A New Mom’s Checklist for Dealing with Low Breast Milk Supply

You may have been told that you have a low milk supply or that your baby isn’t gaining enough weight. You may also be wondering if your baby is getting enough breastmilk. What should you do? Here’s a quick checklist to get you on the road to increasing and/or maximizing your milk supply.

Find a Lactation Consultant

First things first. Get yourself to a Certified Lactation Consultant. Ask your OB, your pediatrician, and/or other moms for a recommendation for one in your area. If you can’t find one, contact the local chapter of La Leche League for a referral.

Once you get linked with a certified lactation consultant, they can assess the current status of breastfeeding. She can help make sure that your baby is latching correctly to get the most milk possible from you. In addition, the lactation consultant can actually see how much milk the baby is getting during a breastfeeding session. She will do this by weighing the baby before a feeding and then after a feeding. This gives a good idea if the baby is getting what is currently need from your milk supply.

Most consultants will then work with you to put together a plan that can involve a variety of options from pumping to herbs to relaxation to increase your milk supply if needed.

Don’t wait if you fear you have low milk supply issues. The first eight weeks are key weeks to maximize any possible increase in milk supply.

Drink Water

A breastfeeding mom needs to stay well hydrated for her milk supply to stay maximized. Although in the first few days and weeks, it’s very easy to forget to keep drinking water. Try to develop an easy routine such as drinking at least one glass of water every time the baby nurses. Ask dad or another helper to be in charge of getting you a glass whenever you sit down to nurse.

Get Comfortable with Must Have Breastfeeding Supplies

You don’t need a special rocking chair or glider for a good breastfeeding environment, but you do need good support. You’ll be sitting there a lot! If space warrants, set up a “breastfeeding station” where you have everything you might need including a place to hold your glass of water. Consider purchasing a nursing stool (like this nursing stool from Medela) to provide support for your back.

You will probably also want a support pillow. There are many breastfeeding pillows for sale, but most lactation consultants will recommend a My Brest Friend Pillow. Don’t overlook your comfort and how it relates to successful breastfeeding.

Hospital Breastfeeding Pumps

While there are many breast pumps on the market, if you have low milk supply, you will need to check into renting a hospital-grade double breast pump. They are usually available for a nominal cost from hospitals or even your lactation consultant. Call your insurance company, too. Many will pay for a portion, if not the entire rental.

Support Groups for Breastfeeding Moms

Remember you are not alone. Many women deal with low milk supply. Ask your lactation consultant, pediatrician, or the local La Leche League for information on local support groups.

Other Helpful Breastfeeding Web Resources:

Kellymom – A resource for breastfeeding and parenting

In addition to Type-A Mom, Kim share hints, tips, and adventures in mommy-hood (including her experience with low milk supply) on her site, kimworld.com.

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Photo of the mother and baby, courtesy of Cylonka on stock.xchng

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