boost milk supply.

• Nipple/ Boosm Stimulation -  The more you stimulate your boosms/ nipples the better. This is because every time you stimulate them, it sends a message to the brain to release the special hormones that allow your milk to flow.
   
• Breastfeed More often - Give your baby a feed at least every 2-3 hourly as this stimulation will send messages to your brain also, and also gives you bonding time.
   
• Expressing - This can be done either by hand or by pump. With the pump; express every 2 hours. The pump simulates the babies suckling action, therefore giving you a similar stimulation - yet again releasing those hormones to increase the milk! By hand; gently squeezing niples and pushing down on breasts gently should allow the milk to flow and can be expressed into a bottle.
   
• Nipple Shields - These should be AVOIDED for as long as possible, as you are not getting the direct stimulation, therefore making it hard for the message to be sent to the brain so that you can have more milk.... only use the shields if you have extremely sore nipples or if they are cracked.
   
• Bottle Feeding - only use this as a last result unless you dont want baby attached to breast and would just rather express. Each time baby has a bottle and you don't express.... the opportunity to release hormones is missed. If you want to breast feed but your supply is low and bub is getting really hungry.... express what you can first and give that to bub (either that or breastfeed first) and THEN give baby formula if its needed.
   
• Maxalon - Studies have shown that maxalon (a drug used for nausea) can actually increase milk supply. Mind you, this therapy should only be used as a last result and should be used under strict medical supervision.

I am sure there are many more ways to increase milk supply.... but for now that is all I am doing! I hope that this advice helps someone out there as it can be very hard and very frustrating trying to increase supply!

Good Luck to all. Cheers