How to induce breast milk production?

Having a baby is an exciting time, but sometimes our bodies need a little help when it comes to producing breast milk. Whether you’re looking for ways to increase your own production or supporting someone else, rest assured that there are plenty of options available.

The Skinny on Lactation

Before we dive into the ways you can induce lactation or increase milk supply, let’s talk about what exactly lactation entails.

Lactation is the process by which mammary glands in mammals produce and release milk through their nipples. This process starts during pregnancy due to hormonal changes (primarily prolactin and oxytocin), creating colostrum before transitioning into mature milk after childbirth.

But sometimes these hormones don’t cooperate as much as we’d like them to – that’s where inducing lactation comes in!

Time To Let ‘Em Out

First and foremost, breast stimulation may be one of the most effective methods for inducing lactation. You’ve seen those nursing babies out there – they love nuzzling up with momma because it has many benefits beyond pure sustenance from nutrients alone! So get comfy with a good book and give those tatas some well-deserved squeezy squeezes!

To kick things up a notch, consider investing in an electric breast pump if you’re dealing with low-supply issues or starting from scratch altogether – delivering consecutive emptying cycles can trick your body into thinking that more frequent than usual feedings are necessary allowing production capacity expansion over time [Paging Dr. Freud]. In no time at all,you’ll be able to say ‘A-b-c-d-e-f-GEEZ LOUISE THIS MILK WON’T CEASE’^(1)!

Supplements & Medications… Oh My!

Besides traditional physical stimulation (wink wink), medicinal products such as galactagogues and prescription drugs can also help stimulate an increased flow.

Galactagogues are substances that promote lactation, including herbs like fenugreek or blessed thistle as well as eating foods with high amounts of protein (think eggs, beans) – after all, everyone knows protein makes the milk for the muscle! Additionally, certain medications like metoclopramide or domperidone can increase prolactin levels in your blood which ultimately drives up lactation production rates.

Just remember – talk to your doctor before trying any new medication, herbal remedy or feel-good substance. You want to make sure you’re giving both yourself and baby safe ingredients that won’t cause unnecessary side effects!

Your Environment Matters

Remember those hormones I mentioned earlier? While you can supplement their efforts chemically – what is around us environmental-ly impacts hormonal balance too. People who practice holistic medicine often recommend relaxation techniques such as yoga & meditation[^(2)] because lower stress means less cortisol hormone imbalance interference leading to higher overall concentrations prolactin being cranked out. High-stress environments [cough cough THE YEAR 2020] are a known contributor to decreased milk production so get yourself relaxed: binge watch some trashy tv (ahem NURSE RATCHED), take a bath with lavender essential oils mixed in a glass of wine filling one hand while baby’s little nurse tit fills the other (alliteration never tasted so…nevermind

Now go forth successfully induced lactat-ers and feed those babes! By utilizing breast stimulation practices alongside proper supplementation/medication if needed (talk to your doc!), creating optimal environmental stimuli/triggers through lowering stressors we do our best shot at encouraging our mammary glands’ best post-fetus self =)

References

1.: The song ‘Milkshake’ by Kelis has no scientific correlation but how can it be ignored in a piece about breast milk.
2.: Holistic medicine practices still warrant scientific scrutiny but these tips for decreasing stress which is associated with increasing lactation production have their following.

Dane Raynor

Hey there, I’m Dane Raynor, and I’m all about sharing fascinating knowledge, news, and hot topics. I’m passionate about learning and have a knack for simplifying complex ideas. Let’s explore together!