The Secret to Increasing Your Milk Supply

DID YOU KNOW: Your pump can be a far more effective tool at helping you increase your milk supply versus drinking tons of water, all the lactation cookies, sports drinks, etc?! 

Those things aren’t bad by any means, but because in *most* circumstances more demand leads to more supply, no cookies, teas, or supplements are going to be effective without frequent breast emptying!

Yep, you read that right.

Let’s dig a little deeper and then talk about how utilizing your pump might be the best option for you!

If you’re struggling with your supply, know that you are not alone, Mama. Low milk supply is a common experience and is usually able to be remedied!

THE 2 CULPRITS OF LOW MILK SUPPLY

First,  I want to say that if you’re concerned about your milk supply, it’s important that you consider working with a lactation specialist for a personalized consultation. Although increasing your pumping sessions/frequency/technique often yields more milk, this isn’t true in all circumstances.

Without assessing and addressing any underlying issues that may be occurring, jumping straight to increased pumping may not be what YOUR body needs. 

It’s important to remember that lactation is a deeply hormonal process. 

Hormone imbalances, and other internal or external things that interfere with that process, are going to impact supply. So using a pump to increase supply will not work for everyone, because if there is a primary issue that needs to be addressed, pumping will not accomplish what you need it to.

You are your own best advocate! Get curious about why your supply is low. Here’s some information that will help you get some clarity.

Low milk supply can be categorized into 2 groups: Primary and secondary.

*Please note the lists below are not exhaustive. If you’re unsure, consult with a lactation specialist who can help you identify the root cause of your supply difficulties.

⚪️ PRIMARY LOW SUPPLY

These are issues stemming internally that are anatomical or hormonal. The presence of these types of things DOES NOT automatically mean that you will have issues with supply. But if you ARE having issues, this may help inform you as to why.This could include things such as:

  • Tubular breasts

  • PCOS

  • Thyroid disruptions

  • Previous breast surgery

  • Insulin resistance

  • Retained placenta

  • Sheehans’ Syndrome

  • Hypoprolactinemia

⚪️ SECONDARY LOW SUPPLY

These are issues stemming externally. More often than not, secondary low supply issues are a result of infrequent or ineffective milk removal.This could include:

  • Ineffective latch

  • Prematurity

  • Oral restrictions (i.e. a tongue tie)

  • Delayed breastfeeding

  • Supplementing without emptying breasts as well

Once you’ve done some of your own investigation and understand a little more about what is going on in YOUR body and situation, and you feel like pumping would be a helpful next step, then read on!  If you’re still unsure, see my low supply highlight.

HOW-TO: PUMPING TO INCREASE SUPPLY

Now that you’ve done your detective work, let’s talk about using your pump to increase your supply.

It’s important to make sure all the elements of pumping are comfortable and appropriate to effectively use the pumping method to increase supply. Start with these tips:

Increase your pumping frequency

Consider pumping between nursing sessions or between regular pumping sessions if exclusive pumping.

Create a comfortable and relaxing pumping environment

Having pictures of/items from your baby will help! 

Use the appropriate flange sizes + frequently check your pump parts

The wrong flange size and dirty or broken pump parts will reduce the effectiveness of your pump sessions.

Select the appropriate suction settings

Check out this tip to learn about the settings that YOUR body responds to best. 

You can also check out the Breastfeeding Course, as there are sections on pumping, settings, storing and implementing pumping work work schedules. I also have a pumping 101 highlight to learn about pump settings.

Cover the collection bottles with a blanket or your shirt (as shown here)

Focusing on your output while pumping can feel stressful or increase your anxiety when you don’t feel like you’ve produced enough during a session, which can inhibit further letdowns of milk. 

Use a comfortable pumping bra

Here are some of my favorites (click on the pictures to shop!):

(Use the code KARRIE10 for 10% off!) 

If the above tips aren’t quite cutting it, here’s some other ways to try and boost your milk supply.

  1. Implement power pumping (see more below!) 

  2. Dry pumping — pumping even when nothing is coming out— as this still sends appropriate signals to your body that milk is being requested 

  3. Massaging your breasts before and during pumping. (Check out my favorite massager!) 

  4. Applying warm/moist heated washcloths on your breasts before pumping to help encourage milk flow. I also like these! 

  5. Trying skin-to-skin contact with baby before pumping or during pumping— helps increase prolactin levels (the milk-making hormone)

  6. Double pumping (pumping both breasts at the same time). 

  7. Pumping at night especially if you happen to be awake anyway! Prolactin levels are highest in early morning hours!!

POWER PUMPING

Essentially, we are using this method to mimic “cluster feeding” by clustering breast stimulations close together via the pump.

Increased frequency = increased demand for milk.

As the body consistently signals that there is an increased demand (placing orders for more milk), the goal is for your body to respond with increased supply (more milk).

Power pumping for a few days can be beneficial for some women wanting to boost supply. It is done over the course of a few days at a time, so find a window of time that works for you.

You could try this: 

1. Pump for 20 mins 

2. Take a 10 min break 

3. Pump for 20 mins 

4. Take a 10 min break 

5. Pump for 10 mins 

6. Done! 

Of course, you don’t need to strictly stick to these times, it’s more about frequency and pattern!

You could also try: 

1. Pump for 15 

2. Break for 10 

3. Pump for 15 

4. Break for 5 

5. Pump for 15 

6. Done! 

Any consistent pattern will work!

Remember, the key is consistency and frequency to tell your body, “Hey, more milk is needed… No, really!!”

OK, SO WHAT NOW?

I know having a low supply can be overwhelming at times, but take a deep breath, and remind yourself that you’ve got this. Take some time to reread the information, prepare all that you need, make a plan, and get that milk flowing!

If you’d like to learn more about letdowns, check out my letdown highlight. 

If you’d like some tips on setting up a wheeled cart for nursing & pumping, check out this highlight!

You’ve got this, Mamas!

XOXO,

Karrie

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