Tips to Increase Breast Milk Supply

When I first started breastfeeding I was having trouble producing enough breast milk to keep up with my child's demand. I got some good tips from my lactation consultant that I wanted to share with others.

Try taking Fenugreek, consult your physician first. My lactation consultant instructed me to take 2 pills 3 times a day. It can lower your sugar levels so make sure you take it with food. It can also make your urine and your child's urine smell like maple syrup. This is normal. It can be found at GNC or Sprouts Supermarket. I found that Oregon's Wild Harvest Fenugreek works much better than the Fenugreek found at GNC.

Drink plenty of water, try to drink 8 glasses of water a day. It is very important to stay hydrated because this really does make a difference. Make sure that you are taking in enough calories a day. I know this can be difficult when your dieting but if you dramatically cut your calories then it could affect your milk supply.

Try eating oatmeal. My lactation consultant mentioned that eating oatmeal increases your milk supply. I got this cookie recipe from my support group. Its suppose to increase your breast milk supply.

Chocolate Oatmeal Lactation Cookies

Ingredients:

1 C butter
1 C sugar
1 C brown sugar
4 T water
2 T flaxseed meal (no substitutes)
2 Lg eggs
1 t vanilla
2 C flour
1 t baking soda
1 t salt
3 C Thick cut oats
1 Bag Chocolate chips
2 T Brewers Yeast or Nutritional Yeast Flakes

Preheat oven at 375.

Mix 2 T of flaxseed meal and water, set aside 3-5 minutes.
Cream butter and sugar.
Add eggs.
Stir flaxseed mix into butter mix and add vanilla.
Beat until well blended and mixture turns a pale yellow.
Mix dry ingredients, except oats and choc chips.
Add butter mix to dry ingredients.
Stir in the oats and then the choc chips.
Drop on ungreased or parchment lined baking sheet.
Bake 8-12 minutes. Makes 4 dozen