As a mother of three, I’ve learned firsthand how beautiful yet challenging breastfeeding can be, especially as a first-time mom. When I had my first baby, I was determined to exclusively breastfeed, but my confidence wavered when my mother expressed concerns that my baby wasn’t getting enough milk. She suggested supplementing with formula, which was a hard pill for me to swallow. I felt hurt, disappointed, and even began doubting my body’s ability to produce enough milk for my baby.
Determined to make breastfeeding work, I dove into research on how to increase milk production. I quickly learned about the concept of “supply and demand”: the more I nursed or pumped, the more milk my body would produce. With this knowledge, I committed to a rigorous routine. I didn’t care how often I had to wake up at night; I made it a point to nurse or pump every 2-3 hours. Slowly but surely, my milk supply began to increase. It felt amazing to see the results of my efforts—I was literally training my body to provide more milk by sticking to this consistent schedule.
One important thing I learned along the way was the need to alternate between breasts evenly. I kept track of which side I last nursed or pumped on to avoid lopsidedness and ensure both sides were stimulated.
In addition to consistent nursing and pumping, I focused on taking care of my body. Staying hydrated was a top priority, and I found that drinking lots of water, sipping Mother’s Milk Tea, and incorporating fenugreek capsules into my diet all contributed to my success. Seeing my milk supply grow to the point where I could store extra milk in the freezer was one of the most rewarding feelings. It was a huge relief, especially on days when I needed to run errands and leave the baby with my mom—who, by the way, was thrilled that I no longer needed to supplement with formula!
My Advice for Other Moms
From my experience, if you’re determined and consistent with nursing or pumping every 2-3 hours, your body can adjust and produce enough milk for your baby. However, please note that every body is different, and what worked for me may not work for everyone. This is simply my personal journey and not medical advice.
For moms facing similar struggles, remember to:
1. Stick to a consistent nursing or pumping schedule—it’s key to boosting supply.
2. Alternate breasts evenly to ensure balanced milk production.
3. Take care of yourself by staying hydrated, eating well, and trying supportive supplements if you choose to.
Breastfeeding can be a journey filled with ups and downs, but with determination and self-care, you may find a rhythm that works for you and your baby. Always trust your instincts and don’t hesitate to reach out to a lactation consultant or healthcare provider for support.
