Tips for Increasing Breast Milk Naturally

Breast milk is the main food for newborns is breast milk (ASI). But unfortunately, not a few breastfeeding mothers, especially those who have just had babies, are worried about the adequacy of milk production for their little one. Here are tips for increasing breast milk to meet the baby's needs:

Give breast milk continuously

This process, commonly known as the let down reflex, helps stimulate contractions in the breast muscles. This principle is the same as the law of supply and demand. This means that the more demand for the amount of supply will also follow so that it will increase as well.

As a lot of milk is released, the breasts will automatically be provoked to release more milk. This happens because the hormone prolactin will work to stimulate milk production, if you continue to breastfeed.

Not only in the morning, noon and evening, it's best to let the baby suckle at night if he wants to. Even when the baby is sleeping and it is time for him to suckle, you can wake him up for a while.

Enough rest

Rest is very important to maintain the stability of milk production. So it's best to adjust your sleep schedule, for example, if the baby is sleeping, you are encouraged to sleep too. Resting can also be done while relaxing with the baby or reducing activities outside the home. Avoid cigarettes and alcoholic drinks, as both of these can lead to reduced milk production.

Avoid worry

You don't need to worry about lack of breast milk. As long as you are physically and mentally healthy and always eat healthy foods, you can still produce breast milk. Likewise with the baby's condition, as long as the baby is fine, he will continue to consume breast milk and breast milk will continue to be produced.

Manage stress

During the breastfeeding period, try to manage stress well. Stress may not reduce milk production, but it is thought to hinder the process of passing milk. Ask your partner for help with household chores, or if necessary, ask for help from other family members in caring for the baby. In addition, take the time to relax to stretch the body that is sore due to breastfeeding, for example by doing yoga.

You can do various tips above to increase breast milk production. Don't hesitate to consult the lactation clinic at RSIA Grand Family to get information about how to increase breast milk for breastfeeding mothers.

Source:

1. Kent J, Prime D, Garbin C. Principles for Maintaining or Increasing Breast Milk Production. Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing. 2012; 41 (1): 114-121.
2. Ueda T, Yokoyama Y, Irahara M, Aono T. Influence of psychological stress on suckling-induced pulsatile oxytocin release. Obstetrics and gynecology. 1994 Aug 1; 84 (2): 259-62.