How to Boost Breast Milk Production

If you're a mom worried about producing enough breast milk for your baby, you're not alone. Concerns about milk supply are extremely common. Sometimes it's the Pediatrician who sparks concern over baby's weight gain, or it's the baby who never seems satisfied; whatever the reason, these concerns are real and need attention.

Before you start, however, consider these two points:

• If using a breast pump, make sure the flanges fit properly, and you are using the pump according to the manufacturers instructions. Ill-fitting flanges can cause injury and reduce milk production.

• If you need help fitting a breast pump, have questions about how to pump, are worried your baby isn't gaining enough weight, or feel you feel baby is having difficulty while nursing, an appointment with a Lactation Consultant is strongly recommended. A Lactation Consultant can address your concerns and rule out any underlying causes.

When you're ready, use one of these five simple, research-based strategies to boost milk production. All of these have been proven to:

• Increase release of prolactin, the hormone that produces milk

• Boost milk volume

• Increase the caloric content of breast milk

About the author:

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Catherine Callahan, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC
ChiKids Speech & Feeding, LLC
chikidsfeeding.com
@chikidsfeeding

Catherine is a speech-language pathologist, pediatric feeding specialist, certified lactation consultant, and mom of three. She resides in Chicago, where she works at a top 10 US Children's Hospital and owns her own business, ChiKids Speech & Feeding, LLC. In her private practice, Catherine offers in-home and virtual feeding evaluations and treatment for local infants and children; and through her social media and blog, she shares everyday feeding strategies and supports families and professionals across the globe.