9 Natural Ways to Increase Breast Milk, Meet the Needs of Your Baby

Kapanlagi.com - Breast milk is one of the best food sources for babies. However, the problem of insufficient breast milk production often becomes a major issue for some mothers. In fact, many mothers are still unaware of how to naturally increase breast milk to meet their baby's needs. So, is there any way to increase and facilitate breast milk production?

Breast milk or ASI (Air Susu Ibu) is a mandatory nutrition for babies. All mothers always want to give the best for their baby. However, there are several obstacles that cause breast milk to not flow smoothly. As a solution, mothers usually choose to switch to using formula milk for their baby. Despite that, there are still many appropriate steps to increase breast milk naturally.

For those of you who have problems with low or insufficient breast milk production after giving birth, there are several ways that you can try as explained in the following complete explanation.

1. Routine Breast Pumping

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You can try to increase breast milk by pumping your breasts. This is done to stimulate the breasts to produce breast milk. It is advisable to consistently and regularly pump breast milk between breastfeeding sessions.

Pump each breast for at least 10 minutes. It is important to note that breast milk production increases between 2-5 am. If possible, pump breast milk during that time. Then, store the breast milk for the next baby's feeding schedule to keep it fresh.

2. Nursing Every 2-3 Hours

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Generally, babies will need breast milk every 2-3 hours. You should know that the smoothness of breast milk production is in accordance with the baby's needs. Therefore, if you consistently breastfeed every 2-3 hours, the breasts will produce as much breast milk as needed.

Conversely, if you are not consistent in breastfeeding, the production of breast milk will decrease. A good step during breastfeeding is to finish one breast first before switching to the other breast.

3. Breast Massage

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The next way to increase breast milk is by massaging the breasts. Massaging the breasts can stimulate the production of more breast milk.

You can do this by massaging from the base of the breasts. Then, press the breast walls using 2 fingers, namely the index finger and middle finger. Make circular movements on the outer part of the breasts for 30 seconds, then make circular movements around the breasts towards the nipples, similar to the shape of mosquito repellent.

4. Skin to Skin

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In this method, it is advisable for you to breastfeed with the baby naked, as this is intended to have direct contact with the mother's skin. Besides stimulating breast milk production, this will enhance the emotional bond between mother and child. Therefore, you can apply the skin-to-skin method to increase breast milk production.

5. Managing Stress

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Stress often becomes the trigger for disrupted breast milk production. It is important to remember that having too many thoughts will only hinder the flow of breast milk. Try to be smart in managing stress to relax without thinking about life burdens. Therefore, be aware of yourself and always ensure that you are physically and mentally healthy in order to continue producing breast milk.

6. Breast Compression

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Sometimes, you may feel hard breasts that prevent breast milk from coming out. To overcome this, you can do breast compressions. The method is quite easy, you just need to prepare a washcloth and warm water. Then compress the breast for 2 minutes. After that, switch to a cold washcloth for 1 minute. Alternate compressions up to 3 times in a row and finish with warm water.

7. Sufficient Rest

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Having a baby reduces the quality of the mother's rest. Especially if the baby is fussy and disturbs the mother's sleep. However, being a mother should be balanced with sufficient rest. You can manage it, for example, if the baby is sound asleep, then the mother should also sleep. In addition, it is advisable for a mother to reduce activities outside the house.

8. Consuming Foods that Increase Breast Milk

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In addition to the methods mentioned above, it is important to know that consuming certain foods can also increase breast milk production. Some foods have been proven to help stimulate breast milk. If you are experiencing low milk production, you can consume foods such as papaya, carrots, spinach, katuk leaves, and nuts, which are believed to increase breast milk production.

9. Consuming Mineral Water and Supplements to Increase Breast Milk

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The easiest way to increase breast milk production is by regularly consuming an adequate amount of mineral water. Additionally, you can try taking breast milk supplements. However, it is important to consult with your obstetrician beforehand.

Those are natural ways to increase breast milk production for your little one. Hope it is helpful.

(kpl/dtm)