The good news is that it is possible to increase your milk supply, however, the even better news is that it is unlikely that you need to, as you are probably supplying exactly what your baby needs.

Many women think their milk supply is low and start questioning their ability to provide enough milk for their babies when they no longer feel a strong letdown reflex or their breasts no longer feel full. This is especially true, four to eight weeks after birth. This is a normal and natural sign that your body has adjusted to your baby’s feeding requirements.

Your baby’s sudden increase in appetite also does not always mean that you are not producing enough milk to satisfy his or her hunger. A baby’s active appetite could mean a growth spurt, in which case your supply will increase when your baby feeds more often.

It is seldom true that a mother is unable to produce enough milk for her baby’s needs. Usually there is an explanation and remedy for a low milk supply:

• Your baby may be sleeping for long stretches or you are routine- feeding her. Feed her more often, waking her if necessary should she be sleeping for long stretches.
• Your baby is not emptying at least one breast per feeding. At any given feed, be sure to keep her on breast for as long as she is willing to keep feeding on that breast, and then her the other side.
• If your baby is getting most of his sucking satisfaction from a dummy, she may have little interest in breastfeeding. Avoid using the dummy and breastfeed her whenever she seems to want to suckle.
• Giving your baby supplementary feeds or starting solids too early would lessen her appetite for breastfeeds and consequently cause a drop in milk production. Stop all other feeds and let her breastfeed as often as she wants to.
• If your baby drops night feeds too soon and starts going six to eight hours without feeding it can cause your milk supply to drop. Wake your baby for a feed during this time.
• Be reassured that your baby is probably getting enough breast milk if you see the following signs:
• She uses at least five to eight nappies a day.
• The nappies are wet and the urine is colourless.
• You hear swallowing and perhaps some gulping.
• Your baby seems happy and content after feeding.
• She breastfeeds frequently – every two to three hours for a total of at least 8 to 12 feeds a day.
• Her weight gain is good.

More breastfeeds will produce more milk, so feeding your baby more often will result in more milk being produced by your breasts.

Pay attention to your own need for rest, relaxation, proper diet, and fluids.

If at any time your baby seems not to be thriving, do consult your doctor.