Your milk is produced on a supply and demand basis. The supply will only be there if you ask for it by feeding, pumping or hand expressing. You will only get more of it by feeding, pumping, or expressing more. Even removing if it's just hand expressing after a feed and getting just a few more drops. It's telling your body to make more.
If removing more milk is not working for you, I highly recommend working with a professional to help you find the root cause.
Here are some top tips:
Good Latch - Find a lactation consultant to check your baby’s latch
Feed Frequently - Keep the milk flowing and start this body function by making it a habit.
Feed direct is always more efficient than pumping.
Avoid skipping a nursing session and substituting with formula (I know it’s hard not to listen to those wrong myths: “baby sleeps longer with formula” “you have to mix it so baby get more nutrients from you and from formula” THEY ARE TOTALLY WRONG! You can listen but you don’t have to follow.
If you have skipped a nursing session to run errands, pump right before or after you separate from baby.
Hand express after pumping. Pumping creates negative pressure but your baby sucking combines both positive and negative pressure. The positive pressure massage on your breast tissue is what the pump is lacking. Learn how to hand express during your hospital stay.
How to keep up with your supply after you got back to work. Check this video out:
Information provided by Michelle Lok, International Board of Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
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