Lactation is the production of milk in the female breast glands. The process occurs naturally during pregnancy and breastfeeding. If you are planning to adopt a baby or become a nursing mother, you may need to induce lactation. You may also wish to stimulate milk production if you're afraid you won't be able to produce as much milk. Lactation can be triggered by hormone therapy and electric pumps. To increase milk production after giving birth, try pumping your breasts if needed, breastfeeding often, and taking care of your health.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Induce Lactation
Step 1. Begin hormone therapy 8 months before breastfeeding
Ask your doctor to administer hormones starting about 8 months earlier. Doctors will prescribe estrogen or progesterone to mimic the effects of pregnancy on the body. Use the hormone for 6 months or more, then replace it with a pump.
Doctors will prescribe estrogen and progesterone to mimic the hormones present in a woman's body during pregnancy
Step 2. Stimulate milk production with a breast pump
Two months before starting breastfeeding, start using a pump. The breast pump will stimulate the hormone prolactin which makes the body produce milk.
- Start by pumping 3 times a day for 5 minutes. Do it for at least two days.
- Increase the frequency to 10 minutes every 4 hours. Set an alarm to pump at least once at night.
- Once you are comfortable with the pump, gradually increase the frequency to every 2 or 3 hours for 15-20 minutes.
Step 3. Ask your doctor about medications to induce lactation
If you don't have time for hormone therapy, maybe you can use medication. Drugs that stimulate prolactin are galactogogues. Your doctor may prescribe Metoclopramide or Domperidone.
- The effectiveness of these drugs varies.
- Do not use Metoclopramide if you are depressed or have asthma.
- In America, Domperidone is not approved by the FDA.
Step 4. Increase baby's needs with formula or pumped breast milk
You may not be producing enough milk to meet your baby's needs, especially in the first few weeks. Between feedings, give formula or pumped breast milk. You can also use breast milk from a donor.
- When bottle feeding, keep pumping to keep your breasts producing milk.
- Ask your doctor about a device that is attached to the breast but contains donor breast milk or formula. Like a breast pump, it also stimulates milk production.
Method 2 of 3: Increase Breast Milk Production
Step 1. Breastfeed the baby as soon as possible
Once born, stick the baby to your skin. It will wake up the breastfeeding instinct and the baby will start feeding within an hour. If you are inducing lactation, do the same, but prepare formula or donor milk to supplement your own breast milk.
If you wait too long, your milk production may decrease
Step 2. Feed the baby 8–12 times a day
In the first few weeks, the baby should be fed 8–12 times a day. This means that you should breastfeed every 2-3 hours, including several times at night. If less than that, milk production may decrease.
- Don't miss a feeding session. If the baby is sleeping or needs to be bottle-fed, pump the breast at the time you are supposed to feed.
- Don't wait for your breasts to fill up again. Breast milk is still there even if the breasts do not swell.
Step 3. Stimulate the milk ejection reflex
There are many ways to signal your body to breastfeed. Sticking baby to your skin is enough to trigger.
- Apply a warm compress or towel soaked in hot water to the breast. Gently rub the breast using the fingertips. This will relax you and stimulate the milk ejection reflex.
- You can also massage your breasts like self-examination. Press your fingers on the mammary glands and ducts. Gently massage in a circular motion, from the outside towards the areola.
- Lean forward and rock your breasts. Gravity will help the milk down to the nipple.
Step 4. Feed the baby with both breasts
After your baby suckles vigorously on one breast and then slows down, switch to the other breast. Milk production will decrease if the baby prefers only one breast.
Step 5. Wait before introducing the pacifier
Your baby's sucking will be stronger if he learns to suck on the nipple before he learns to suck on a pacifier. If you want to give a pacifier, wait 3-4 weeks after birth. The stronger the baby sucks, the more milk is produced.
Method 3 of 3: Triggering Lactation with Natural Methods
Step 1. Eat oats
Oats can help lactation and are easy to eat. You do not need to consult an expert if you want to eat oats. Oats are great for breakfast.
The most common approach is to start the day with a bowl of oatmeal. However, some breastfeeding mothers also consume oats in other forms, such as granola, cakes, and breads
Step 2. Consider herbal supplements
You can buy herbal supplements at drugstores or online. See a lactation consultant before buying any supplements, or talk to your doctor to make sure the supplements you're about to try don't interfere with the effects of other medications.
- Fenugreek is a traditional galactagogue (prolactin stimulant). The effectiveness of fenugreek has not been scientifically proven, but many people report its success in increasing breast milk production.
- Blessed thistle and alfalfa can be helpful when used alone or with fenugreek.
Step 3. Sufficient fluid needs
Drink water, juice, and milk to keep the body hydrated. Try to drink 8 glasses of water a day, 250 ml each.
- You can drink coffee and tea that contain caffeine, but reduce it if your baby's sleep is disturbed.
- If you drink alcohol, wait two hours before breastfeeding.
Step 4. Eat healthy foods
Eat fruits and vegetables, protein, and lots of whole grains. Choose foods of various colors, such as green vegetables and bright citrus fruits. As long as the baby does not show an allergic reaction, you can eat anything, but choose healthy and natural foods.
- Pay attention to the baby's negative reaction to cow's milk. If you consume a lot of dairy products, your baby may show an allergic reaction such as a rash, vomiting, or bloating. If this is the case, you should stop consuming dairy products. Talk to your doctor about taking supplements to get enough calcium and vitamin D.
- Ask your doctor or nutritionist about vitamins and supplements. If you are vegan or can't get enough vitamins, talk to your doctor about taking vitamin B12 or a multivitamin.
Step 5. Limit medications that interfere with milk production
If you take medications that contain pseudoephedrine, such as Sudafed or Zyrtec D, breast milk production may decrease. Some types of hormonal contraceptives can also interfere with lactation. Talk to your doctor if you use hormonal contraception.
